Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 October 2019
452. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number and grade of staff within his Department who have been sanctioned for breaching section 14 of the Civil Service code of conduct; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43362/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra453. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number and grade of staff that have been granted permission by his Department to act on behalf of an association (details supplied) or any group or organisation that has interests with his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43363/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 452 and 453 together.
The Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour sets out the standards of behaviour required of civil servants as they carry out their duties. The Code, which embraces core public service values of honesty, integrity and impartiality forms part of the terms of employment of all civil servants, who are expected to apply it at all times.
Section 14 of the Code sets out the requirements for employees, in terms of conflicts or potential conflicts of interest with the business of their Department or office.
Breaches of the Code are subject to disciplinary action.
I can confirm that in the last five years, two members of staff within my Department were subject to disciplinary sanction for misconduct which included a failure to comply with Section 14 of the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour.
While staff within my Department are not precluded from membership of outside organisations/associations, all staff are required annually to make a declaration if any potential conflict of interest arises with their outside activities and their work in the Department.
My Department has introduced a number of measures, including the appointment of a Compliance Officer, to ensure more robust monitoring and management of any potential conflicts of interest. This is done with a view to ensuring enhanced compliance levels among staff with both the Ethics Acts and the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour.
