Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

They would also be subject to the Ethics in Public Office Act, which applies specifically to them. If the Minister was so advised - I would trust a Minister absolutely, whether he or she was in a party or none to act appropriate in that regard - then not alone would the individual be subject to the Ethics in Public Office Act and a full investigation. As we know, people have faced the court in respect of such issues. I think there would be significant and serious penalties and from a career point of view, given the nature of the qualifications one would need to sit on those committees, it would have very significant adverse impacts also in business and in other areas.