Ms Evelyn O'Connor:

The figures are based on Schedule 2 to the Ethics in Public Office Act, 1995, which outlines registrable interests. The figures in the Schedule to the 1995 Act are in punts while the figures in the general scheme have been converted to euro. They are actually representative of the same amounts.

I should also say that the definition in the general scheme of what needs to be declared is based on Schedule 2 to the 1995 Act. We have also examined what is required at local authority level and are merging the two sets of requirements, so that the same standards apply for people at national and at local authority level. It is structured as it is for the sake of simplification, through putting things together. Some aspects, such as requiring the source of the income, came from the Mahon recommendations.