Dr. Elaine Byrne:

No, I do not think so. A balance has to be struck, too. The members are all people in professional life. Does one create a system in which absolutely every part of one's behaviour is regulated? There has to be some trust. The costs of a false declaration are so high in terms of reputation that one really would have to have a very brassy neck to do such a thing. The vigilance of the public is also so high. I urge people to look at the recommendations the Standards in Public Office Commission has made repeatedly in its annual reports. In particular, it sought what it termed an "inquiry officer", who would have the role of making independent inquiries. There is no such role.