Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)

I move amendment No. 33:

In page 47, between lines 5 and 6, to insert the following:

"(3) A disclosure under this section or section 42 shall be recorded in a register together with particulars of any interest of members of the Authority or persons to whom section 42 applies, and the register shall be available to public inspection during office hours.".

This amendment provides a mechanism for public information on the interests and any potential conflicts of interest of the staff of the authority. As I explained in some detail on Committee Stage, it simply replicates the sort of disclosure required under the Standards in Public Office Act in respect of a variety of senior public servants and Members of the Oireachtas.

It should be the norm to have a mechanism to allow the public to assure itself that there is no potential for conflicts of interest. I hope the Minister of State has had time to reflect on this amendment since Committee Stage and that he will accept it.

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