Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

As the Deputy is aware, the GRECO initiative, the group of states against corruption, is a body set up under the aegis of the Council of Europe to monitor and evaluate measures against corruption in member states.

A recent evaluation recommended that Ireland should introduce guidelines and training for public officials about reporting instances of corruption, or suspicions of corruption, which they come across in carrying out their duty. It also recommended establishing protections for public officials who make such reports.

Ireland already has extensive legislation to deal with standards in public life, including corruption. Provisions are contained principally in the Public Bodies Corrupt Practices Act 1889, the Prevention of Corruption Acts of 1906 and 1916, the Ethics in Public Office Act 1995 in relation to registrable interests, and the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act 2001. Collectively, this legislation makes illegal all forms of active and passive corruption in both the public and private sectors. I also refer to section 5 of the Standards in Public Office Act 2001 that provides protection against dismissal in certain circumstances where a person makes a complaint in good faith to the Standards in Public Office Commission.

In the Civil Service, for which I have particular responsibility, there are special measures in place on the prevention of corruption. There are clear guidelines for civil servants on the standards of behaviour expected. A new and modernised Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour was drawn up in consultation with the staff side and issued to all civil servants in 2004. The code requires, in the public interest, the highest standards from staff at all levels in their dealings with the public and in handling public funds and property. Adherence to the standards laid out in the code is a term of employment of all civil servants.

The code was introduced in compliance with section 10(3) of the Standards in Public Office Act 2001 and therefore has a clear statutory basis. My Department is preparing a series of special courses on the code of standards and behaviour. I understand that the code is included as part of the induction courses for new staff held by Departments and offices.

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