Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I can inquire. If it is in line with the legislation and the code of conduct, I will do so. There are some aspects of the legislation where one submits the inquiry to the commission and the commission confirms one's position. It is not declarable or whatever if it is covered by the legislation. I would need to check for the Deputy. I do not know off-hand.

I believe there is also an arrangement by which one can take a gift, which is not declarable, from a friend at a certain threshold if it is passed by the commission, if the Deputy understands what I am saying, and one abides by the finding of the commission. I am not aware that there has been any such example. I will check it out to ascertain whether it is possible to give the Deputy that information.

I know of a situation where Ministers would declare their interest, for example, in any issue that would come up for discussion and would have informed the Standards in Public Office Commission of it. That is one of the requirements of the code. That has happened with Ministers on a few occasions.

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