Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I understand the Department of Finance set out guidelines that apply in the case of Ministers who go abroad. Are those guidelines published and are they available? For example, if the Minister for Health and Children attends a conference in Italy, Spain or France, does she know in advance the arrangements made for her? Obviously Ministers are very conscious of the requirement not to be seen or perceived to be outside normal guidelines. Are those guidelines published by the Department of Finance?

In respect of the Ethics in Public Office (Amendment) Bill 2007, which I raised with the Taoiseach some weeks ago, the change was to increase the value of a gift from €650 to €2,000 for Ministers and persons serving in parliamentary office. Given the changed circumstances that apply, does the Taoiseach consider a gift costing €2,000 for a Minister attending a function is excessive? Does he consider it should be reduced to a more realistic level?

The Standards in Public Office Commission has been seeking an opportunity to initiate an inquiry where it considers it is of public interest. When the Taoiseach was Minister for Finance he refused that request. He made the point, I think, that it could have serious consequences for those who become the subject of an inquiry. I can understand that. Persons who know their remit obviously would be vindicated in terms of any inquiry that might arise. What is his view on it now as Taoiseach? If a request were received again from the Standards in Public Office Commission to initiate an inquiry if it considered it was in the public interest, would it receive favourable consideration?

See this speech in context