Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I doubt that.

Comprehensive ethics legislation is central to addressing corruption risk. Such legislation minimises the risk of it occurring. Having such legislation in place is fundamental to the quality of governance that we enjoy. It reduces conflicts of interest between the public and private interests of public officials. Crucially, it gives the public officials guidance and security in the performance of their duties. It should not be regarded as onerous but rather as a safeguard mechanism for public officials. It gives the public comfort and reassurance that these public officials are performing their duties with the best interests of the public in mind.

Our recent history with the banking crisis, the scandal of brown envelopes and so on, showed clearly that failures in governance resulted in substantial costs to the State and we have paid dearly. Generations to come will also pay dearly under the yoke of the economic and social costs that were the consequence of bad governance and corruption.

It is unfortunate that this legislation may now be left for the next Government to enact. It is a pity that this opportunity has been wasted. Nonetheless I acknowledge the publication of the legislation.

If returned, as I hope I will be, I look forward to participating in the debate in whatever capacity and seeing this legislation put on the Statute Book.

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