Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I note the High Court judgment. SIPO is an independent body established by the Standards in Public Office Act 2001. How it proceeds in respect of any individual matter is a matter for the commission. It is important that the commission is independent of Government and the Oireachtas. It will need to respond to the findings of the High Court in the context of how it wishes to proceed. More broadly, there is a commitment in the 2020 programme for Government to reform and consolidate the ethics in public office legislation. The Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform is preparing a draft scheme for legislative reform in consultation with relevant Ministers.

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