Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy is aware, we committed to updating the ethics in public office legislation in the recent programme for Government. This is on foot of a wide-ranging review the Deputy referred to on the legislative framework for ethics in public office my Department undertook during the last Government, the findings of which were published in February 2023.

The report's recommendations include: the legislative framework for ethics should be underpinned by a set of overarching integrity principles; disclosure requirements should be strengthened to improve transparency; and consideration should be given to whether the regime should encompass more officeholders. The report also recommends a strengthening of SIPO. I am also conscious of recent further recommendations relating to ethics which will need to be considered in the context of this reform.

This is a complex area which requires careful consideration. I intend to look in detail at the outstanding policy issues, including those I have outlined, and to have wider engagement with my officials on the most appropriate way to ensure the programme for Government commitment is fulfilled. My ultimate goal in this is to create a fit-for-purpose, easy to understand and user-friendly legislative ethical framework that contributes to the quality, efficacy and transparency of our system and builds on the strengths of our existing framework.

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