Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 84, 132 and 136 together.

I thank the Deputy and the other Deputies who have also raised this matter. As Deputy O'Callaghan will be aware, we are committed in the programme for Government to updating the ethics in public office legislation. This follows a wide-ranging review of the legislative framework for ethics in public life that my Department undertook during the term of the previous Government, the report and findings of which were published in February 2023.

The report's recommendations include that the legislative framework for ethics should be underpinned by a set of integrity principles, that disclosure requirements should be strengthened to improve transparency and that consideration should be given to whether the regime should encompass more officeholders. The report also recommends a strengthening of the Standards in Public Office Commission, SIPO. Certain more recent recommendations around ethics will also need to be considered in the context of the reform agenda.

The House will understand that this is a complex area that requires consideration before a scheme is brought forward. There are broader operational and policy considerations I want to explore and get right as the new Minister in the Department. I am conscious that this represents an opportunity to make real, meaningful and positive change to our current regime.

I want to ensure that happens in a coherent way from a policy perspective and that it is also user-friendly from an operational perspective. I am examining all the outstanding policy issues, including those I have outlined, and I am engaging with officials to determine the most appropriate way forward to meet the commitment in the programme for Government. My ultimate goal is to create a fit-for-purpose and easy to understand ethical framework that contributes to the quality, efficacy and transparency of our system and positively builds on the strength of our existing framework.

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