Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Section 39 deals with this matter to a certain degree. Part 5 provides for matters relating to standards of integrity, codes of conduct and gifts. Section 36 provides that persons, including board members, shall maintain proper standards of integrity, conduct and concern for the public interest.

I understand the attention as the Senator has described it but references to the agency in this context are to the board of the agency. To accept this amendment would mean that the board is advising itself of gifts accepted which exceed €500 in value. I suggest the Minister could give a direction in this regard which would be published in the annual report and in Iris Oifigiúil. I will take the spirit of the Senator's amendment and address it in that manner. This relates to the general issue of board membership which may be more appropriately addressed under the standards in public office legislation.