Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Bill creates a new entity which as a State body will be subject to the highest standard of corporate governance and accountability required of State bodies, including compliance with the code of practice for the governance of State bodies. All board members must comply with the relevant provisions of the Ethics in Public Office Act 1995 and the 2001 legislation. Compliance with the Ethics in Public Office Act is considered for appointment. The Ethics in Public Office Act 1995 provides for the registration of interests of board members.In addition to the requirement under the Ethics in Public Office Act 1995 and the Standards in Public Office Act 2001, the new body will be required to prepare a code of ethics and conduct for board members, including requiring the disclosure of board members' interests, and procedures for dealing with conflict of interest of situations. Board members are obligated to conform to procedures laid down in relation to conflict of interest situations, including acceptance of positions following employment or engagement by a State body that may give rise to potential for conflict of interest and confidentiality concerns. As this matter is already provided for in the establishment of this body, I do not intend to accept the amendment.