Dan Boyle (Cork South Central, Green Party)
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Question 101: To ask the Minister for Finance the regulations which exist preventing Government Ministers from supporting businesses, for example, being photographed at the opening of buildings erected without planning permission or in contravention of other licensing requirements. [12711/05]

Dan Boyle (Cork South Central, Green Party)
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Question 102: To ask the Minister for Finance his views on whether Ministers in his Department should be seen supporting businesses, for example, being photographed at the opening of buildings erected without planning permission or in contravention of other licensing requirements, and compromising important aspects of their portfolio such as the protection of national monuments. [12712/05]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 101 and 102 together.

In carrying out the functions of his-her office, every Minister is expected at all times to observe the highest standards of ethical behaviour.

In 2003, pursuant to section 10(2) of the Standards in Public Office Act 2001, the Government drew up the Code of Conduct for Office Holders. The code was published by the Standards in Public Office Commission, in accordance with section 10(11) of the Act.

The code of conduct is designed to indicate the standards of conduct and integrity for the persons to whom it relates in the performance of their functions and in relation to any matter connected with or affecting or likely or appearing to affect such performance and in relation to such other matters, if any, as may be specified in the code.

The code of conduct was laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas and copies are available in the Oireachtas Library.