Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 59: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of the review of the code of ethics of local authority employees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36625/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Code of Conduct for Local Authority Employees was published in June 2004 under Part 15 of the Local Government Act 2001. Arising from a review of the Code and following consultations with the Standards in Public Office Commission, the Minister for Finance and staff interests, I recently amended Section 10 of the Code.

Under the amendment, local authority employees must inform the appropriate authority before taking up employment outside the sector where the possibility of a conflict of interest may exist. Employees below Director of Services must inform the relevant County or City Manager. Employees at or above Director of Services level will be required to inform the proposed Outside Appointments Board for the Local Government Sector before taking up such employment.

Also, employees to whom Part 15 (Ethical Framework) of the Local Government Act 2001 applies, or applied at any time during the six month period prior to their retirement or resignation, must obtain the consent of the relevant County or City Manager, or the Outside Appointments Board for the Local Government Sector as appropriate if, within twelve months of resignation or retirement, they intend to accept an offer of employment or consultancy engagement the nature and terms of which could lead to a conflict of interest.

I intend to appoint the Outside Appointments Board for the Local Government Sector shortly. The Board will comprise the Secretary General of my Department, a former County or City Manager and three other members who are not serving or former public servants one of whom will act as Chairperson.

The amendment made to Section 10 brings the local authority Code of Conduct into line with the provisions that currently apply to civil servants in regard to external employment.