Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 137: To ask the Minister for Finance the circumstances in which a gift to a serving Minister will be deemed to be a conflict of interest under the purposed new amendment to rules governing Ethics in Public Offices. [4155/07]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputies will be aware that office holders and members of the Dáil and Seanad may accept a significant gift in only limited circumstances.

The Taoiseach and Tánaiste previously issued statements saying that the Ethics legislation will be amended to require an office holder or member, before accepting a significant gift or loan, to seek the opinion of the Standards in Public Office Commission that acceptance of the gift or loan would not be likely to compromise the discharge of his or her public duties, and to abide by the Commission's opinion.

The details of the proposal are being finalised and the Government will bring forward legislation during the current Dáil session.