Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 90: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the plans he has to ensure greater compliance with the ethics and disclosure requirements that apply to members and officials of local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35247/07]

Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 101: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of a recent RTE programme (details supplied) he will amend the Standards in Public Office Act 2001 to take account of decisions made by public office holders which may result in their becoming future beneficiaries of decisions which they made as public representatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35134/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 90 and 101 together.

The ethical framework that applies to councillors and relevant employees in local authorities is provided for in the Local Government Act 2001 and the Codes of Conduct published under that Act. The framework requires councillors and employees to act solely in the public interest at all times and prohibits them from influencing or seeking to influence a decision of a local authority in any matter in which they have a pecuniary or beneficial interest. The framework provides clearly for the steps to be taken by a councillor or employee where any such matter arises for consideration by an authority.

Under the 2001 Act, legal responsibility for compliance with these requirements rests with each individual councillor and relevant employee. Where a possible contravention of the requirements of the framework arises, it is the responsibility of the locally-appointed ethics registrar to bring the matter to the attention of the Cathaoirleach and/or the Manager and for any appropriate action necessary.

In the context of the Green Paper on local government reform currently being prepared in my Department, I am open to considering any changes that could improve the effectiveness of the ethical framework in local government.