Written answers
Tuesday, 7 November 2023
Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht
Ministerial Staff
Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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570. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the date on which she was notified by her special advisor (details supplied) that she had applied for a position at the Media Commission; and her views on whether the role change represents a conflict of interest, or a perceived conflict of interest. [47625/23]
Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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I was notified by the Special Adviser in question on 29th August that she had competed successfully in an open competition for the role of Director of Policy in Coimisiún na Meán, and that it was her intention to take up that position. I am satisfied that this appointment does not constitute a conflict of interest.
Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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571. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will clarify whether a declaration of interest and or a statement of interests for the purposes of Section 19 was filed by a special advisor (details supplied) during their recruitment to her Department and their new role in the Media Commission [47639/23]
Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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The special adviser in question is responsible to the Standards in Public Office Commission (SIPO) in relation to filing of Section 19 Statements of Interests. Where a Statement of Interest is furnished, it is to be laid before the Oireachtas. There is no obligation on a special adviser to furnish a nil statement where no interests exist. Accountable issues in relation to Special Advisers are defined in declarations to be made under the Ethics in Public Office Act.
Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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572. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of statements of interests for the purposes of Section 19 that have been filed by her special advisors in 2020, 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023; and if she will provide a schedule of same. [47656/23]
Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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Special advisers are responsible to the Standards in Public Office Commission (SIPO) in relation to filing of Section 19 Statements of Interests. Where a Statement of Interest is furnished, it is to be laid before the Oireachtas. There is no obligation on a special adviser to furnish a nil statement where no interests exist. Accountable issues in relation to Special Advisers are defined in declarations to be made under the Ethics in Public Office Act.
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