Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy mentions in her question, my Department undertook a review of the statutory framework for Ethics in public life, in furtherance of our commitment in the 2020 Programme for Government to “reform and consolidate the Ethics in Public Office Legislation”. This Review was completed in December 2022 and its Report was submitted to Government. The Government agreed to the preparation of draft legislation to reform the regime informed by the outcome of the review.

The Report’s recommendations focus broadly on five key themes:

• the legislative framework for Ethics should be underpinned by a set of overarching integrity principles;
• there should be new specific statutory prohibitions, including on the use of insider information;
• disclosure requirements should be strengthened to improve transparency and the issue of whether the regime should encompass more office holders should be examined;
• a strengthening of SIPO; and
• any post-term employment restrictions contemplated for elected officials/public servants should seek to address matters not already covered by lobbying regulation and should align closely with that legislation.

To further progress the Programme for Government commitment, my Department is preparing a draft scheme for legislative reform in consultation with relevant Ministers and informed by the outcome of the Review. I am happy to inform the Deputy that drafting of Heads of Bill is significantly advanced. I expect to be in a position to bring proposals to Government in the coming months, with the ultimate goal of creating a fit-for-purpose, easy to understand and user-friendly ethical framework that contributes to the quality and efficacy of our public administration.