Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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70. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an update on reform of the ethics in public office legislation, given that the review of the statutory framework was completed in December 2022; the reason for the delay in publishing the heads of a Bill; if he expects this Bill to be introduced this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40131/25]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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We are committed in the Programme for Government to “update the Ethics in Public Office legislation”. This follows the wide-ranging review of the legislative framework for ethics in public life mentioned by the Deputy that my Department undertook during the last Government, the Report and findings of which were published in February 2023.

The Report's recommendations include that the legislative framework for Ethics should be underpinned by a set of integrity principles; that disclosure requirements should be strengthened to improve transparency; and that consideration should be given to whether the regime should encompass more office holders. The Report also recommends a strengthening of SIPO. Certain more recent recommendations in relation to ethics will also need to be considered in the context of the reform agenda.

As I have previously told the House, this is a very complex area which requires careful consideration. Challenging operational and policy considerations arise that I want to explore fully and get right. At the same time, I am conscious that this represents an opportunity to make real and meaningful change to our current regime. I wish to ensure that this happens in a way that is coherent from a policy perspective and user-friendly from an operational perspective.

However, I also wish to assure the Deputy that my Department is aware of matters of concern that he raised with me previously and we are taking action. As he noted, SIPO's Annual Reports of recent years have drawn attention to a number of public bodies that are outside the scope of the current Ethics regime. My officials are currently preparing draft regulations for my signature to rectify this position and I intend that these will be enacted by the end of this year.

I will now look in detail at the outstanding policy issues and engage with my officials to determine the most appropriate way to move forward on our Programme for Government commitment.