Liam Quaide (Cork East, Social Democrats)
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34. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an update on his plans to reform the ethics legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59697/25]

Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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51. 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. [60156/25]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 34 and 51 together.

The Programme for Government 2025, 'Securing Ireland’s Future', contains a commitment to update the Ethics in Public Office legislation. As the Deputy will be aware, this is a complex area, so careful consideration is required before we bring forward detailed proposals for legislative reform.

As highlighted in the Deputy’s question, my Department has already prepared the ground with a comprehensive review of the legislative framework for ethics in public life. This was undertaken during the life of the last Government and the Report and findings were published in February 2023.

That 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 the Standards in Public Office Commission (SIPO). Certain, more recent, recommendations in relation to ethics will also need to be considered in the context of the reform agenda.

A variety of operational and policy considerations flow from this. I am conscious that this represents an opportunity to make real and meaningful, long-term change to our current regime and I wish to ensure that this happens in a way that is both coherent from a policy perspective and user-friendly from an operational perspective.

Given this context, I will examine the outstanding policy issues with care, and engage with my officials over the coming months to determine the most appropriate way to deliver on this Programme for Government commitment.

I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.