Minister Chambers Updates Government on Ethics Legislation

The Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Mr Jack Chambers TD, provided a progress report to Government Ministers on his ongoing work to update the Ethics in Public Office legislation, which is a commitment in the Programme for Government.

The Minister’s Department has prepared the ground for reform through a comprehensive review of the current legislative framework. This review found that the legislative framework for ethics should be underpinned by a set of integrity principles; that disclosure requirements should be strengthened to improve transparency; that consideration should be given to whether the regime should encompass more office holders; and that the Standards in Public Office Commission should be strengthened.

Following the review’s publication, the Department has been analysing a number of operational and policy considerations flowing from the review’s recommendations.

Some further consultation with end-users on the practicalities of the system is due to take place before concrete proposals for reform are brought to Government for its consideration.

Commenting on the ongoing work, the Minister said “I am conscious that this represents an opportunity to make real and meaningful, long-term change to our current regime. I am determined that this should happen in a way that is both coherent from the policy perspective and streamlined from the operational perspective. I wish to ensure that the processes and procedures under a reformed regime are practical, user-friendly, modern and future-proofed. I will engage with my officials in respect of the outstanding issues so that we can deliver on our Programme for Government commitment as soon as practicable.”