These Acts provide for the disclosure of interests by holders of certain public offices, including Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas and designated directors of and persons employed in designated positions in certain public bodies.
Purpose
The Acts provide for the establishment of a register of interests for Members of the Oireachtas, which is compiled from statutory returns made by Members on an annual basis. The Acts also deal, inter alia, with gifts to holders of certain public offices and with personal appointments made by them.
Role of the Select Committee on Members’ Interests
The role of the Select Committee on Members’ Interests of Dáil Éireann is to publish guidelines for Members to assist them in complying with the provisions of the Acts, to draw up a code of conduct, to provide advice to members on request on provisions of the Acts and their application, and to investigate and report on complaints in relation to possible contraventions of the Acts. These functions of the Committee relate only to those Members of Dáil Éireann who are not holders of certain public offices which are defined in the Acts.
The Select Committee on Members’ Interests of Seanad Éireann has similar functions in relation to Members of the Seanad (who are not holders of certain public offices).
Standards in Public Office Commission
The Standards in Public Office Commission has similar functions in relation to holders of certain public offices, special advisors and designated directors of and persons employed in designated positions in certain public bodies
- Read the Ethics in Public Office Act 1995 and the Standards in Public Office Act 2001
Contact an expert
Last Updated: Sun, 24 Nov 2024