Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 November 2025
154. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if her Department has issued any guidance, circulars or instructions to Government Departments since January 2020 on the management of conflicts of interest in emerging medical or technological policy areas, including puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones and other gender-affirming treatments for young people. [66574/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Ethics in Public Office Act 1995 and the Standards in Public Office Act 2001 (collectively cited as the Ethics Acts) provide a legal basis for the management of conflicts of interest by elected and appointed public officials at national level. Under this statutory framework, it falls to the Standards in Public Office Commission, which is independent in the performance of its functions, to provide guidance for public officials on their compliance with the legislation and this is available on the Commission’s website.
The Code of Standards and Behaviour for Civil Servants, which falls under the policy responsibility of my Department, sets out the values, standards and behaviour expected of civil servants and includes certain general provisions on the management of conflicts of interest by civil servants. The Department has not issued any specific guidance, circulars or instructions on the matters specified in the Deputy’s question.
