Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
529. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether there are any vacancies in the Standards in Public Office Commission; if so, the length of time they have been vacant; and the steps being taken to fill these vacancies. [12218/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Standards in Public Office Commission (SiPOC) is an independent statutory body established under the Standards in Public Office Act 2001. The Commission is comprised of six members, including a Chairperson who is a former judge, in accordance with the aforementioned legislation.
I can confirm that the position of Chairperson is currently vacant. Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan wrote to President Higgins in August of 2025 to issue formal notice of his retirement. My Department initiated the formal process of appointing a replacement Chairperson of SIPO in August of 2025.
Section 2(2)(a) of the Standards in Public Office Act 2001 (the 2001 Act) provides that the Chairperson must be either a current or former judge of the Supreme Court or the High Court. Section 2(2A) of the 2001 Act provides that the appointment of the Chairperson must be made by the President on the advice of the Government, following resolutions passed by each House recommending the appointment.
Given the importance and independence of the role and the need to have a member of the Judiciary, I consulted the Attorney General and Chief Justice for advice on the appointment. I received letters last Autumn from the Attorney General and the Chief Justice recommending the same candidate.
In December of 2025, I brought a memorandum to Government and was granted the approval of Government for the nomination of the recommended candidate, for appointment by the President as Chairperson of the Standards in Public Office Commission (SIPOC).
Upon approval of the Memorandum for Government, I brought forward the requisite resolutions to be passed by the Dáil and the Seanad, which was completed in January of 2026. Upon successful passing of these requisite resolutions, I brought a second Memorandum to Government asking the Government to advise the President to appoint Ms. Justice Dunne to be the Chairperson of SIPOC as set out in Section 2(2)(a) of the Standards in Public Office Act 2001. Government approval was granted in January 2026.
The Department of the Taoiseach are now in the process of making arrangements with the Áras an Uachtaráin for the formal signing of the Warrant of appointment by President Connolly.
