Dáil Éireann - Volume 430 - 04 May, 1993

Written Answers. - Disclosure of Companies Interests.

115. Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he proposes to introduce any legislation to provide for penalties for non-disclosure by directors of State companies of direct or indirect personal interests concerning the business of the companies in question.

Minister for Finance (Mr. B. Ahern): In March 1992, my Department issued guidelines to State bodies which included procedures for disclosure of interests by members of the boards of those bodies. I am satisfied that those procedures are operating satisfactorily. I understand that the question of giving those guidelines statutory backing and the penalties which might apply for failure to comply with them is being considered by the Minister of State at the Office of the Tánaiste and the Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach in the context of the Ethics in Public Office Bill which they are currently preparing.