TDs and senators are sent ethics guidelines

All TDs and senators were yesterday issued with up dated guidelines explaining their duties under the Ethics in Public Office Act 1995.

The guidelines were accompanied by a form, which Oireachtas members must complete by March 1st, disclosing their interests, including directorships, shareholdings, property and any gift valued over £500.

The guidelines, which run to 14 pages, were agreed by the Committee on Members Interests on Tuesday. The committee is responsible for providing advice to TDs and senators who do not hold ministerial office on their obligations under the Act.

TDs and senators from all parties, including the Kerry North deputy Mr Denis Foley, were sent a copy of the guidelines yesterday.

Mr Foley's declaration of interests for the period up to the end of January 1999 lists occupational income outside politics as deriving from three shops and accommodation in Tralee, Co Kerry, as well as a guesthouse attached to the Foley family home, also in Tralee.