Cowen refuses to be drawn on Dunlop jailing

THE TAOISEACH refused to be drawn on the fallout from the jailing for corruption of former government press secretary Frank Dunlop.

The matter was raised by Labour leader Eamon Gilmore, who said that his jailing “was a very significant watershed in Irish life, in particular in regard to the corruption of public office”.

He asked if Taoiseach Brian Cowen had given consideration to the consequences and any changes in legislation, practices or codes of conduct that might be progressed arising from the court’s decision.

Mr Cowen replied: “No, I have not given any consideration to that matter.” Earlier, Mr Cowen was asked by a number of TDs if he intended amending the code of conduct for office holders.

He said that the Ethics in Public Office (Amendment) Bill 2007 provided for changes to the ethics framework. A review of the code would be carried out, in consultation with the Standards in Public Office Commission after that Bill had been enacted.

He said he was not aware of any problems of compliance with the code by current office holders.

Sinn Féin’s Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked if there was a clear indication to Ministers and Ministers of State of their responsibilities to other members of Houses.

“I am reflecting particularly on delay of a long period of months in receiving replies from some Ministers and frontline Ministers,” he added. He said the code of conduct must go beyond the required high standards in terms of public office.

Mr Cowen said that Mr Ó Caoláin was referring to good public administration.

“I will bring to the attention of colleagues the need to ensure that is in place.”