Ethics in Public Office Bill 1994: Explanatory Memorandum on Disclosure, Gifts, and Oversight (data.oireachtas.ie)

• Annual interest disclosures required for Oireachtas members, office holders, senior civil servants, designated directors and executives of state bodies, and special advisers.
• A standing Commission and Select Committees empowered to investigate contraventions and impose sanctions.
• Gifts over £500 to office holders become state property; personal appointments are temporary and subject to transparency requirements.

"The official explanatory memorandum to the Ethics in Public Office Bill 1994 outlines provisions for annual disclosure of interests by Oireachtas members, office holders, senior civil servants, designated directors and executives of state bodies, and special advisers. It establishes a Commission (Comptroller and Auditor General, Ombudsman, Clerks) and Select Committees to investigate breaches. Gifts over £500 to office holders become state property. Personal appointments by office holders are temporary and must be disclosed. The bill also amends corruption laws and sets penalties for non-compliance."