Information Leaflet

WHAT IS THE STANDARDS IN PUBLIC OFFICE COMMISSION?

The Standards in Public Office Commission (Standards Commission) is an independent body which was established by the Standards in Public Office Act 2001. It replaced the Public Offices Commission which was established by the Ethics in Public Office Act 1995.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE STANDARDS COMMISSION?

The Standards Commission supervises the following legislation:

the Ethics in Public Office Act 1995 and the Standards in Public Office Act 2001 as they apply to office holders (e.g. Ministers), the Attorney General, special advisers to Ministers, senior civil servants and designated directors and executives of prescribed State bodies,

the Electoral Act 1997, as amended, dealing with the limitation and disclosure of political donations, State financing of qualified political parties and the limitation, disclosure and reimbursement of election expenses, and

the Oireachtas (Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices) (Amendment) Act 2001 relating to payments made by the State to the parliamentary leaders of qualified political parties in respect of expenses arising from parliamentary activities, including research

WHO ARE THE MEMBERS OF THE STANDARDS COMMISSION?

The members of the Standards Commission are:

Mr. Justice Matthew P. Smith, former Judge of the High Court, Chairman of the Commission.

Mr. John Buckley, Comptroller & Auditor General. 

Ms. Emily O'Reilly, Ombudsman. 

Mr. Kieran Coughlan, Clerk of Dáil Éireann. 

Ms. Deirdre Lane, Clerk of Seanad Éireann. 

Mr. Michael Smith, a former member of Dáil Éireann.

HOW DO I CONTACT THE STANDARDS COMMISSION?

The Standards Commission can be contacted:

by writing to,

The Secretary,

Standards in Public Office Commission,

18 Lower Leeson Street,

Dublin 2

by telephone, (01) 6395666

by fax, (01) 6395684

by email, sipo@sipo.gov.ie