2042. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Social Protection if his Department and bodies under his aegis maintain a register of gifts hospitality, or other benefits received by public servants; the number of entries recorded on each such register since January 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61573/26]

Rules governing the acceptance of gifts and hospitality by civil servants are set out in the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behavior that apply to employees of my Department.

It sets out the standards required of civil servants in discharging their official duties and clearly prohibits civil servants from receiving benefits of any kind from a third party which might reasonably be seen to compromise their personal judgement or integrity, or give rise to any actual or potential conflict of interest.

Any breach of this code can give rise to disciplinary action.

There is no requirement under the Code to maintain a register of gifts and accordingly the Department does not maintain any such register.

However, under the Ethics in Public Office Acts 1995 and 2001, more senior officials or holders of certain positions (those who hold a 'designated position of employment' as defined under the Acts) are required to make an annual return declaring any interests which could materially influence them in the performance of their official duties. They are also restricted in performing their official functions where a material interest is involved.

In relation to agencies under the auspices of the Department of Social Protection:

- The Pensions Authority does not maintain a register and have outlined that their employees are required under the Code of Business Conduct to refrain from accepting gifts or benefits that could affect, or appear to affect, their independent judgement.

- Citizens Information Board maintain a gift registry, however no gifts were registered during the time outlined above.

- The National Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings Authority (NAERSA) does maintain a gifts register with 1 entry therein.

I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.