255. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence if her Department and bodies under her 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 she will make a statement on the matter. [61584/26]

I can confirm that my Department and the bodies under the aegis of my Department do not maintain a register of gifts, hospitality or other benefits received by public servants. All employees in my Department are bound by the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour which sets out the general guidelines in relation to receipt of gifts and hospitality.

Since being appointed as Minister for Defence, I have received one gift. In my attendance at the Valentia Island Subsea Cable Security and Resilience Symposium, I was presented with a small piece of the original section of the underwater cable. To my knowledge, this currently does not attract a monetary value.

In line with the Standards of Public Office, I am not permitted, in my role as Minister, to accept gifts with a value exceeding €650. If offered gifts of value less than €650 I will, as required, follow the Standards of Public Office procedures.