4069. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science 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. [61578/26]

Under section 15 of the Ethics in Public Office Act 1995, gifts presented to office holders valued in excess of €650 are deemed to be gifts to the State and must be recorded accordingly following valuation through the Office of Public Works. I have not received any such gifts since taking up my appointment as Minister.

It is standard international practice for Ministers and foreign dignitaries to exchange modest, representative gifts during official engagements. Such gifts are token in nature and of nominal value.

The Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour provides that civil servants should not receive or accept benefits from a third party which might reasonably be seen to compromise their judgement or integrity. It further provides that any gift of more significant value should be refused or, where refusal would cause offence, handed over to the relevant Department or Office.

While my Department does not maintain a register of gifts, hospitality or other benefits of the nature referred to by the Deputy, I am not aware of any relevant instances to report for the period since January 2025.

My Department does not hold information in relation to registers maintained by bodies under its aegis. Contact details for these bodies are set out in the attached document, should the Deputy wish to contact the aegis bodies directly with their query. Aegis Body Contacts.