4143. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht 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. [61579/26]

As the Deputy will be aware civil and public servants within my department and agencies within its remit are bound by, and adhere to, the relevant statutory framework in relation to standards in public office. These requirements are detailed in the Department of Finance circular 26/2004 which is available at www.gov.ie/en/department-of-finance/circulars/code-of-standards-and-behaviour/. The statutory framework and guidance do not require departments, offices or State bodies to maintain a specific register of gifts. In line with the requirements relevant staff complete a statement of interests each year which includes a statement on any gifts, hospitality or other benefits received as defined with the relevant legislation and the SIPO statement of interests template, which is available www.sipo.ie/en/form/3f466-disclosing-interests-forms/.

With regard to my department, the aforementioned returns are collated each year. I can confirm that the above returns contain no declarations relating to gifts, hospitality or other benefits since January 2025.

With regard to agencies, there are 8 agencies under the remit of my Department, the Charities Regulator, Water Safety Ireland, Pobal, Western Development Commission, Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Foras na Gaeilge and Ulster Scots Agency. These agencies are independent entities responsible for their own corporate governance. With regard to the Ulster Scots Agency, as the majority of its staff are based in the northern jurisdiction, they follow reporting requirements and equivalent guidance for that jurisdiction, with one gift reported in that context. For the remaining 7 agencies the relevant returns contain no declarations relating to gifts, hospitality or other benefits since January 2025.