406. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the conflict-of-interest, disclosure, recusal and post-employment safeguards apply in circumstances (details supplied); if any cooling-off period applies; and the procedures that exist to ensure that confidential information or relationships acquired during State employment cannot subsequently be used for private commercial advantage. [65033/26]

The National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) has informed me that employees are engaged under individually negotiated contracts of employment, which typically include notice period provisions and protections designed to protect the interests of the NTMA on termination of employment. Depending on the role and circumstances, these provisions may include garden leave arrangements during the notice period.

In addition, employees are subject to ongoing contractual and statutory obligations relating to the protection of confidential information, which continue after their employment has ended.

In 2014, the NTMA undertook a review of its standard employment contract templates, taking account of external legal advice. This review included enhancements to notice period provisions, garden leave arrangements and post-termination restrictions, including, where appropriate, cooling-off periods and non-solicitation provisions.

The NTMA continues to keep its contractual post-employment protections under review to ensure they remain appropriate and proportionate to the organisation's operational requirements.