218. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the policies in place for the disclosure of gifts in the OPW. [75175/26]

The Office of Public Works (OPW) is a scheduled office of Government, and its staff are bound by the statutory obligations set out under the Ethics in Public Office Acts 1995 and 2001, as well as the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour.

Under the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour, civil servants are prohibited from soliciting or accepting gifts, hospitality, or benefits of any kind that could reasonably be seen to compromise their personal judgment, integrity, or the official impartiality of the State. These standards are highlighted to all staff on an annual basis.

Individuals occupying designated positions of employment within the OPW are required to submit annual Statements of Interest to the Standards in Public Office Commission (SIPO), www.sipo.ie/en/ which explicitly mandates the declaration of reportable gifts and material interests.

The OPW continuously monitors compliance with these frameworks to maintain the highest standards of transparency and ethical conduct across its public services.