The code of ethics for local authority employees is being reviewed, Minister for the Environment Dick Roche told the Dáil.
He said his department was consulting the Standards in Public Office Commission and the Department of Finance regarding the code.
"These decisions, which address the general issue, will produce changes in the code," he said.
While the issue of providing immunity to local authority employees reporting allegations of corruption would not be addressed, the discussions would "deal with people who in good faith make a complaint".
Fergus O'Dowd (FG, Louth) suggested the current system "results in forgotten cheques at the planning tribunals".
Mr Roche said Mr O'Dowd, in his wildest dreams, did not believe he would condone such cases. "Some of the revelations are horrifying," Mr Roche said.
When Mr O'Dowd accused the Minister of doing nothing to address the matter, Mr Roche said that was not a "fair, reasonable or accurate comment", adding he had outlined the steps he had taken and he was prepared to listen to proposals on other steps required.
"The deputy and I share a common interest in ensuring the taint of the past does not persist in the future."
Pádraic McCormack (FG, Galway West) said it would be beneficial to protect in law conscientious employees and members of local authorities who wished to expose irregularities or corruption. "We cannot continue to bury our heads in the sand and pretend such corruption does not exist." Mr Roche said he was anxious that regulations be introduced sooner rather than later.
"The local government code must be brought into synch with the code applied centrally because it is, in some ways, more urgent given the local and specific nature of local government affairs," Mr Roche said.
Mr O'Dowd said people were fed up with the rank corruption in public life and local government. They were sick to the teeth of tribunals and amnesia and wanted the Minister to take action now.
Mr Roche said they could expect action.
