All TDs and Senators will have to produce tax clearance certificates showing that their affairs are in order, under legislation to be published by the Government in the new Dail term, writes Miriam Donohoe, Political Reporter. The Standards in Public Office Bill, which has been cleared by the Cabinet, contains radical measures to enforce ethical standards in public life.
The Bill proposes the establishment of a Standards in Public Office Commission which will have powers to investigate the financial affairs of politicians and public servants. Any TD or senator who fails to produce a tax clearance certificate and a statutory declaration will be investigated by the commission. They face possible loss of membership of the Oireachtas following investigation.