Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Micheál Martin has been admonished for inappropriate behaviour by the Standards in Public Office Commission because he instructed a civil servant to brief Fianna Fáil politicians. It is an important decision. With a general election on the horizon, it sends an unambiguous message to all ministers about the use of facilities provided at taxpayers' expense and the need to distinguish between party-political and public interests.
The longer a political party is in power, the more likely ministers are to confuse these conflicting concerns. And, having been in office for 15 of the past 18 years, Fianna Fáil ministers are particularly vulnerable. That is why a ministerial code of conduct, which sets out ethical guidelines and advises them of the sharp dividing line between public and party political interests, is so valuable.
The commission decided Mr Martin's behaviour did not warrant a formal investigation under the Ethics Act. But it concluded that, in order to avoid any perception of partiality, civil servants should not be asked to engage in political briefings, unless they were on an all-party basis. That is right and proper. Public servants - as much as ministers - are required to operate to the highest ethical standards and anything that might inhibit that approach should be struck down.
Some time ago, the commission found that former minister for education and science Noel Dempsey and former minister of state for enterprise, trade and employment Frank Fahey had made inappropriate use of departmental resources during the general election campaign. Subsequently, Fianna Fáil repaid about €4,000 to cover the cost of official time, facilities and materials. The money was not important, but the principle was fundamental. A dividing line between political and public interest was clearly established. And it must be maintained. Taoiseach Bertie Ahern initially defended the actions of Mr Dempsey and Mr Martin as both customary and acceptable. In making its rulings, however, the commission advised Mr Ahern of the outcome so that other ministers would not cross the line.
The commission performs a thankless - but vital - role in holding political parties, elected representatives and ministers to account.
An investigation into whether Fianna Fáil TD Michael Collins made a false statutory declaration concerning his tax affairs - which could lead to his removal from the Dáil - has been on hold for two years because of an intervention by the Director of Public Prosecutions. Such a delay is unacceptable.