Part 15 of the Local Government Act 2001 replaces the provisions contained in Part VII of Planning and Development Act 2000 regarding declaration/disclosure by local authority members and staff. However, any declarations furnished under that Planning Act (or under the old 1976 Planning Act) will stand until replaced by declarations under Part 15.
- Members and relevant employees must furnish an annual declaration of interests.
- A public register of such interests is maintained by each local authority.
- A member must disclose any financial or other beneficial interest s/he or a “connected person” has in any matter that comes before a meeting. A relevant employee must do likewise in case of any matter with which s/he is concerned in the course of work.
- A member or relevant employee is prohibited from seeking to influence any matter with which the local authority is concerned in which they or a connected person has a beneficial interest.
- An official (Ethics Registrar) to be assigned by manager has responsibility for issue of annual declaration forms and related matters.
- It is the duty of members and relevant employees to maintain proper standards of integrity, conduct and concern for the public interest.
- A prohibition exists on seeking, exacting or accepting any fee or reward for anything done or not done by virtue of position or office.
- Codes of conduct, one for members and another for staff, have been issued by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage & Local Government.
- Failure to comply with the annual declaration or disclosure requirements is an offence under the Act.
- A manager (or Mayor in case of manager) informed of possible contravention of Part 15 is required to consider what action should be taken.