Attorney General did not submit written statement on ownership of rental properties
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Paul Gallagher
Attorney General Paul Gallagher did not set out his ownership of rental properties in writing before advising the government against an extension of Covid-19 restrictions on bans and rent increases, it has emerged.
The government maintains that Mr Gallagher complied with his obligations under the Ethics in Public Office Act 1995, the Sunday Independent reports.
Section 16(b) of the Act provides that, where the Attorney General has a “material interest” in a matter relating to their function, they are required to “prepare and furnish to the Taoiseach and the Commission a statement in writing of those facts and of the nature of the interest”.
In response to a Freedom of Information request submitted by Sinn Féin housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin, the Department of the Taoiseach confirmed that it does not have a written statement.
However, the Department told Mr Ó Broin that Mr Gallagher made an “oral statement” before “providing oral legal advice” on the question of the Covid-19 laws concerning tenancies.
A government spokesperson told the Sunday Independent: “In early July, before any advice was given on housing legislation, the Attorney General informed the Taoiseach and the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage that he is the owner of rental properties. He also informed the entire Cabinet.
“Having been so informed, the Cabinet requested his legal advice on the matter. The Attorney General has complied with all his obligations under the Ethics in Public Office legislation.”
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