From Standards in Public Office Commission (SIPO)
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14 August 2025: The Standards in Public Office Commission (the Commission) decided to carry out an investigation into acts or omissions by Deputy Kenneth O’Flynn (the respondent), at a time when he was a councillor in Cork City Council, which are alleged to contravene the Local Government Act 2001 and the Code of Conduct for Councillors and/or to constitute a specified act under the Standards in Public Office Act 2001. In advance of commencing its investigation, the Commission decided to hear a preliminary application by the respondent. The preliminary application hearing was conducted on 19 May 2025.
The Commission has today published its decision on the preliminary application. The Commission’s decision is available on the SIPO website: Investigation reports
In accordance with the requirements of section 24 of the Ethics Act in Public Office Act 1995, the Commission has furnished copies of its decision to the respondent, the complainants, the Cathaoirleach of Cork City Council, the Chief Executive of Cork City Council, and the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation.
For media queries, please contact media@sipo.ie.
Background
The Standards in Public Office Commission is an independent body responsible for overseeing the Ethics in Public Office Act 1995, the Standards in Public Office Act 2001, the Electoral Act 1997 (as amended), the Oireachtas (Ministerial and Parliamentary Activities) (Amendment) Act 2014, and the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015.
The Standards Commission was created by the Standards in Public Office Act 2001. It has six members and is chaired by a former judge of the High Court. The current chair is Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan. Other members are: Seamus McCarthy, Comptroller and Auditor General; Ger Deering, Ombudsman; Peter Finnegan, Clerk of Dáil Éireann; Martin Groves, Clerk of Seanad Éireann, and Geraldine Feeney, former member of Seanad Éireann.
For more information, or to view the report, visit www.sipo.ie
Standards in Public Office Commission
6 Earlsfort Terrace
Dublin 2
D02 W773
Telephone: (01) 639 5666
E-mail: info@sipo.ie
Website: www.sipo.ie
Twitter: @SIPOCIRELAND