Justice Minister Delroy Chuck is maintaining that the gag clause of the Integrity Commission Act should remain unchanged.

He renewed his stance during today’s sitting of the Joint Select Committee appointed to review the Act.

The committee is examining several recommendations by local agencies to amend or repeal the gag clause.

Clause 53 of the Integrity Commission Act states that “until the tabling in Parliament of a report under Section 36, all matters under investigation by the Director of Investigation or any other person involved in such investigation shall be kept confidential, and no report or public statement shall be made by the Commission.”

Among agencies recommending amendments to the gag clause are the National Integrity Action and advocacy group Jamaicans for Justice.

Noting the recommendations, Mr. Chuck said he does not believe the clause should be modified as it was established to avoid damage to the reputation of public officials.

Meantime, Opposition Committee member Julian Robinson said he agrees with Mr. Chuck.