Dáil begins second stage debate on major anti-corruption bill

The Criminal Justice (Corruption Offences) Bill 2017 is a key component of the Government’s comprehensive package of measures to tackle white collar crime, published earlier this month.

The new bill will repeal and replace seven previous Prevention of Corruption Acts dating back as far as 1889, and provides for a number of new offences as well as stronger penalties.

Mr Flanagan (pictured) told TDs: “Having published this Bill a fortnight ago, I am pleased to have an opportunity to debate its provisions so soon on the floor of the Dáil.

“This major legal reform involves not just an overhaul of legislation dating back to Victorian times, it introduces new offences, proposes stronger penalties for those convicted of corruption and makes provision for many recommendations of the Mahon Tribunal.”

Mr Flanagan added: “This Bill forms part of a larger suite of measures aimed at tackling economic and regulatory crime in Ireland. These measures will collectively increase transparency and strengthen our response to white collar crime in this country.

“As part of the new Government initiative, my Department will carry out a comprehensive review all state bodies who have a role in the detection, prevention, investigation and prosecution of fraudulent and corrupt activities. Further, we will introduce a Garda-led Joint Agency Task Force which will focus on payment fraud as a pilot.This initiative will feed into the overall review of the effectiveness of State bodies.

“I look forward to the early passage of the Criminal Justice (Corruption Offences) Bill through the Houses of the Oireachtas.”