Overhaul of anti-corruption laws completes all stages in Oireachtas

Legislation overhauling Ireland’s anti-corruption laws has passed all stages in the Oireachtas.

The Criminal Justice (Corruption Offences) Bill 2017 repeals and replaces 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.

Speaking following the passing of the bill in the Seanad, Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan said the bill represents “a complete modernisation of our anti-corruption laws”.

Mr Flanagan added: “Providing one modern statute will make the law more accessible. It introduces new offences for the first time such as Trading in Influence and a corporate liability offence whereby a body corporate may be guilty of an offence if anyone acting on behalf of that body is found guilty of a corruption offence.

“This is a robust piece of legislation with very strong penalties. For conviction on indictment the penalties for most offences are imprisonment for up to 10 years, an unlimited fine, forfeiture of any bribe, possible forfeiture of office for public servants and elected officials and possible prohibition on seeking public office for up to ten years.

“I am also pleased that I have been able to address the six recommendations of the Mahon Tribunal Report relating to corruption legislation. This includes creating new offences such as making payments to a third party knowing that payment will be used for a bribe. It also includes extensions to the presumptions of corruption which had been included in the Prevention of Corruption Amendment Act 2001.

“Ireland is a party to all relevant International anti-corruption conventions. Each of these bodies has evaluation and monitoring mechanisms which Ireland also participates in. This Bill is responding to a number of recommendations made to Ireland in the various evaluations by these bodies.”