Press Release

Review of Garda whistleblower procedures needed after penalty point controversy

Dublin, 15 May 2013

Transparency International Ireland (TI Ireland) has called on An Garda Síochána Inspectorate to undertake a review of internal whistleblower procedures after a report was published by the Garda into alleged abuse of Fixed Charge Notice records by members of the service today.

Ireland suffers sharpest drop on Corruption Perceptions Index in its history

International businesses perceive Ireland to be more corrupt than Uruguay, Chile and the Bahamas. Ranking could have impact on Ireland's credit rating.

Transparency International Ireland reports concerns to United Nations over intimidation of Irish journalists

Dublin, 23 November 2012

Anti-corruption organisation Transparency International Ireland (TI Ireland) has voiced its concerns over the use of litigation and threats of legal action against Irish journalists during the visit to Dublin this week of the United Nations’ Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders.

Corruption Perceptions Index Launch - 5 December 2012

Transparency International will release its 18th annual Corruption Perceptions Index on 5 December 2012 at 05.00 GMT.

Government cannot afford to drag its heels on integrity reforms says Transparency International Ireland

Study on corruption in Ireland published today finds ‘partial progress’ in tackling the problem

Transparency International study finds the world’s biggest companies need to be a lot more transparent

105 biggest public companies reviewed. 61 based in Ireland. Only Statoil says how much it pays in corporation tax. 68 per cent report on anti-corruption measures

Dublin, 10 July 2012

Fred Forsey corruption case prompts calls for cleaner local government

Standards in Public Office Commission should be given supervisory role of standards in local government

Dublin, 27 June 2012

The sentencing today of the former town councillor Fred Forsey Jnr for corruption highlights the urgent need for comprehensive efforts to stamp out corruption in local government according to Transparency International Ireland (TI Ireland). Mr Forsey was convicted for receiving corrupt payments totalling €80,000 from a property developer who was seeking to get lands rezoned in Co Waterford. He is believed to be the first public representative in the history of the State to be convicted for corruption.

Political leaders need to tackle fundamental governance gaps which enable corruption in Ireland

Wrongdoing continues to undermine economic stability

Dublin 6 June 2012

Anti-corruption group Transparency International Ireland (TI Ireland) today calls on political leaders to go beyond austerity policies to tackle fundamental governance gaps that undermine economic stability.

The call comes with the publication in Brussels of a report into corruption risks in Europe which highlights transparency deficits in the way policy decisions are made and political groups are funded in many EU countries, including Ireland.

The Transparency International report, 'Money, Politics and Power: Corruption Risks in Europe', highlights gaps in governance that contributed to the financial and political scandals in nearly every European country last year.

TI Ireland welcomes government proposals for new whistleblower legislation

Dublin, 27 February 2012

Transparency International Ireland (TI Ireland) has welcomed the publication today of proposals for new legislation that should offer protection for whistleblowers across the public and private sectors. The Protected Disclosure in the Public Interest Bill 2012 will allow anyone working in business, government and the non-profit sectors comprehensive safeguards when disclosing information to their employers, the authorities, TDs or the press.

Corruption Perceptions Index 2011 Results

Ireland Falls Further Behind Northern European Neighbours in Corruption Perceptions Index

Dublin, 1 December 2011

Transparency International Ireland is calling on the government to honour its pledges for reform after its latest Corruption Perceptions Index shows that Ireland’s ranking has fallen and it now compares poorly to other northern European nations. The CPI 2011 shows Ireland tied with Belgium among northern European countries, with only France achieving a lower score. Britain was only one place ahead of Ireland.

TI welcomes Ireland’s ratification of the UN Convention Against Corruption

Dublin, 11 November 2011

Transparency International Ireland (TII) welcomes Ireland’s ratification of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption.  Ratification of the Convention sends out a clear signal of Ireland’s commitment to tackle corruption, at home and abroad, and will go some way to repairing the damage that corruption has caused to Ireland’s international reputation. The Convention creates a framework for co-operation between legal authorities and governments to work together to investigate and prosecute cross-border corruption.

Bribe Payers Index 2011 Released

Transparency International today launched the 2011 Bribe Payers Index. The index ranks 28 leading international and regional exporting countries by the likelihood of their firms to bribe abroad.

TI calls on footballing associations to support transparency initiative

Independent group should oversee FIFA reform

Berlin, Dublin, 16 August 2011 – Transparency International (TI), the anti-corruption organisation, calls on world football's governing body, FIFA, to carry out comprehensive governance reforms overseen by a group composed of representatives from outside FIFA (including representatives from media and civil society) and inside football (including federations, clubs, professional leagues, players, women’s football, referees, supporters) in a way that ensures its independence.

Press Release - Stronger penalties needed for officials breaking ethics laws, says Transparency International Ireland

Dublin, 28 July 2011

 

Transparency International Ireland (TI Ireland) has called for reform of the country’s ethics laws and the establishment of a new complaints procedure for people reporting  abuses of public office.

Transparency International Ireland launches country’s first ‘ethics and anti-corruption’ helpline

Dublin, 26 May 2011 – Transparency International Ireland (TI Ireland) will launch its new ‘Speak Up’ Helpline, Ireland’s first service for whistleblowers and victims of corruption, today. The Speak Up Helpline will offer free, confidential information to people facing ethical dilemmas, those reporting concerns about wrongdoing in the workplace, waste and fraud in public bodies, or people or organisations that have been the victim of corruption or white collar crime. The service is the first of its kind in Western Europe, although Transparency International chapters already operate such helplines in around forty countries worldwide.

Transparency International welcomes CAB investigation into payments to Michael Lowry T.D.

Dublin, 29 March 2011 - Transparency International (TI) Ireland has welcomed the announcement that the Criminal Assets Bureau has begun an investigation into the finances of Tipperary North TD Michael Lowry T.D. following the release of the Moriarty report last week.

Transparency International Ireland calls for Irish and Norwegian investigations into payments to Fine Gael and former Communications Minister

Dublin, 24 March 2011 - Transparency International (Transparency) Ireland has asked that the Gardaí, Criminal Assets Bureau, Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement and Norwegian authorities lead investigations into any prima facie criminal activities or company law violations surrounding the award of Ireland’s second mobile licence in 1995.

Transparency International Ireland calls on the Irish Red Cross to treat Noel Wardick fairly

Dublin, 4 March 2011 - Noel Wardick is the former Head of International Programmes at the Irish Red Cross (IRC) where he directed the IRC's overseas humanitarian relie

The Parties and Transparency/Ethics in Government

Dublin, 9 February 2011 - The last programme for government contained clear but unfulfilled commitments on whistleblowers and corporate donations yet here again there is generally little commitment to specifics or timeframes

By John Devitt (this article appears in the current edition of Village Magazine)

The collapse of the Irish economy and collapse of trust in Irish politics has propelled reform up the political agenda. And given that any new government will have so little cash to play with, promises of institutional reform and open government are among the few they may be able to deliver.

Global Corruption Barometer 2010

Dublin, 9 December 2010 - Corruption levels have significantly increased, according to Irish public

Open Letter to the Irish Red Cross Society from Transparency International Ireland

Dublin, 9 December 2011 -

Central Council
The Irish Red Cross Society
c/o Mr. David J. O’Callaghan
Chairman
The Irish Red Cross Society
16 Merrion Square Dublin 2

Dear Mr O’Callaghan,

I write to formally and publicly raise the concerns of Transparency International Ireland with the Irish Red Cross Society over its dismissal of Mr. Noel Wardick, former Head of the Irish Red Cross’s International Department.

Corruption levels have significantly increased, according to Irish public

Public perceptions of corruption in Irish politics and the church amongst the worst in the world

Pressure mounts on Government to introduce single whistleblower law

 Transparency International Ireland welcomes Standards in Public Office Commission annual report

Pressure mounts on Government to introduce single whistleblower law

Dublin, 19 July 2010 - Transparency International Ireland welcomes Standards in Public Office Commission annual report

Anti-corruption group Transparency International Ireland (TI Ireland) has repeated its call on the Government to introduce a single law protecting whistleblowers in both the public and private sector. The call was made after the State ethics watchdog the Standards in Public Office Commission (SiPOC) published its annual report for 2009 today.

TI Ireland calls for greater investment in combatting corruption in development

Dublin, 27 May 2010 - The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs has recently called for public and NGO submissions on the future of Ireland's international development policy. As part of this process, TI Ireland has called for greater attention to be given to the harmful affects of corruption in the developing world and for greater resources to be allocated in combatting this scourge.

Government proposals to protect whistleblowers described as misleading

Transparency International Ireland has cautiously welcomed Government proposals for a crack down on white-collar crime.

Government proposals to protect whistleblowers described as misleading

Dublin, 20 May 2010 - Transparency International Ireland has cautiously welcomed Government proposals for a crack down on white-collar crime. But a spokesperson for the group has described its proposals for protecting whistleblowers as “window dressing”.

Transparency calls for Government action on critical Council of Europe corruption report

Dublin, 25 January 2010 - Anti corruption organisation Transparency International (TI) Ireland has responded to today’s Council of Europe report on corruption in Ireland by calling for the Government to introduce reforms to tackle the corruption and the sale of influence.

International report calls for UK style whistleblower protection in Ireland

Dublin, 19 January 2010 - The national study is available in PDF. Please contact us if you would like us to email you a copy.

A European Commission funded study claims that the Irish Government’s approach to exposing corruption in our banks and government is deeply flawed.

Anti-corruption group calls for whistleblower protection for all employees

9 December 2009

International Anti Corruption Day – 9 December 2009 - The Irish chapter of Transparency International (TI) has called on the Irish Government to provide legal protection to anyone who reports evidence or a genuine suspicion of wrongdoing. TI Ireland is currently leading a campaign for legal safeguards for whistleblowers in Ireland and will publish a study and draft whistleblower legislation in the New Year.

The campaign is sponsored by the European Commission and a regional report has been published by TI offering a summary of measures across ten EU countries including Ireland. The full country study for Ireland is due to be published on 11 January 2010.

Corruption Perceptions Index 2009 - Ireland moves up in world corruption rankings for second year

Dublin, 17 November 2009 – Ireland has risen for a second year running on the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). The 2009 results were published today by Transparency International (TI).

Ireland’s score has risen from 7.7 to 8 out of 10 since last year, with a score close to 10 suggesting extremely low levels of corruption. Ireland is now ranked alongside Germany as the 14th least corrupt country in the world out of 180 countries surveyed. Last year Ireland lay in 16th place.

John Devitt Chief Executive of TI Ireland warned against using the index as a measure of the Irish Government's progress on reform.

Irish political parties explain how they will tackle corruption and waste

Transparency International (TI) Ireland today launched the first ever survey of Irish political party and candidate commitments to tackling the abuse of power in government and politics.

‘Dunlop prosecution should not be the last’

Dublin, 26 May 2009 - Transparency International Ireland also calls for comprehensive whistleblower protection to stop further abuse of power

The Irish chapter of anti-corruption organisation Transparency International (TI) has called on the Government to tackle systemic corruption rather than satisfy itself with the prosecution of Frank Dunlop who was sentenced today to two years in prison and fined €30,000 on five counts of bribery.

Response to Terry Prone article on the National Integrity System Study

Dublin, 10 March 2009 - Terry Prone's article can be read here

To the editor of The Sunday Times

Dear Sir,

Terry Prone’s confused opinion piece (8 March 2009) “ Crooked moves and shady deals are in Ireland’s DNA ” might have been illuminating, and a lot less confused, had she actually read the National Integrity Systems Country Study by Transparency International (TI). It’s not entirely evident from her meanderings whether she even read the accompanying press release!

Major report finds much more to be done to prevent corruption in Ireland

Download the Full Report or Executive Summary from this compressed folder (zip)

Download the Full Report (2 MB)

Data thieves should pay much higher price

Dublin, 23 November 2007 - After Britain's data protection scandal, John Devitt argues the alleged misuse of personal data by civil servants here must be investigated by the Garda as well as the Data Protection Commissioner

When the winner of a €115 million EuroMillions jackpot was announced in 2005, it wasn't just the media that jumped on the story. For reasons best known to themselves, 72 civil servants trawled the records of the Department of Social and Family Affairs to find out as much they could about Dolores McNamara, a housewife from Limerick and Ireland's newest multimillionaire.

Transparency International elects Irish campaigner to its Board of Directors

Transparency International's membership has elected John Devitt to its international Board of Directors at its Annual Membership Meeting in Indonesia.

Corruption Perceptions Index 2007 - Political apathy towards corruption is hurting Ireland's reputation

Dublin, 26 October 2007 - As the Dail debates the Taoiseach's testimony to the Mahon Tribunal, Transparency International calls on both the Government and Opposition to articulate a clear vision to fight corruption.

The 2007 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), launched today by Transparency International (TI), shows that Ireland’s international reputation for straight dealing has been hurt by weak safeguards against corruption and Government’s reversal of important political reforms.

TI publishes 2007 report on Foreign Bribery - Transparency International welcomes Garda investigation into suspected deals with Saddam

Dublin, 18 July 2007 - TI 2007 Progress Report on the OECD Convention shows a lot more needs to be done. Ireland regarded as having made the least progress on foreign bribery.

The Irish chapter of anti-corruption group Transparency International (TI) has welcomed a Garda investigation into allegations that three Irish companies paid illegal kickbacks to Saddam Hussein in 2001. The UN is believed to have forwarded financial records to the Gardaí related to payments made during the ‘Oil for Food programme’.

Office-holders must not serve two masters

Dublin, 12 July 2007 - Safeguards against potential conflicts of interest for former State servants must be introduced urgently, argues John Devitt.

I wish Tom Parlon well in his new role as director general of the Construction Industry Federation (CIF). Mr Parlon brings with him a great deal of expertise and experience gained while a government minister at the Office of Public Works.

TI Ireland Clarification on RTÉ Online News item

Dublin, 11 July 2007 - An RTÉ Online news item this morning titled "Concern over Parlon's new role" stated that “A Transparency International spokesman has said that Tom Parlon should not be allowed to become Director General of the Construction Industry Federation.”

Standards Commission publishes 2006 Annual Report

Dublin, 28 June 2007 - Transparency International Ireland welcomes the publication of the Standards in Public Commission Report for 2006 which was released today.

Ethics Bill amendment will increase risk of corruption in Ireland

Dublin, 25 April 2007 - Government proposals to raise the limit at which gifts and loans to Oireachtas members should be disclosed are disproportionate and will only increase the risk of corruption in political finance and government says anti-corruption organisation Transparency International Ireland (TI Ireland).

Tougher laws needed to crack down on Irish firms exporting corruption

Dublin, 12 April 2007 - The OECD has published its long-awaited report on Ireland's efforts to prevent the bribery of public officials by Irish companies.

Tougher laws needed to crack down on Irish firms exporting corruption

Dublin, 10 April 2007 - The OECD has published its long-awaited report on Ireland's efforts to prevent the bribery of public officials by Irish companies. It is one of the most damning the Paris think-tank has ever published, writes John Devitt

While we have made occasional attempts to come to grips with corruption at home, it now appears that Irish nationals may also been busy exporting corruption abroad. At the same time, the Irish authorities have turned a blind eye.

OECD expresses concern over Ireland’s commitment to foreign bribery Convention

Dublin, 29 March 2007 - The 36-country OECD Working Group on Bribery expressed concern over Ireland’s commitment to the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions, notably given its poor participation in the five-day visit to Ireland by OECD examiners in October 2006.

Payments row should be catalyst for reform

Dublin, 10 October 2006 - Amendments to the Ethics Act are a necessity but so is the need for transparency over appointments to public bodies, writes John Devitt

The payments controversy highlights not just the need to reform the Ethics Acts. It also underscores the urgent need for greater transparency in the way appointments are made to public bodies.

As the controversy over gifts and loans to the Taoiseach moves on, more time needs be devoted by commentators and politicians on both sides of the Oireachtas to the question of how the kind of crisis we witnessed over the past weeks can be avoided in the future.

Public representatives must avoid any suspicion of conflict of interest

Transparency International Ireland (TI Ireland) has called on all local government representatives to decline the offer of any corporate gift or hospitality at this year’s Ry

Public representatives must avoid any suspicion of conflict of interest

Dublin, 31 August 2006 - Transparency International Ireland (TI Ireland) has called on all local government representatives to decline the offer of any corporate gift or hospitality at this year’s Ryder Cup which may lead to a real or perceived conflict of interest.

Response to Phoenix Magazine Article on Transparency International

Dublin, 17 May 2006 - Open letter to the editor of Phoenix Magazine outlining facts about Transparency International

Dear Sir,

I write to comment on your entertaining but misleading piece titled “Irish worthies soft on Wolfowitz” from 7 May 2006. As your readers may be aware Transparency International does not undertake investigations, name names or comment on individual cases. Rather, our focus is on long-term solutions addressing systemic problems in the public and private sectors. Your readers may also be aware that it is not our organisation’s policy to call for the resignation of individual public officials or representatives. Furthermore, TI Ireland does not undertake international advocacy unless it is in coordination with the Secretariat or other TI chapters.

TI Calls on Member States to Back EC Transparency Proposals

Berlin / Brussels 3 May 2006 --- European Union citizens deserve to know where their taxes are going.

TI Ireland elects new Chair and Board of Directors

Patrick D'Arcy has been elected as Chair of Transparency International Ireland at TI Ireland's first AGM.

Trinity College Dublin and Transparency International Ireland announce partnership

Dublin, 13 March 2006 - Transparency International Ireland (TI Ireland) and the School of Business, Trinity College Dublin have announced a partnership agreement that will see the anti-corruption group establish and manage an anti-corruption resource centre at the university.

Speaking at TI Ireland’s first AGM, Dr. Gerard McHugh, Head of Trinity’s School of Business said that the two organisations would work closely together in delivering information about the causes and costs of corruption.

Geldof and Transparency International join forces

Dublin, 13 February 2006 - Bob Geldof and Transparency International (TI) have joined forces to ensure that development assistance reaches those in desperate need.

During a meeting with TI today, Geldof also announced that he would urge British Prime Minister Tony Blair to appoint Peter Eigen, founder and former Chair of Transparency International, to a small group of influential individuals who would take on the mantle of monitoring the G-8’s progress in fulfilling its commitments.

Theft, bribery and extortion rob millions of proper healthcare, says Global Corruption Report 2006

Counterfeit drugs kill thousands each year and accelerate spread of drug-resistant diseases

Global Corruption Report criticises Ireland for poor whistleblower protection

Dublin, 1 February 2006 - The Global Corruption Report published by anti-corruptio

First Global Convention against Corruption to enter into force

With ratification yesterday by Ecuador of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), the first truly global tool in the fight against corruption will enter into force on 14 December

First Global Convention against Corruption to enter into force

Dubin, 15 September 2005 - With ratification yesterday by Ecuador of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), the first truly global tool in the fi

Anti-Corruption Group launches Ireland’s first Corruption News Service

Transparency International Ireland (TI) has launched Ireland ’s first corruption news and analysis service.

Anti-Corruption Group launches Ireland’s first Corruption News Service

Dublin, 28 July 2005 - Transparency International Ireland (TI) has launched Ireland ’s first corruption news and analysis service.

Time for G-8 to take bold action on corruption

Bold actions by the Group of Eight industrialised nations (G-8) to attack corruption could make a dramatic impact on poverty, freeing up billions in aid money now lost to illicit a

Transparency International calls for public consultation in Garda reform

TI Ireland, Transparency International’s national chapter in Ireland , has called for consultation with the general public in drafting and implementation of

TI condemns EU Parliament's rejection of essential anti-corruption reforms

Transparency International, the international non-governmental organisation devoted to combating corruption, today spoke out against the European Parliament's decision to rej

TI calls for public tenders and transparent budgeting in tsunami reconstruction efforts

Dublin, 13 January 2005 - International donors should take all possible steps to prevent corruption and diversion of aid from its intended recipients in tsunami-stricken regions in the Indian Ocean

TI calls for public tenders and transparent budgeting in tsunami reconstruction efforts

International donors should take all possible steps to prevent corruption and diversion of aid from its intended recipients in tsunami-stricken regions in the Indian Ocean, said Transparency Intern

Irish political parties viewed as the most corrupt sector according to TI Global Corruption Barometer 2004

Dublin, 9 December 2004 - The Irish public perceive political parties as the sector or institution most affected by corruption, according to a new public opinion survey published today by Transpare

International Anti-Corruption Group Launches in Ireland

8 December 2004 - An Irish chapter of Transparency International (TI) launches in Dublin on December 8.It is the newest of some one hundred international offices of TI, the world’s only global NGO totally focussed on fighting corruption. The Berlin-based watchdog and think tank is probably best known for the annual Corruption Perceptions Index, a league table of the perceptions of the least and most corrupt countries.

The official launch at the Law Society this evening will also mark the first United Nations International Anti-Corruption Day. Events to mark the day, themed ‘It’s Your World: Fight Corruption’ will take place around the globe with a worldwide call for the ratification of the UN Convention on Corruption.

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