Comment & Opinion

By Nuala Haughey

As the Mahon report rightly states, corruption thrives in shadows and darkness. The twilight world of political finances – and the toxic nexus between business and political parties – is an obvious area where the disinfectant properties of sunlight are much needed.

By John Devitt

You may have noticed that we have added a question mark to the title of the last post. We’re asking for clarification on the Government’s plans for whistleblower legislation and will bring you news as soon as we get it. In the meantime, we understand the Government will hold a referendum on T.D. privilege and the power of Oireachtas inquiries at the same time as the referendum on judges pay and the Presidential election.

By John Devitt

The Irish Times online headline today looked promising. 'Whistleblower legislation to be fast-tracked', it read. Pressure has mounted on the Government to introduce whistleblower protection in the wake of the Rostrevor nursing home scandal. People have been afraid to speak up about abuse of patients, fraud and corruption because of weak whistleblower safeguards. Now, the absence of a robust whistleblower charter leaves those courageous people who exposed the alleged physical abuse of elderly patients at the Dublin care home vulnerable to unemployment and deportation.

By John Devitt

Five seconds after I finished the interview with Mary Wilson on RTE's Drivetime, the phone started ringing. In our first day (bearing in mind it's lunchtime as I'm writing this) we've taken around forty calls or emails from people looking to report or seeking advice through our new Speak Up helpline.

Opinion by Lee Daly

Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) which was published today should provide a rare opportunity to gain some idea of how international business leaders view Ireland's effectiveness at tackling corruption. The signs are encouraging at first glance, as Ireland's score (8 out of 10, with 10 being the least corrupt) and overall ranking (14th out of 178 countries surveyed) has remained stable.

As a major United Nations conference met to discuss the implementation of the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) in Jordan last December, Ireland had to watch, rather than take part in proceedings.

Since Ireland has yet to ratify UNCAC, it is not recognised as a “State Party” and did not have a say in how this important instrument should be implemented at home - or in any countries which receive a large portion of Irish development assistance. This represented a lost opportunity for the Irish Government to shape the international agenda in promoting good governance.

In short,Ireland’s failure to ratify UNCAC undermines its credibility as a country willing and able to fight corruption at home and abroad.

To mark global Anti-corruption Day on 9th December, Trócaire called on the Government to set out an early date for Ireland's ratification of the UN Convention against Corruption

Adopted: 31 October 2003 by the UN General Assembly
Signatories: 140 (Now closed for signature)
Ratifications: 85 (as of 28 February 2006)
Entry into force: 14 December 2005
Open to: All countries and regional economic organisations
Website for updated information: www.unodc.org

Main benefits of the Convention

• International agreement on importance of addressing corruption with a comprehensive framework, setting common standards. It is the only Convention that is truly global.

• Asset recovery framework elaborated for the first time on a global basis, north and south.

• International cooperation framework improved for mutual law enforcement assistance, notably in extradition and investigations.

• Extensive coverage of ways, means and standards for preventive measures for public and private sectors.

Additional benefits

This article summarizes the main conclusions reached by the Conference of States Parties to the UN Convention held on 10-14 December 2006 at the Dead Sea in Jordan.

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 cris