John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

The Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act 2001 strengthened the law on corruption as it relates to persons in public office, with a view to making prosecution in respect of corrupt payments easier. The types of decision covered by this legislation specifically include decisions on planning matters.

The Standards in Public Office Act 2001 provided for the establishment of the Standards in Public Office Commission, with wide powers to monitor, investigate and regulate the conduct of those elected to public office or employed in the public service, to ensure the maintenance of proper ethical standards.

It is evident from the foregoing that successive Governments have made significant efforts both to support the planning tribunal in carrying out the specific investigations mandated by the Oireachtas in its terms of reference——

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