Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

The United Nations Convention against Corruption was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly at its 58th session in October 2003. Ireland was among the first states to sign the convention when it was opened for signature in December 2003. The convention entered into force two years later on 14 December 2005.

Ireland of course intends to ratify this convention. It is a very broad and comprehensive treaty which seeks to promote integrity, accountability and proper management in public affairs. It provides for internationally recognised measures to prevent and combat corruption. It also seeks to support and facilitate international co-operation and technical assistance in the prevention of, and the fight against, corruption.

Before we become a party to a treaty, it is necessary to ensure that the necessary domestic legislation and administrative arrangements are in place. This is to ensure Ireland can fully comply with all the provisions of the agreement.

The issue of enabling domestic legislation with regard to this convention is the responsibility of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. In consultation with the Office of the Attorney General and other Departments, the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform has examined the text of the convention and identified the legislation that is required to give effect to its provisions. The Criminal Justice (Mutual Assistance) Act 2008, provides for certain necessary measures. The remaining legislative requirements, concerning bribery of foreign public officials and protection for whistleblowers, will be dealt with in the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill 2008, which completed its Dáil Second Stage on 30 October 2008 and is due to commence Committee Stage shortly. The Minister for Justice is satisfied that once the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill is enacted, it will be possible for us to proceed to the ratification of the convention.

I would of course wish to see Ireland ratify this treaty as soon as possible. The timing of our ratification will depend to a large extent on the progress of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill 2008 through the Oireachtas.

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