Alex White (Labour)

The report is not all negative and is not an attack, nor does it lack balance. It notes that progress has been made in preventing petty corruption, especially in regard to public matters, and grand corruption, which we have addressed through various tribunals. However, the report also notes with regret that what it describes as legal corruption continues to exist. It states:

While no laws may be broken, personal relationships, patronage, political favours, and political donations are believed to influence political decisions and policy to a considerable degree. The situation is compounded by a lack of transparency in political funding and lobbying.

I acknowledge that the Deputy Leader and his party previously expressed interest in this area. Given that the Government does not appear to be willing to listen to Opposition Members on much else, this might be an opportunity for us to make a positive contribution by establishing a group, perhaps in this House, to consider the report's conclusions. The question of regulating financial institutions does not have to be addressed on a partisan basis. I accept that some may wish to go further than others in that regard but while that is a genuine political difference, it is a matter which we can productively debate in this House.

All the institutions of the State, including political parties and the Houses of the Oireachtas, as well as other institutions, such as the legal profession and the Judiciary, are now subject to scrutiny. However, we should also scrutinise our press and broadcast media.