Caít Keane (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As Fine Gael spokesperson on local government, I wish to make a statement on the programme broadcast last night. I call on all agencies of the State with power in this regard to use it. When one considers the investigative programme, as one must call it, that was broadcast last night in conjunction with that broadcast on prostitution, trafficking and so on, RTE must be commended. There is a debate to be held on entrapment, enlightenment and investigative journalism, but the concept of serving the public interest must also be brought into it.

I will start by noting that last night it was shown that there were 949 elected councillors, 60 Senators and 166 Deputies, but there were very few such people involved. I acknowledge that until something is proved, one cannot state anybody is guilty and that anyone who makes a statement must presume innocence until people are found guilty. However, some rotten apples in a barrel should not be allowed to corrupt what I will not call the entire political system because since it took office, the Government has taken the bull by the horns, if one considers what has been brought forward since. For example, funding for politicians must now be declared openly, whereas heretofore, it was possible to raise funding. I refer to the Criminal Justice (Corruption) Bill 2012 and Members should note the date. As the last speaker noted, councillors who are found guilty should resign, but that will be provided for under the 2012 Bill. The Government also brought forward the Regulation of Lobbying Act. In fact, therefore, RTE would be obliged to register as a lobbyist before coming before people. Legislation in respect of the planning regulator is before the environment committee. This measure has been sought for 25 years and has been brought forward by the Government.

I reiterate that abusing position for public gain brings the entire public system into disrepute. If any politician, official or anybody else abuses a position of power, the aforementioned legislation, namely, the Criminal Justice (Corruption) Bill 2012 will bring Ireland in line with the conventions of the United Nations and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, OECD, on corruption and bribery and make it possible for convictions to be secured against individuals. Members also saw at the banking inquiry for how long different things had gone on and who had been found guilty or responsible and who was paying. The question is: who pays the piper? As the public gets extremely annoyed when they see people getting away with stuff-----