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Ireland Takes a Stand Against Corruption: A Look at the Nation’s Anti-Corruption Laws

DUBLIN, IRELAND - As part of its commitment to combating corruption, Ireland has ratified several international conventions and implemented robust anti-corruption laws. The country’s Corruption Act outlines specific bribery and corruption offences, as well as penalties for those found guilty.

International Conventions

Ireland is a signatory to several key international conventions aimed at preventing corruption, including:

  • The EU Convention on the Protection of the European Communities Financial Interests (and Protocols)
  • The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Officials in International Business Transactions
  • The Council of Europe Criminal Law Convention on Corruption
  • The Convention on the Fight against Corruption Involving Officials of the European Communities or Officials of Member States of the European Union
  • The Additional Protocol to the Council of Europe Criminal Law Convention on Corruption
  • The United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime
  • The United Nations Convention against Corruption

Bribery and Corruption Offences

The Corruption Act outlines several specific bribery and corruption offences, including:

  • Active and Passive Corruption: Offering, giving, or accepting a gift, consideration, or advantage to influence an official’s actions.
  • Active and Passive Trading in Influence: Using one’s position to exert improper influence over another person or official.
  • Corruption in Relation to Office, Employment, Position, or Business: Doing an act for the purpose of corruptly obtaining a gift, consideration, or advantage.
  • Giving a Gift, Consideration, or Advantage to Facilitate Bribery: Providing a benefit to aid in the commission of a bribery offence.
  • Creating or Using a False Document: Falsifying or using a fake document to commit a bribery offence.
  • Intimidation: Threatening or intimidating another person to induce them to engage in corrupt conduct.

Penalties and Liability

Those found guilty of bribery and corruption offences can face severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment. Additionally, associated persons such as spouses and agents can be held liable for their role in facilitating or committing a bribery offence.

Corporate Offence

The Corruption Act also includes a corporate offence that penalises companies for failing to prevent bribery by an individual. A company will be guilty of this offence if it fails to take all reasonable steps and exercise due diligence to avoid the commission of a bribery offence.

As Ireland continues to work towards combating corruption, these laws serve as a crucial tool in preventing and punishing corrupt activities.