Business Corruption in Ireland

Corruption is not an obstacle for foreign investors operating in Ireland , although companies continue to experience bribery risks at the local level in relation to public procurement and the issuing of building permits. The Prevention of Corruption Act forbids any individual to give or accept a bribe, including to foreign public officials. A company can be found liable for corrupt acts committed by individuals working on its behalf, and companies registered under the Irish Companies Act can be prosecuted for foreign bribery offences. Facilitation payments are prohibited, and gifts and hospitality are considered illegal if provided 'corruptly'. Irregular payments and bribes almost never occur in business dealings. The government is currently implementing reforms aimed at increasing administrative transparency, accountability and anti-corruption standards after the national Tribunals of Inquiry found evidence throughout Ireland's public administration of conflicts of interest, corruption and collusion between politicians and businesspeople. The Criminal Justice (Corruption) Bill is awaiting enactment; it promises to replace existing laws with a single anti-corruption law, to increase corruption penalties and to require companies to prevent corruption.

November 2015
GAN Integrity Solutions