Menu
23/09/2008
Ireland's Corruption Level Improves In Light Of UK's
An influential corruption assessor has said Ireland's corruption level has improved , but partly because the UK's has become increasingly worse!
In a document released on Tuesday, Ireland's 'corruption score' has improved, bringing it to 16th in the world out of 180 countries surveyed.
Last year, Ireland lay in 17th place, while the UK was in the relatively strong position of 12th; however, recent scandals including the 'cash for honours' debacle, and controversy over the BA dealings with Saudi officials and the subsequent scrapping of an inquiry by the UK Government has led to a significant drop of five places for the UK.
Conducted by Transparency International (TI), the influential survey can affect potential investment and tourism within a country.
Ireland's ranking experienced a similar fall to the UK's six years ago following the emergence of evidence of secret payments to Charles Haughey and other politicians.
Next year's survey could equally be affected by the findings of the Mahon tribunal over the Quarryvale investigation.
John Devitt Chief Executive of TI Ireland said: "Corruption and cover-ups are picked up by international investors like sharks smelling blood.
"The dramatic fall in the UK's score is a likely sign of investor concerns about alleged corruption in Britain’s aerospace industry, and lax controls on political funding."
Global investors and analysts are now expected to accept Ireland is no more corrupt than one of its investment competitors, the UK.
However it still lags way behind in the index from direct competitors for jobs and investment such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Finland and Denmark.
The recent trebling of the value of gifts and loans politicians can keep without disclosing them, as well as delays in introducing safeguards for whistleblowers and high fees for public information, mean that Ireland is expected to sit in the third-tier of honest democracies for the time being.
The international survey found that Denmark was the least corrupt nation, whilst Somalia was the most corrupt, and found a direct correlation between corruption and a countries economic position, with many poverty stricken African nations also suffering at the hands of corrupt officials
(DW)
In a document released on Tuesday, Ireland's 'corruption score' has improved, bringing it to 16th in the world out of 180 countries surveyed.
Last year, Ireland lay in 17th place, while the UK was in the relatively strong position of 12th; however, recent scandals including the 'cash for honours' debacle, and controversy over the BA dealings with Saudi officials and the subsequent scrapping of an inquiry by the UK Government has led to a significant drop of five places for the UK.
Conducted by Transparency International (TI), the influential survey can affect potential investment and tourism within a country.
Ireland's ranking experienced a similar fall to the UK's six years ago following the emergence of evidence of secret payments to Charles Haughey and other politicians.
Next year's survey could equally be affected by the findings of the Mahon tribunal over the Quarryvale investigation.
John Devitt Chief Executive of TI Ireland said: "Corruption and cover-ups are picked up by international investors like sharks smelling blood.
"The dramatic fall in the UK's score is a likely sign of investor concerns about alleged corruption in Britain’s aerospace industry, and lax controls on political funding."
Global investors and analysts are now expected to accept Ireland is no more corrupt than one of its investment competitors, the UK.
However it still lags way behind in the index from direct competitors for jobs and investment such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Finland and Denmark.
The recent trebling of the value of gifts and loans politicians can keep without disclosing them, as well as delays in introducing safeguards for whistleblowers and high fees for public information, mean that Ireland is expected to sit in the third-tier of honest democracies for the time being.
The international survey found that Denmark was the least corrupt nation, whilst Somalia was the most corrupt, and found a direct correlation between corruption and a countries economic position, with many poverty stricken African nations also suffering at the hands of corrupt officials
(DW)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 December 2015
SF Raises Concerns Over Govt Conduct In Planning Transparency
The government has "serious questions to answer" over allegations it acted to prevent transparency in the planning process. Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams raised concerns following allegations of political corruption highlighted in an RTÉ programme.
SF Raises Concerns Over Govt Conduct In Planning Transparency
The government has "serious questions to answer" over allegations it acted to prevent transparency in the planning process. Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams raised concerns following allegations of political corruption highlighted in an RTÉ programme.
26 October 2010
Ireland 14th Least Corrupt Country
Ireland has finished in the top twenty countries least hampered by corruption in a survey published today. The 2010 Corruption Perceptions Index published by Transparency International, placed Ireland as 14th in world for resisting corruption.
Ireland 14th Least Corrupt Country
Ireland has finished in the top twenty countries least hampered by corruption in a survey published today. The 2010 Corruption Perceptions Index published by Transparency International, placed Ireland as 14th in world for resisting corruption.
13 May 2016
Ireland Joins 40 Other Countries At International Anti Corruption Summit
The Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald, will represent Ireland at a major Anti Corruption Summit in London. Ireland, along with more than 40 states gathered at the Summit, have concluded a Summit Communique outlining the common commitments which all will take forward in the fight against corruption.
Ireland Joins 40 Other Countries At International Anti Corruption Summit
The Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald, will represent Ireland at a major Anti Corruption Summit in London. Ireland, along with more than 40 states gathered at the Summit, have concluded a Summit Communique outlining the common commitments which all will take forward in the fight against corruption.
20 April 2009
Underage Booze In Focus
Fresh research by the Health Service Executive (HSE) has shown that adults tend to underestimate their role in influencing young Irish people in matters of alcohol. While most adults disapprove of underage drinking - they feel there is nothing they can do to stop it - the new survey has found.
Underage Booze In Focus
Fresh research by the Health Service Executive (HSE) has shown that adults tend to underestimate their role in influencing young Irish people in matters of alcohol. While most adults disapprove of underage drinking - they feel there is nothing they can do to stop it - the new survey has found.
19 March 2008
Priciest City Is 'Nearly Dublin'
Dublin has moved up in the most costly places to live 'charts' this week, taking the forth spot over Zurich for the first time ever. In a study compiled by the Swiss bank UBS, Dublin was found to have the fourth most expensive goods and services in the world. Topping the chart was the Scandinavian Oslo, followed by Copenhagen and then London.
Priciest City Is 'Nearly Dublin'
Dublin has moved up in the most costly places to live 'charts' this week, taking the forth spot over Zurich for the first time ever. In a study compiled by the Swiss bank UBS, Dublin was found to have the fourth most expensive goods and services in the world. Topping the chart was the Scandinavian Oslo, followed by Copenhagen and then London.
-
Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
