CELTIC LEAGUE: COUNCIL OF EUROPE (GRECO) URGED TO SUPPORT IRELANDS ANTI-CORRUPTION TRIBUNAL
The Celtic League has written to the Council of Europe Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) urging that it issue a statement of support for the work of the anti-corruption Tribunal in Ireland.
The League say that the Tribunal (commonly known as the Mahon Tribunal) appears to have come under well orchestrated political attack in recent months.
The League also say that the Irish Tribunal system, aimed at tackling corruption at the highest level, has been assiduous in its role and has set an example that other GRECO members should emulate.
"Secretariat of the Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) c/o Mr Wolfgang RAU, Executive Secretary Directorate General of Legal Affairs Council of Europe F-67075 Strasbourg Cedex FRANCE
08/06/08
Dear Sir,
One of the most creditable efforts in recent years by any Council of Europe member State to tackle corruption is that those taken by Ireland.
In 1997 Dail Eireann established the Tribunal of Inquiry Into Certain Planning Matters and Payments, commonly known as the Mahon (originally Flood) Tribunal, to investigate allegations of corrupt payments to politicians regarding political decisions. It has also initiated other anti-corruption enquiries i.e. The Moriarty Tribunal.
The Mahon Tribunal has been assiduous in the application of its role and has ensured that no one, however high their political rank, has been free from its scrutiny.
Recently, there has been a well orchestrated campaign of criticism, which appears to emanate from political quarters, against the procedures of this anti-corruption body.
We call upon GRECO to make clear its support for the Tribunals enquiry in Ireland and also for a clear statement that this type of thorough and open public anti-corruption mechanism should be considered by all member States of GRECO.
Yours faithfully,
J B Moffatt Director of Information"
Related links at:
J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League
05/06/08
■