Statement by Liam Coyne Social Democrats Candidate for Dublin South Central
23rd February 2016.
Liam Coyne the Social Democrat’s Candidate for Dublin South Central has said integrity and honesty are essential requirements for those in public office.
He said that in order to ensure the highest possible standards in public life the Social Democrats are proposing the introduction of a new Independent Anti-Corruption Agency (IACA).
This much needed body would tackle white collar crime and corruption in business and politics.
“People have had enough of white collar crime. The number of people held responsible for the greed and corruption in areas such as planning and financial services are few and far between.”
“While others get away with it, ordinary people are left to suffer the consequences,” said Liam.
“This simply isn’t good enough. For years the major parties have sat in their hands afraid to do anything about corruption. One has to wonder why people who are clearly guilty of serious wrongdoing are being protected,” said Liam.
“It seems that a person who robs a bar of chocolate has more of a chance of seeing the inside of an Irish prison than somebody who has misappropriated millions or bribed officials for their own gain,” said Liam.
Ireland he said needs an “effective means to prevent, detect, and prosecute corruption and white collar crime.”
The Social Democrats have a plan to tackle white collar crime and corruption and we believe this can improve accountability, and end cronyism.
The proposed IACA would act as a Commission of Investigation and would end the need for expensive and in most people’s minds ineffective Tribunals of Inquiry.
“The lawyers were the real winners of the tribunals, and not the taxpayer. While some important findings were made and the culture of officialdom has changed the result of the tribunals did not go far enough.”
The IACA would take up roles currently carried out by bodies including Standards in Public Office Commission; the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement; the Registrar of Lobbyists and the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.
The IACA would have a role over public procurement activities, and would be able to conduct reviews and initiate investigations into allegations of wrongdoing.
The Social Democrats would also set up a new Dáil oversight committee, called the Public Interest Committee, to oversee IACA and Ministerial resource allocation.
“What the Social Democrats stand for is integrity in public office. The highest standards must be applied even to the smallest of roles. There is no other way to do business, there is no other way that is acceptable,” said Liam.
“This is what the Social Democrats are all about and this is what the public demands,” he added.
Ends.