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.

Hosted by the British Prime Minister, the summit brings together a unique coalition of world leaders and representatives from business, civil society, law enforcement, sports committees and international organisations from across the globe to focus on international action to meet the following key objectives: deterring corruption; ending impunity for those who commit corruption; and supporting and empowering those who have suffered from it.

The Tánaiste said: "I wish to praise Prime Minister's Cameron new initiative in bringing together the international community in tackling corruption. Corruption is inimical to economic growth, taking money from budgets that could be used for social and economic programmes.

"I welcome the opportunity of the Summit to reaffirm Ireland's commitment to the international response to corruption. Together with our international partners we will play our part in the international efforts to eradicate corruption globally.

"A lack of good governance, the absence of efficient and accountable institutions, the lack of transparency - all these lead to economic underperformance, expose states to corruption and abuses of power and generate security risks at national and regional level. Ireland will work with its partners to promote good governance and a culture of zero tolerance for all corrupt practices. Events like this are an important opportunity to take stock of the global efforts being made and to reaffirm and reinvigorate our responses."

(MH/LM)