Pearse Doherty TD, has said that despite Cabinet discussions today on anti-corruption legislation, the government is not serious about actually tackling the issue.
The Donegal Deputy said this is underlined by the refusal of the government to launch an inquiry into the NAMA scandal.
Deputy Doherty said “Today the government, in their last cabinet meeting before the summer, are emphasising their commitment to deal with corruption. This is lip service, tokenism and a total farce.
“Repeatedly the government have refused to take action on NAMA – despite very serious allegations of financial corruption and insider trading which have not as yet been investigated.
“A motion last month came before the Dáil calling for a Commission of Investigation in the sale of NAMA’s Northern loan book, Project Eagle. This was blocked by both the Government and Fianna Fáil.
“These avoidance tactics are wearing thin. Various authorities are carrying out investigations into the operation of NAMA in the north. Tellingly, an Assembly Enquiry found the Government’s approach very unhelpful.”
He added that the Chief Executive of Transparency Ireland, John Devitt has called for the establishment of a cross-party Oireachtas group on corruption, which Sinn Féin whole-heartedly supports.
“This would place the issue of corruption on the political agenda in a meaningful and systematic way and allow for agreement between all parties in the Oireachtas, avoiding the current ad hoc, flimsy approach adopted by the current government. This would ensure that corruption is examined thoroughly and methodically, as opposed to being looked at only when a high profile case is brought to public attention.
“We need meaningful and radical political reform to increase transparency and accountability in our institutions and restore the public confidence that has been so badly damaged by years of corruption. The government must facilitate these efforts to eradicate corruption as well as investigate incidences where it has been alleged.”
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