Irish firms claim State corruption stops them getting contracts

One in four businesses in Ireland believe corruption among state bodies prevented them winning contracts for goods and services.

The finding is included in a detailed report into corruption in Ireland, and the other EU member states, which puts the cost to the union at €120bn a year.

The report — the first of its kind from the EU — finds that cronyism, political donations, and unhealthy ties between politicians and industry still exist in Ireland, despite the work of the Moriarty and Mahon tribunals.