Justice Minister proposes new anti-corruption legislation

Justice Minister Alan Shatter said today that he wants to change the law, excluding those who take bribes from public office.

Minister Shatter made the pledge during the Dáil debate on the Mahon Tribunal report.

The Minister sais that major changes in the law will have to come in to force in the wake of the corruption uncovered.

"I propose to repeal all seven Acts making up the Prevention of Corruption Acts 1889 to 2010 and replacing them with a single Act which will apply to all persons in the public and private sector including, of course, members of both houses.

"The tribunal suggests the exclusion of bribe-givers from public tenders.

"I think that we should also seriously consider the exclusion from public office of those who accept bribes."