Government 'dragging heels' on corruption reforms, say Transparency International

The government is dragging its heels on reforms that will reduce corruption here according to a new report.

Transparency International, the corruption watchdog, says the problem is costing us as much as €3bn a year, and the government needs to take action.

The government has introduced a number of proposals, including a whistleblowers Bill, but the group says they're moving too slowly on implementing them.

"These delays are potentially costing the Irish economy billions of Euros every year," TI Ireland Chief Executive John Devitt said.

"In 2009 we estimated that the Irish economy was losing around €3 billion annually from white collar crime and corruption. However, too little has been done since then to detect and prevent a problem that has left the country bankrupt.

"Given the potential losses the country faces from future corruption, the government needs to address this issue with the same urgency it has shown in bailing out our banks."