Nepotism should be made a criminal offence – Hamilton report

Justice Minister Helen McEntee: A spokesman for the department said the reference to nepotism falls within the general understanding of conflicts of interest and would include preferential treatment of a person based on identity for positions or in the awarding of contracts. Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins

Consideration should be given to making nepotism a criminal offence, a new Government report will suggest today, but not for politicians who appoint family members to roles in their offices.

A report from a review group, headed by retired judge James Hamilton called for a further strengthening of the criminal law including the possibility of amending the Ethics Acts to create offences in such areas as nepotism.