An important Paris-based think tank has expressed concern on Ireland's commitment to fighting bribery by Irish companies seeking contracts in developing countries.
The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) said a visit by its officials to Ireland last October had low attendance from key government bodies and private sector representatives.
The OECD said that the absence of awareness-raising activities on foreign bribery in Ireland also demonstrates the low priority given to application of the Anti-Bribery Convention.
The think tank's Anti-Bribery Convention aims to reduce corruption in developing nations by punishing bribery in international business transactions carried out by companies in the countries that have signed up to it.
The OECD has no authority to implement the convention and relies on public pressure to force governments to toughen anti-corruption measures.
The working group recommended in its statement today that Ireland amend its laws to confirm that bribe payments to foreign public officials are not tax deductible, as well as to ensure that Irish citizens and businesses can be prosecuted for bribery offences committed outside Ireland.
It said that positive aspects include improved mechanisms in Ireland for seizure of proceeds of foreign bribery, under the Proceeds of Crime legislation, and it said recent company law reforms should allow for more effective enforcement of offences related to foreign bribery.
