We must strengthen the law in the area of criminal justice corruption. Under proposed legislation a holder of public office can face up to ten years in prison and be removed from office if convicted under the Bill. It provides for lengthy prison sentences and allows for unlimited fines. A judge can forfeit their office and be excluded from seeking public office for a number of years. In addition, under the new Bill a public official can be presumed corrupt if he or she fails to declare their interests. Under the current legislation a person convicted of being corrupt faces a fine of €250,000 or a jail term of up to three years or both. The Bill was initially proposed by the former Minister for Justice and Equality, former Deputy Alan Shatter, in 2012. When can we expect the Criminal Justice (Corruption) Bill to be brought to the House?

Progress on the anti-corruption Bill and on the review of white collar crime is well under way. I expect matters to be completed shortly and I expect the legislation to be published if not before the end of the current session certainly during the summer months. I will be happy to keep the Deputy informed on it.