Ethics watchdog seeks first ever prosecution
Longford Chamber of Commerce before courts over failure to file returns on time, but LCC secretary insists it is ‘a very venial sin’
The state’s ethics watchdog is pursuing its first ever prosecution in the courts under new anti-corruption laws.
The Standards in Public Office Commission (Sipo) has confirmed that a case was opened in Longford District Court on July 20 against Longford Chamber of Commerce over failures with its lobbying returns.
It’s the first time since new lobbying laws were introduced three years ago that the regulator has sought a prosecution in court.
Subscribe from just €1 for the first month!
Exclusive offers:
All Digital Access + eReader
Trial
€1
Unlimited Access for 1 Month
*New subscribers only
Annual
€200
€149 For the 1st Year
Unlimited Access for 1 Year
Quarterly
€55
€42
90 Day Pass
2 Yearly
€315
€248
Unlimited Access for 2 Years
Team Pass
Get a Business Account for you and your team
Related Stories
Analysis: Lockdown fatigue grows but majority do not want to ease restrictions
Some 85 per cent of the public say current response to Covid-19 is either appropriate or does not go far enough
Comment: How the FAI could have avoided the lasting damage of Videogate
In any potential crisis, speed, sincerity, and ownership of the facts are all key, yet another important element is ensuring the tone of the response is proportionate
Latest lockdown news is deflating for everyone, but there is an end in sight
People are frustrated by the continuing level 5 restrictions and fear of another lost summer, but the vaccine rollout is gathering pace
Colin Murphy: In law, we are closer to house arrest than a 5km limit
Covid-19 restrictions say you should not leave home at all ‘without reasonable excuse’ – a rule that‘s broader than it need be, is widely misunderstood and of dubious effectiveness