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	Frances Fitzgerald to bring Corruption Bill to Cabinet within weeks</p>
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	Holders of public office could face up to 10 years in prison and removal from office if convicted of corruption under new laws planned by the Minister for Justice.</p>
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	Frances Fitzgerald is to bring an adjusted Corruption Bill to Cabinet within weeks aimed at strengthening the law in this area.</p>
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	In addition to lengthy prison sentences, it will allow for unlimited fines.</p>
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	A judge can also order the official to forfeit their office and exclude them from seeking public office for a number of years.</p>
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	Under current legislation, a person convicted of being corrupt faces a fine of &euro;250,000, or a jail term of up to three years, or both.</p>
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	Under the new Bill, a public official will be presumed corrupt if he or she fails to declare their interests and if he or she accepts a gift in breach of ethical or disciplinary codes.</p>
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	The proposed legislation will criminalise any person who accepts money associated with their role and those who take a bribe with a view to influencing a public official or planning official.</p>
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	Family members</p>
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	It will also make it punishable for any spouse, civil partner, child or parent of a public office holder to receive any gift or advantage.</p>
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	The scope of the legislation will cover any interference with the appointment of a person to an office and with the acquisition, letting or sale of any property or land.</p>
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	It will also include the role of a public office-holder in the functions of the National Asset Management Agency or the Central Bank, and in an investigation or prosecution of an offence.</p>
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	A Department of Justice source said the Bill was aimed at enhancing the ability of the Director of Public Prosecutions in securing convictions against those who accept corrupt gifts or payments.</p>
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	Donations</p>
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	The Bill will apply to people in private and public office, including ministers, TDs and senators, judges, civil and public servants and local authority members.</p>
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	In light of the recommendations of the planning tribunal report, the legislation has been expanded to cover donations made to political parties and to family and associates of public officials.</p>
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	The revised Corruption Bill will also allow for presumption of corrupt enrichment where a public official&rsquo;s lifestyle or property is out of proportion with his or her official income or registered interests.</p>
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	Corporations</p>
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	The Bill will also contain an important new provision whereby a corporate body can be held criminally liable if an employee carries out a corrupt act with the intention of obtaining an advantage for the body.</p>
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	The proposed legislation will replace seven overlapping corruption Acts stretching back to Victorian times.</p>
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	The Corruption Bill was initially published by former minister for justice Alan Shatter, in 2012.</p>
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	Ms Fitzgerald will seek Cabinet approval to publish the Bill within weeks and is seeking to have it introduced in the D&aacute;il in the new year.</p>
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	<a href="http://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/corrupt-officials-face-up-to-10-years-in-jail-under-new-bill-1.2381585">http://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/corrupt-officials-face-up-to-10-years-in-jail-under-new-bill-1.2381585</a></p>
