Corruption Assets Bureau 'a joke', says Fine Gael

The Corruption Assets Bureau proposed by the Government is "a joke" and only a permanent anti-corruption agency can adequately prosecute cases of corruption, Fine Gael said today.

Mr Kenny: Dáil motion on Flood

Party leader Mr Enda Kenny called for the establishment of the new agency while putting forward a Dail motion to debate the findings of the interim Flood Tribunal report.

He said it was imperative that the public be told what Mr Ahern knew about Mr Ray Burke, and when he knew it.

The Taoiseach’s "failure to meet with Mr Gogarty renders his ‘investigation’ of Ray Burke as sham . . . [and] constitutes a political fraud against the people of the country", he said.

Fine Gael is also demanding that all political decisions made by Mr Ray Burke be investigated and the policy of collective responsibility be applied to all members of the cabinet.

Today, Fine Gael again outlined its plan for an anti-corruption office, first mooted in its pre-election manifesto. This agency would have judicial powers to gather evidence and compel the attendance of witnesses to prepare for prosecutions against corrupt acts.

Mr Kenny said the Corruption Assets Bureau only would seek to recover the proceeds of corruption, without having the power to prosecute. Fine Gael member, Mr Eoin MacEochaidh, said the public perception that political corruption was rife was a dangerous as actual corruption.

Fine Gael has written to the Government seeking for time to be allocated for a debate on the motion in the Dail next Wednesday. If that request is denied, Mr Kenny said the Taoiseach will not be able to "hide on this one". The party would use its Private members time to pursue the matter., he added.

Party spokesman on the Environment, Mr Bernard Allen, repeated his call for a National Land Use Commission, to be chaired by a High Court judge. Under this initiative the validity of re-zoning decisions would be certified, following referenceb to regulations on sustainability, proper planning and development.