Irish people perceive political parties as the sector or institution most affected by corruption, according to a new survey by Transparency International (TI) to mark UN International Anti-Corruption Day.
On a scale of one to five, where one represents zero corruption and five extreme corruption, political parties ranked worst with a score of 3.9.
President of TI Cameroon, Mr Akere Muna
Results were mixed when people were asked whether levels of corruption in Ireland would change in the next three years.
Only 28 per cent of respondents believed that things would get worse, while 38 per cent believed that conditions would improve and a further 30 per cent stated that levels of corruption in Ireland would remain the same.
The survey which was conducted for TI between June and September of this year, found the next most corrupt institution - after political parties - was perceived to be the legal system and judiciary, closely followed by Dáil Éireann.
The survey also found people rated the military as well as registry and permit services as the least corrupt insitutions of State.
Irish people's view of political parties reflected worldwide opinion on the topic with 36 out of 62 countries polled rating political parties as the most corrupt.
"It is time to use international co-operation to enforce a policy of zero tolerance of political corruption and to put an end to practices whereby politicians put themselves above the law - stealing from ordinary citizens and hiding behind parliamentary immunity," said the President of TI Cameroon, Mr Akere Muna.
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