The UK's long-anticipated Bribery Act 2010 came into force
on 1 July 2011. This much talked-about legislation modernises UK
laws on bribery and corruption. It is expected to lead to higher
levels of enforcement and a renewed focus on corporate
compliance.
The modernisation of Irish bribery legislation in December 2010
by the implementation of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment)
Act 2010 in Ireland has been overshadowed by this UK development.
Although Irish businesses face potentially unlimited fines for
breach of domestic anti-corruption laws, these laws are not
receiving significant attention. The Garda Bureau of Fraud
investigation is the enforcement body in Ireland. While very few
cases of corruption have been pursued in Ireland to date, the
worldwide increased focus on anti-corruption laws is likely to have
an impact on the Irish position.
