Trinity College Dublin and anti-corruption group announce partnership
Posted on: 13 March 2006
Dublin, 13 March 2006 – Transparency International Ireland (TI Ireland) and the School of Business, Trinity College Dublin have announced a partnership agreement that will see the anti-corruption group establish and manage an anti-corruption resource centre at the university.
Speaking at TI Ireland’s first AGM last night, Dr. Gerard McHugh, Head of Trinity’s School of Business said that the two organisations would work closely together in delivering information about the causes and costs of corruption.
“People are coming to realise the devastating impact of corruption on business, economies and society”, he said.
“Irish businesses alone are losing €2 billion a year from economic crime. This partnership will offer support to TI Ireland’s research and education programmes while keeping the School of Business at the cutting edge of anti-corruption education”.
The partnership will also support TI Ireland’s development of an anti-corruption executive education programme at the IMI/TCD Graduate School. The programme will prepare members of the private sector, government and non profits in managing risk and preventing corruption.
A website and electronic newsletter, which can already be accessed at www.transparency.ie, will also offer greater public access to information about corruption.
According to John Devitt acting Chief Executive of TI Ireland, “We need to promote learning and debate on a problem that is hurting everyone. Our aim is not to expose allegations of corruption but to expose its costs and help business, government and the general public to fight corruption.”
The Irish chapter of TI was launched in 2004. Its board includes people from business, civil society and politics, including Garret FitzGerald, Tom Arnold of Concern and economist Colm McCarthy.
The chapter will also publish a National Integrity System Country Study on Ireland in October 2006 which will assess the ability of the state, business community and civil society to detect and prevent corruption. The study is funded by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
TI Ireland is currently funded by membership and the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust, a UK based philanthropic group which donated €60,000 for the set up of the Irish chapter of TI in 2004.