MANNIN: CORRUPTION CONVENTION - MANX GOVERNMENT RESPOND

- Rapport -

The Isle of Man government has been clarifying the legislative status of two Council of Europe Conventions on Corruption. The Chief Secretary's Office say that the Criminal Law Convention on corruption will be extended to the Isle of Man but the status of the Civil Law Convention is more problematic. However she adds

Cathal Ó Luain Par Celtic League le 21/08/07 10:48

The Isle of Man government has been clarifying the legislative status of two Council of Europe Conventions on Corruption.

The Chief Secretary's Office say that the Criminal Law Convention on corruption will be extended to the Isle of Man but the status of the Civil Law Convention is more problematic. However she adds that the Island is committed to applying International standards set by the United Nations.

The Celtic League has been campaigning for the application of International legal standards on corruption to be applied in all the Celtic countries for several years. In 2001 the League published a major report on the cost to Society of corruption and in the following year the Leagues Annual General Meeting adopted a resolution calling for International standards to be applied.

"Dear Mr Moffatt

Thank you for your enquiry.

In respect of the Council of Europe's Civil Law Convention on Corruption, I can advise that this instrument has not yet been ratified by the United Kingdom and there is no indication as to when, or indeed if, this will occur. As you know, unless the UK ratifies this Convention it is not possible for it to apply to the Isle of Man.

As for the Criminal Law Convention on Corruption, it was ratified by United Kingdom Government on 9th December 2003 and it came into force for the UK on 1st April 2004. The Isle of Man Government believes that the Island's present legislation is sufficient to allow the UK's ratification of this Convention to be extended to the Island.

The Isle of Man Government has formally requested the extension to the Island of the Criminal Law Convention on Corruption. The extension has not yet taken place and the matter presently rests with the Ministry of Justice in the UK .

Of course, with the conclusion of the UN Convention against Corruption(UNCAC) it is now this instrument which is seen as setting the international standard for anti-corruption measures. The Isle of Man Government is committed to meeting this standard. The Corruption Bill 2007 referred to in the summary of proceedings is part of strengthening of the Island's legislative framework to achieve this goal. You may have seen that the Bill received 1st Reading in the Keys on 26th June and it will be progressed through the Branches after the summer break. A copy of the Bill can be found on the Tynwald website.

Regards

Mary Williams Chief Secretary

Chief Secretary's Office Government Office Bucks Road Douglas Isle of Man IM1 3PG British Isles"

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