Ireland

Ireland has reached very good control of corruption despite some scandals related to political corruption. Recent Eurobarometer surveys show the Irish acknowledging very low direct experience with corruption and displaying high intolerance of any form of corruption. Judicial independence is high, and press freedom has been perceived as very high until recently. Administrative burden is low, and transparency fairly high, although more could be done to publicize public expenses. Recent leaks have exposed some elite tax evasion and a culture of too close ties between business and politics, so it is beyond the state itself that the Irish should look for reforms to improve public integrity.