Putting Perjury on the Statute Books

Putting Perjury on the Statute Books

Senator Pádraig Ó Céidigh

Talk us through your career and what has led you to this point?

I received my third level education in NUIG before having careers in accountancy with KPMG; as a secondary school teacher; and as a solicitor in my own law practice. I am a Harvard University Alumni and adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship and Business in NUIG. In 2010, I was elected by Harvard Business School to be the subject of an entrepreneurship leadership case study.

My business interests are many and varied. I founded Aer Arann Express and Aer Lingus Regional. I started, and have grown businesses in various industries such as publishing, music, aircraft maintenance, outsourcing, homecare, and nursing homes In 2003, I was named Ernst and Young Irish Entrepreneur of the Year and went on to represent Ireland in the World Entrepreneur of the Year.

I am also the former Chair of the EY Entrepreneurial Alumni Board, chaired the Judging Panel for the Irish Entrepreneur of the Year until 2014, and was a member of the EY World Judging Panel in 2004 and 2005 - the only person ever to do this for two years running. I was NUIG Business Alumni of the year in 2002 for my contribution to the Irish economy and entrepreneurship and as Galway Person of the Year in 2004. I am currently a board member of Croke Park Teo.

Tell us about your role as a Senator?

The key areas of focus for me as a Senator include influencing policy and introducing significant legislation in relation to SMEs, entrepreneurship, education, Irish language, community and culture. Another objective in this role is to create SME policy documents and present this directly to government ministers. As a fluent Gaelic speaker and Connemara native, the Irish Language and Culture is also hugely important to me and this has also been my focus in the Seanad.

Tell us about your work in drawing up the amendments to the Perjury & Related Offences Bill 2018?

We carried out detailed legal research about this issue, and in doing so amended over 100 pieces of existing legislation for the purpose of consolidating and streamlining the law on perjury. I engaged with stakeholders and the input I received was used in the formulation and drafting of this Bill.

I worked with my colleagues in Seanad Éireann, the Minister of Justice and his departmental officials, in order to ensure that this legislation was correct. Cross party support has been very important and significant in developing this Bill through the Seanad. The key areas of focus for me as a Senator include influencing policy and introducing significant legislation in relation to SMEs.

Why is this Bill so important and how does it impact businesses?

Perjury is currently a common law offence in Ireland and, it is rarely prosecuted. Placing perjury on the statute books is not just about penalising those who commit perjury, but it is primarily about preventing those from doing it in the first place. Tough sanctions may make someone think twice about lying and diverting the course of justice.

I hope that this Bill will have a practical impact on business especially SMEs. Over the years I have personally known scores of small business owners who suffered significantly, because someone knowingly lied in court. In some cases, their businesses went under Senator Pádraig Ó Céidigh as direct results of people committing perjury. Of course, my initiative to place perjury as a statutory criminal offence is not just about addressing fraudulent personal injury claims, although that is a very important component, it is about bringing accountability to all those who lie in our courts, our commissions and our tribunals.

The definition of perjury refers to material statement made lawfully by a person, knowing it to be false and for the purposes of a judicial or other proceeding including tribunals and commissions of investigation. People who persuade, or causes another person to commit perjury, are also potentially liable under this bill.

At what stage is the Bill and what are the next steps?

The Minister for Justice has confirmed that he will bring the Bill through the Dáil upon its return in midSeptember. I very much appreciate the support in my effort to get this very important piece of Legislation enacted, and, on Irish Statute books.

You were the rapporteur for the Seanad Public Consultation Committee Small and Medium Sized Businesses in Ireland report published in May 2019 – what were the key findings from this report and implications for the SME community?

The overall aim of the Seanad Public Consultation Committee process is to create the basis for an integrated national strategy proposal document supporting the fostering, growth and sustainability of indigenous Irish SME’s in becoming a solid foundation for the long-term success of the Irish economy and our people.

Some of the key recommendations include: • Introduce a new dedicated Junior Ministerial role for SMEs.

• Review and improve the CGT entrepreneurs’ relief by bringing in a 12.5% rate with a lifetime cap on gains.

• Create and showcase a national database of investor-ready accredited start-ups to help connect start-ups with investors.

• Ensure entrepreneurial education is embedded into the formal education system.

• Develop a national strategy on female entrepreneurship and aim to be a leader in this among EU countries.

• Introduce SME-specific provisions to the R&D tax credit regime.

From your experience in business what are the major business challenges you have overcome?

Over the years there have been many challenges and off the top of my head I would rate them as follows:

1. Creating and growing a regional airline with the various challenges that involved.

2. Getting key stakeholders to believe in me and my vision.

3. Sourcing finance.

4. Building an effective team.

Do you have a business mentor/ person you admire?

I have many, but one person I really admire is Martin Naughton of Glen Dimplex.

What advice would you impart to an SME business in today’s competitive climate?

For any business, but SMEs in particular, I would say don’t work yourself to a standstill or bad health. Your business does not define you, it is separate entity and it has a specific role to play – it is not your life.

Passion, planning and people are the three ‘Ps’ that many business owners attribute to their success. Would you agree with this mantra and/or what else makes a business successful?

I agree with the three P’s above, however I would a 4th P – perseverance, and a little bit of luck.

The theme of the ISME Annual Conference this year is People & Purpose – The Power Ps of Business. How important do you think they are in today’s challenging times for SMEs?

A very interesting and relevant theme, in my opinion, companies don’t grow, people grow and as a result your people grow the business.

Senator Pádraig Ó’Ceidigh is one of the panelists for the Great Debate at the ISME Annual Conference. Click here find out more about the ISME Annual Conference on 23rd October.