Phil Prendergast (Labour)

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Mansergh. I second the motion proposed by Senator Hannigan. My colleague outlined the reason the Labour Party is moving this motion and spoke in detail about our corporate governance proposals. We must have an accountable economic system but we also need an accountable social system. One of the ways of doing that is to remove any suspicion that influence can be bought. The public is right to be suspicious because, as Senator Hannigan outlined, influence has been bought in Irish politics in the past and the abuse of the political system for personal gain has arisen again this year in Kerry.

A strict code limiting political donations to €2,500 for parties and €1,000 for individuals would send a clear signal to our citizens, and the outside world, that influence in Ireland is not for sale. We cannot allow our democracy to be blown away, so to speak, by money either. The Lisbon treaty campaign might not have been lost had our proposals on political funding been in place, but we must learn a lesson from the success of Libertas and the controversy that surrounds that party's funding.

Under our proposals, no one would be able to use their personal wealth to have such a profound influence on our democracy again. The Labour Party wants to go further. For ten years we have been calling for the registration of lobbyists to ensure the lobbying process can be regulated from both sides. Currently, lobbying can only be detected by Oireachtas Members declaring their interests and larger political donations. That undermines public and sometimes commercial confidence in the system.

The public is entitled to know who wants to influence public policy, especially when legislation with significant financial implications is passed. It would at least make it more difficult for a hidden hand to have an influence on policy, and politicians will be more accountable for their public statements and their voting record.

We propose barring people such as ministerial advisers and members of State boards becoming paid lobbyists for two years after they leave their brief. The aim is to stamp out cronyism and undue influence in the running of government.

Restoring the powers of the Freedom of Information Act to its position when Labour introduced it would add to our reputation internationally as an open and transparent democracy. That is particularly important in light of the Government's national assets management agency plan. It is essential also from a public confidence point of view because it would be unthinkable for a country which has been screwed by an alliance of builders, banks and Government to allow NAMA to act in secret. Public probity in business and Government is not a political football. It is an economic and social imperative.