Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Mr. Bertók mentioned in his presentation that the regulation of lobbyists was associated with other transparency issues. We have had a long debate and some controversy on the whole issue of freedom of information in this state. One of the core issues that has arisen in respect of that legislation is that of an exception based on commercial sensitivity. Sometimes the concern is that the exemption or rationale would be used as a catch-all and that effectively it would allow almost a haemorrhaging that was not really envisaged. How does Mr. Bertók account for this? How would he guard against it in respect of lobbying and lobbyists?

My second question relates to exemptions on the basis of the lobbying body being voluntary, community-based or regionally based. On the one hand, I understand the logic of the position Mr. Bertók has set out. He has cited the position in Australia and said he is not in favour of a system that is so cumbersome that it fails. I understand and we appreciate the point he made about cultural difference and context. However, at the same time I have a concern relating to lobbyists not being paid or occupying a certain cultural position in society. I have in mind specifically the churches. In many societies, our own included, somehow there is an exemption for them. We should bear in mind that not all lobbying relates to commercial transactions. Some can be on core social issues relating to civil liberties and all of the stuff that makes up political life. How do we calibrate and balance this to take account of the need not to have a cumbersome system, to have a system that is culturally appropriate but that does not give an out to powerful strands of society which have considerable clout and actively lobby?