Mr. János Bertók:

It is difficult to respond to the Deputy's question because it is closely linked with the context in Ireland. However, there are similarities with other countries where executives work closely with the private sector and individuals roam from one to the other. On the one hand, this is highly beneficial in bringing inside experience and information, but, on the other, it raises certain concerns. It is not entirely linked with the issue of lobbying in that it also relates to the functioning of the Executive branch and the policy making process. One remedy is, of course, transparency.

On the wider question of why transparency is important, we see in OECD member states, particularly in Europe, a decline in trust in government and political parties. This decline is reaching a dangerous level where civil society begins to question the ability of the policy making machinery to promote the public interest. The major concerns are linked with fairness in decision making. In other words, who benefits? The United States has the longest experience of providing information on regulations and documenting the link between money, lobbying and voting. Unfortunately, lobbyists enjoy a high rate of return. This is a lucrative business. Obviously, the question that arises for other economic actors is how to level the playing field and bring balance back to decision making. Registration of lobbyists provides a meaningful tool to shed light on what is happening and better understand the actors involved, what they are promoting and who their clients are. At the same time, it offers a counterbalance by mobilising other views. When one considers the frequency of reporting, it is also important to know who is lobbying whom and for what purpose. This information is important for competitors and society, as well as for politicians in understanding what is happening in the wider policy making arena.