Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is proposed to issue guidelines in relation to appointments of State boards. I am seeking extension of the guidelines to lobbying. This is so serious an issue the Minister is taking up Government time to introduce guidelines on appointments to State boards. Why not go the extra step and address this on a legislative basis? The Government has spent a considerable amount of time on this. As the Minister said earlier, this was cleared this morning by Government. It is clear this is an issue the Government believes needs to be addressed. Why then address it by way of guidelines? I do not believe in over-prescribing but given the political space we are in, I believe the Minister should go the extra step and have what he proposes to introduce by way of guidelines introduced on a statutory basis.

The Minister said he proposes to produce a list of bodies to be prescribed under section 6(1)(g). Will that list be expanded prior to Report Stage or after commencement of the Act? The Minister said it will be possible to include other prescribed office holders and persons at a later stage. Perhaps he would elaborate on whether that might be done prior to the passing of this legislation or following the first annual review.