Mr. Jim O'Keeffe:

I have a couple of comments to make on the very serious issues raised by Deputy McDonald, which are outside of the scope of the Bill but need to be considered by this committee. I think the committee will have an important role to play in the development of these proposals.

On the declaration of interest and privacy, when I was a Member of the Dáil I had no problem disclosing what was mine. I would go so far as to declare off-stage income. When I was first elected I also practised as a lawyer and continued to do so until it was no longer possible. I would see no problem about that. The difficulty for me is in relation to spouses or other people who may be designated as connected persons. Is it fair that the family of an elected representative or a senior public official doing good service for the State in a different capacity would be exposed to this provision?