Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge Professor Murphy's teaching and writing for many years about the regulation of lobbying. He made an interesting point in his opening statement when he said that there are individuals at both Government and non-Government level who have still not come to terms with the lobbying regulation agenda and what it is trying to achieve and that this is letting Irish citizens know who is trying to influence their Government. Could Professor Murphy elaborate on that point?

Sections 6 and 7 deal with extending the period for two years. Professor Murphy mentioned the international evidence. All the literature suggests that this should be a minimum. Does he believe it should go beyond the two years we have included in the legislation? Section 6 will prevent an individual from circumventing the obligations under this Bill, which include the deletion of records, text messages and communications. Does Professor Murphy have any views regarding that?