Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is a nuance that may need to be addressed. Where persons are presenting themselves and lobbying, it is important to know on behalf of whom they are lobbying. Mr. Devitt touched on another concern I have, which is to ensure we avoid unforeseen consequences in this regard. All present want the strengthening of lobbying regulation but I refer to the issue of interest-based lobbying, that is, lobbying on behalf of the interests of, for example, a business lobby or other member group, versus, for example, participating in political activism in a sense. Mr. Devitt referred to Amnesty International. I presume it is not intended to catch organisations such as that and that the chill period that will apply is not meant to preclude engagement in public advocacy in that sense. Are our guests confident there is no danger of the law as it stands or the expanded laws proposed under the Bill catching not-for-profit or for-interest organisations that engage in advocacy in the classic sense of political engagement?