Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 40:

In page 24, between lines 14 and 15, to insert the following: “(3) The Minister shall publish as part of the public consultation on a proposed marine policy statement, details of any representations made to the Minister or his Department in respect of such a policy, including representations made in the 3 years leading up to the enactment.”.

Amendment No. 40 requires that the Minister will publish as part of any public consultation the details of any representations that have been made to him or her in respect of such a policy, including representations made in the three years leading up to the enactment of the policy. It is self-evident that the amendment seeks to address concerns about lobbying. We know that lobbyists operate for certain corporate and commercial interests operating or seeking to operate in the maritime area. We want full transparency and visibility for lobbying that takes place around policy matters pertaining to the planning and development of the maritime area. It is reasonable to make such a request so we know who seeks to influence policy decisions made by the Government.