Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Obviously it is a matter for the Houses of the Oireachtas and we have brought this to the attention of the Houses of the Oireachtas. While there have been major improvements over the years with the register of lobbyists, a considerable amount of informal lobbying goes on all the time. A lobbyist who has access to the Houses of the Oireachtas has access that somebody else, for example, someone lobbying for additional places for children with special needs, would not have. They may not be able to afford to employ a former Deputy, Minister or Minister of State.

It is about that little informal chat in the corridor as opposed to correspondence or arranged meetings. Surely to God, that needs to be dealt with. I know people will ask how that can be prevented at a GAA match or a local event. However, there is a unique status to that. I have no problem with former Members of the Oireachtas being able to come into the House without invitation. However, every member of the public, including the commission members, cannot walk unaccompanied into the House without having an invitation on sitting days from an Oireachtas Member. In looking at how lobbying in the round takes place, it is something the commission should consider.