Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have two further questions, one for SIPO and the other for Mr. Devitt. The witnesses will be aware that my colleague, Senator Ruane, tabled the Electoral (Civil Society Freedom) (Amendment) Bill. There is a concern about how the definition of “political purposes” has been widely interpreted in charities regulation and so on. There is consideration – I believe it may emerge during the course of the debate on the electoral legislation – about making it clear what constitutes “political purposes” in terms of electoral purposes as opposed to the wider scope of “political purposes”, which can serve to disadvantage charitable organisations, which often engage in activity against what can be very well-resourced commercial lobbying. Do the witnesses have comments on this matter? It relates to this area.

The Bill specifies the question of where someone has a role or is an employee in respect of a set of interests. Is there a need for consideration of situations where a person may not be employed by or have a formal named role in a particular company but may acquire a significant shareholding in it or a business interest and may be engaging in lobbying? There is a cooling off period, but perhaps the witnesses will comment on how such a situation would pan out under this Bill or whether the issue has been examined.