Mairead Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 1:

In page 3, to delete lines 20 to 22 and substitute the following:

“ “(c) each subsequent successive period of 3 years, or earlier if the Minister deems appropriate, beginning on the commencement of section 2of the Regulation of Lobbying (Amendment) Act 2022.”.”.

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as teacht os comhair an choiste. B’fhéidir gurb é seo a uair dheireanach os a chomhair sa ról atá aige inniu. I thank the Minister for coming before the committee. I acknowledge the fact that this might be his last time to do so in his current role.

As we know, the lobbying business is quite a fast-paced one. As legislation changes, it changes policy, but, most importantly, it also changes as technology changes. I do not like the fact that the length of time for review of the functioning of the legislation will be five years. I would be concerned that this period is too long, particularly given that we can see how technology can change so quickly and dramatically in a very short period. If problems arise as a result of some of the changes being made in the Bill a year or two after it is passed, there could be an attitude of "We'll have to wait and see until the next review". That could allow problems to persist for a few years before they are resolved. A shorter review period acknowledges the fast-changing nature of the lobbying business and would be better suited to addressing weaknesses or shortcomings in a timelier fashion.