Michael Harty (Clare, Independent)
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On representation, we will all be lobbied. I have been lobbied substantially over the past few days. I suggest that if groups approach us individually we should acknowledge receipt of their lobby but give it to the secretariat to decide whether it is appropriate for the committee to meet them.

It is probably not appropriate for us as individuals to decide on who comes before the committee. We could meet them as public representatives but not wearing the hat of a committee member. We should make it clear that the way the system operates is that everything goes through the secretariat. We can meet them but we cannot influence the committee in respect of their lobbying.