Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)

I fully accept the Deputy's point. He is right and it is good to have this discussion at an early stage. It is my firm intention to achieve that. Regarding the register of lobbyists Bill, I am anxious that it proceed. There are a number of linked Bills. For example and as the Deputy knows, the detailed heads of the whistleblowers legislation are before the committee. I hope I will receive a response before the summer, but I do not know whether the committee has decided to hold hearings on it. The Freedom of Information Act amendment is proceeding and I hope to have it published by the end of the year. A great deal is happening on this front.

The registering of lobbyists is a difficult matter. Everybody lobbies to some extent and a considerable amount of legitimate lobbying is done by, for example, child care groups on child care and farmers on agricultural policy. As long as this is done in an upfront and transparent manner and there is no inducement of any description, it will be very good.

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