Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)

As the Government peddles "extend and pretend" policies in regard to our banking debt and our economy, the game of smoke and mirrors is being pursued in respect of the much-needed mandatory register of lobbyists. It looks more like the Government is afraid that once that Pandora's box is opened, joining the dots may be an easy exercise and the protected list of vested interests could prove a riveting read.

The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform is supposed to be working on this legislation but can the Tánaiste be more specific? He should not put it on the long finger because like Pinocchio's nose, it will soon fall off if it gets any longer. On 13 March the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform promised a White Paper within weeks with legislation to follow. Will the Tánaiste give us a date as to when we can expect to see a mandatory list of lobbyists?

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