Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The first question was whether the Taoiseach was aware of the issue and the second concerned appearances of Ms Kerins and Mr. Flannery before the Committee of Public Accounts. The other question was whether it is right and ethically correct for an organisation such as Rehab to pay one of its directors to lobby Ministers and Departments. Does the Taoiseach believe that is right, given the very regular access that such bodies, like Rehab, would have to the Government? Department officials meet representatives of these organisations on a regular basis to discuss service plans and a range of service level agreements. Does the Taoiseach believe it is right that these organisations should pay directors significant sums of money for the purpose of lobbying Departments and Ministers? This case is unique, as the Taoiseach has stated the individual concerned had unparalleled access to Ministers, particularly with this Government. He had a pass for Leinster House and so on. To put it mildly, one's reaction would have been one of some surprise when it emerged that this was the case, as reported by The Irish Times. A body such as Rehab should not in any shape or form have to pay anybody to lobby Departments, and the Government should be clear in instructing such bodies that they should not pay people to lobby the Government, particularly when the Government normally enters into relationships by means of service plans etc. There is something amiss in that respect. Does the Taoiseach believe it right and ethically correct for an organisation like Rehab to pay a director to lobby Departments?

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