Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

In view of the fact that the SIPO is being granted certain powers under the Bill, I believe it is relevant.

The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Brendan Howlin, has stated his intention "to strengthen the degree of openness and scope for public scrutiny of the interactions and engagements between all sectors of society with the political and administrative systems. This legislation will allow the wider public to reach informed evidence-based judgments about the extent to which different interest groups are accessing key decision makers across the political and public service systems." Members of the Government have previously expressed such sentiments in even harsher and more combative tones. In 2011, not too long after coming to office and in the context of the findings of the Moriarty tribunal, the Taoiseach stated he would "sever the links between politics and business once and for all and, in so doing, achieve three fundamental goals: stop the further pollution of our society; re-establish a moral code and order regarding public life; and, through that, restore public confidence in politics and government." In view of recent episodes and what we have learned of late, these words seem to ring hollow.

Later in 2011, instead of cutting the links between politics and business, the Taoiseach seemed to strengthen them when he and the Government invited Mr. Denis O'Brien to attend the Global Ireland Forum. This is the same Mr. Denis O'Brien whom the Moriarty tribunal revealed had made a series of payments-----

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