Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I do not disagree with the Minister's concern to ensure he does not cause a logjam or a completely unreasonable set of burdens, particularly for voluntary organisations.

I take his point about, for example, the IFA and the farmer who is a member of that organisation making a representation. I think that is fair enough.

However, I hope the Minister recognises the counterpoint to that which is the possibility of some, using this practice of AstroTurf-ing to sidestep the legislation in a bogus way. The Minister has made the point well. This is new legislation introducing a new regime and a new level of transparency. I have no doubt there will be some resistance and kickback from some quarters and in others perhaps valiant attempts to sidestep the legislation.

I know the Minister will not accept the amendment at this stage, but I hope he takes the point that has been made as a serious point to be to the forefront and to have some capacity to review whether that has happened. The Minister should give some consideration to that.

I remain unconvinced by the Minister's arguments against my amendment No. 17. Far be it from any of us to impose onerous burdens on anyone, but we are not asking anyone to split the atom here. It is a process of registration and then registering communications. It is not rocket science. If the system, itself, is efficient and lean, that should relieve any concerns over onerous administrative burdens.

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