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

I move amendment No. 59:

In page 15, to delete lines 10 to 39, to delete page 16, and in page 17, to delete lines 1 to 7.

We discussed this on Committee Stage along with other issues. I see no valid reason to protect from public scrutiny lobbying of public officials with respect to public policy, legislative or funding decisions on the basis of adverse effect on the financial interests of the State, business interests generally - so-called - or particularly, or potential material financial loss to, or prejudice to the competitive position of, or contractual negotiations engaged in by, the lobbyist or his or her client. If the Minister is concerned to protect those various interests, the provision in the Bill should have been drawn much more narrowly. As it stands, one could drive a coach through this loophole. It suggests a level of secrecy in the form of delayed public scrutiny, which is not wise. The legislation aims to change all of that culture of secrecy and a closed atmosphere around this activity which, as the Minister has said correctly, is an entirely legitimate one and a legitimate part of the political and democratic process. I note the Minister’s amendment that is grouped with this one but I hope he has heard what I am saying. I think he has the essence of my concern.

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