Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Nash for those points. The direct issue which has been raised in these priority questions concerns section 22 and the fact that a breach of that section is a breach of a statutory provision in the Act, but it is not currently sanctionable. I believe that is an issue which requires change. In working on this issue in recent weeks, I have gone back to look at why there was no provision for that within the legislation originally. I have seen remarks from the then Minister, Deputy Howlin, when he brought in this legislation.

He stated at the time:

The imposition of restriction on post-term employment as a lobbyist on relevant designated public officials must be proportionate and practical because people have constitutional rights. One of the most difficult things is to narrow or circumscribe people's right to work, which is what this provision does.

Advice was given at that time by the then Attorney General. I have gone back and looked at that advice, and I have got my own advice as well. I am working my way through that now. We want to have a scenario where people can come into politics or public service, and then leave politics or public service and carry on with their careers. That must not be in a manner, however, where one day a person can be lobbied and then the next day he or she can be the lobbyist in respect of the people for whom he or she worked for previously. That is not something which I want to see happen and I am committed to addressing that situation.

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