Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Minister will be aware that his predecessor conducted two reviews in respect of the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015 and found that no changes needed to be made, despite SIPO raising 22 amendments in 2016 and 2019.

SIPO clearly stated earlier this year that it was deeply disappointed by this and that it needs greater enforcement powers. I welcome that the Minister mentioned these powers. Realistically, in this year this matter really has come to a head. Public confidence is at an all-time low. We need to very clearly and categorically state that we are closing the door between Government and vested interests. It is extremely important that we to do this. Will the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform look at the previous recommendations from SIPO when making these amendments?

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