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

As I mentioned, since I have been elected - but I am not saying that the two things coincide - we have seen public confidence damaged by the events surrounding golfgate, the case of a former Minister and with the recent leaking of a confidential document. All of these instances have had a real impact on public confidence in politics.

I am glad to hear that the Minister is genuinely concerned about the weaknesses in our lobbying legislation. My colleague, Deputy Pearse Doherty, and I will also bring forward a Bill which will give expression to many of the requests for extended powers that SIPO has made over many years with regard to lobbying. I hope the Minister will support that legislation. This country really needs a new departure when it comes to standards and ethics in public life. I believe that our Bill will be the first step on that journey.

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