Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It used to be WikiLeaks. SIPO needs to be given more power. It has power to regulate. As Members of the House, we make returns to it, as do councillors and public representatives. In fairness to SIPO, I have met it with my group and it has given us advice and a better understanding. I do not know how many years it is in place, but it did not exist when I was first elected. It is important to meet with SIPO, which it is willing to do. I thank the officials from SIPO for coming in, meeting with us and explaining its role and remit and legislation it is implementing which we were not sure about. We had to make sure of that. It is necessary to have the resources to police the system.

I wish the Minister and the Department well with the Bill. I hope that groups such as Transparency International are listening. I know they are not elected to any parliament, but we must listen to them as well. We should consult widely and try to put the legislation in place. I will not mention any names, but others did. Reference was made to former Members of the House going from Departments to lobbying roles pretty much immediately. That is anathema to me. As far as I am concerned it should be a minimum of at least three year as a bottom line but five years would be preferable. I wish the Minister well with the Bill. Go n-éirí go geal leis.

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