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

Deputy Shortall's amendment is a positive one, and I take on board what she said about smaller parties having the ability to engage. That is a valid point. If she pursues it, I will follow that with interest. The amendment, which will require the gathering of more information with regard to details of payments received or fees charged, could be very helpful and it would be interesting to be able to look at it from a departmental point of view and see whether, within certain Departments or in regard to particular legislation, there was a specific interest in the fees charged. That can only assist with democracy and with looking at the types of lobbying that are conducted. Of course, that is something to which we are looking to keep a closer eye through the passage of the Bill. It is welcome that we are again dealing with this issue, given we looked at it in great detail on Committee Stage with the Minister. It is also a topic to which a Bill I brought forward relates.

Deputy Shortall’s other point on the lobbying that can be done by former Members is valid. It is a matter we discussed in committee. It was covered in my Bill, and the pre-legislative scrutiny report produced by our committee indicated it should be considered. It was agreed that where former Members are engaging in lobbying activity, we should look at that access issue. We have been debating it since the beginning of our discussions with a view to strengthening the Bill, and it is very important. I have written to the Ceann Comhairle about the matter and will follow up on it with him. It is unfortunate that amendment No. 1 could not be moved, but when it comes to lobbying and access, we need to examine carefully the fact former Members have a different type of access from that of other people and whether that constitutes fair situation. I would argue that is not the case and that, in the context of lobbying, we need to be as transparent and clear as possible and ensure it will be in line with the provisions of the Bill.

There is a great deal of merit to the amendment. Having more information on the details of payments and fees charged can only be of benefit for lobbying and democracy itself. I will support the amendment.

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