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

I assure the House that SIPO will be given the resources it requires to operate this regime. This is a very important reform. This legislation has been introduced by me because there was a gap in enforcement provisions relating to section 22. We are now dealing with that. The recommendation from the Department was to opt for civil and administrative sanctions, for a variety of reasons. That is what we are giving effect to in this legislation. The officials are working very well with those in SIPO to make sure they can operate this effectively. I am satisfied they can.

It will be very public if somebody is in breach of the section 22 post-term employment restrictions and the subject of sanctions. If one has to go before the Circuit Court, it is a matter of public record. The significant financial penalty and prohibition from lobbying for up to two years comprise a very serious matter for any individual in these circumstances. This legislation will help to prevent it from happening.

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