Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I am glad I managed to mention this before my time was up. Lobbying NAMA will be an offence. Similar provisions have not been in any previous Bill. It removes the role of Deputies and Senators, as it will be a criminal offence to lobby NAMA. We will be asked to make representations for projects or so on. I want Oireachtas Members to be excluded from this provision, especially those who are lobbying on behalf of their concerned constituents. That is not a question of lobbying. Rather, it is a question of making submissions to NAMA, but we would still be committing an offence. We could not be pursued if we made our cases here, given parliamentary privilege, which the Cathaoirleach would defend. If we have a case to make to NAMA, we must do so in the House under parliamentary privilege. While I am prepared to do so, I would prefer it if Members of the Oireachtas or the European Parliament who were carrying out their responsibilities on behalf of constituents were not liable for offences if they made cases.

I could say more about the Bill, but I commend it to the House and wish it success.