Caít Keane (Fine Gael)

The comments may have been factual, but there is not a register for lobbyists or anything else. Many people have pleaded ignorance here on account of being only a short time in the House. The Minister of State should also been given due process as she was only a new Deputy at the particular time.

I have a question for the Minister on lobbying. Has the Department reconsidered the distinction between "paid" and "unpaid" lobbyists for the purpose of registration? It should consider the possibility that this could leave a legal loophole for lobbyists acting on behalf of large corporate or private interests. I know the issue of "paid" versus "unpaid" lobbyists does not affect this Bill because it concerns Oireachtas Members only, but it is a serious question.