Feargal Quinn (Independent)

-----before a Bill on it is introduced because when it is introduced, particularly if it is introduced in the Dáil, it will be very difficult to get changes made afterwards, regardless of how convincing an argument we make. There is a need for a debate on lobbyists and how we regulate them.

A former Minister with responsibility for the health portfolio, Mary Harney, told me some years ago that she could not get over the number of quangos that reported to the Department and she found on occasion that two different lobbyists, from the same town but representing two different organisations, would get in touch to arrange appointments with the Minister. It seems outrageous there are so many quangos reporting to Departments, which I am sure are being supported in some form or other by State money, and which each employ their own lobbyists.

If we are to address the generation of lobbyists, let us ensure we have a discussion on lobbyists in this House before the legislation is introduced because it is difficult to get changes made afterwards. The points on lobbying made by Senators Crown, Mullen and Conway are exactly right. We can and must do something about it. However, there are occasions when lobbying is very acceptable, something Senator Mullen touched on, and that is fine as long as the lobbying is done above board and there is clarity and openness about it. We should have a discussion on that before we introduce legislation.