Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Acting Chairman says that we discussed them but, with respect, we did not.

My amendment deals with lobbying - a cause that is dear to the Minister's heart - where one considers that one has been damaged by the activities of lobbyists. That is what they are about and let there be no doubt about it. The lobbyist makes his client, the person himself or herself better off but who loses? Are there losers as a result of lobbying? I know that the Minister shall soon address the matter with legislation and I will strongly support him. Does the legislation strengthen his intention to deal with the activities of lobbyists? There are losers and that is why lobbyists engage in the activity. Do the losers have a right to lodge an appeal with the Ombudsman? Failed regulators damage people. We have probably discussed it but we have not discussed lobbying.

Public private partnerships can also damage people, yet they have managed to escape scrutiny on the basis that they are in some way confidential. Some of them were raised in the House, including confidential agreements on drug prices and tolls on motorways. I put those forward because the issues require scrutiny, particularly lobbying which is close to the Minister's heart. I am simply making suggestions. Does he think that they contain anything that he can use to prise open some activities and subject them to scrutiny? Is this the appropriate place to raise the matter? During the course of his political career he expressed an interest in such matters and that is why I raise them now. Is there a link?