Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Fianna Fáil supports the Independent Senators' motion. It is worthwhile that the Seanad would debate the issue today. I had two guests from County Meath in the restaurant at lunch time. I walked from the restaurant back to my office and I met two lobbyists along the way. I greeted them. They are nice people. I have no problem with them. The situation did not just start with this Government. That is just the way it is. They walk around the corridors and they seems to have open access. I pointed out to one official previously that a number of lobbyists were walking around the corridors. I inquired how they have free access to the Oireachtas. I was told that Members sign them in. That seems to be the rule, that we can sign in anyone we like and they have free access to the Houses. That must stop now. We can stop it. We do not need legislation to do it. Why should individual lobbyists have access to the House on the say of a Member? It is about time we published the list of who is visiting the Houses.