Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In general I am talking about lobbyists, but I am unsure as to how one would exclude anyone from this measure. Most visitors will not be of interest.

We support this Bill, but FOI is already there and will continue. We are glad that the Government has made significant changes to this Bill in the Dáil. We will be putting down more amendments.

It is a pity the next Stage is less than a week away and we have little time in which to table amendments. This Bill has been knocking around for quite some time, certainly since it was passed eventually by the Dáil in July. The Seanad should have a little more time to deliberate on it, given the significant changes to this Bill in the Dáil. Perhaps we can perfect this Bill and make it the best it can be. The Government will benefit from that, as would the public and the Oireachtas.