Tom Shehan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister. I agree with Senator Byrne that it is about time the Bill was passed. As the Minister acknowledged, some tweaking will be required as the legislation will be not deal appropriately with every vested interest from the outset.
Will a charge be applied for registration? If so, will a fee scale apply? In other words, will fees be charged on a pro ratabasis in the sense that small organisations will not have to pay the same fee as a professional lobbyist who charges clients substantial sums?
While discussing the Bill with colleagues, an issue arose concerning access by lobbyists from outside the jurisdiction and the possibility that large organisations here could use large public relations companies or consultants from outside the State to lobby on their behalf. Does the Minister have any fears in that regard?
Once organisations and individuals have been accredited by means of a licence or register, all those who are asked to meet lobbyists should ask for evidence of registration. Public representatives are contacted by people representing a wide range of sectors in society and one assumes they will be registered. I welcome the provisions regarding the Irish Farmers Association and other relevant bodies. As the Minister stated, the IFA has committees and chairmen in every county and public representatives frequently meet their local IFA representatives, whether at a mart, in a shop or elsewhere. These types of contacts should not be treated in the same manner as contacts with organisations which are seeking increased expenditure in one or other area.
As Senator Byrne stated, the lobbying industry may flourish after the legislation is introduced. In certain towns, a person seeking a divorce will emerge as the loser if he or she does not hire a particular lawyer. Similarly, I am afraid that an organisation seeking a change in Government policy will need to use a particular lobbyist if it is to have any success. Does the Minister understand the point I am making?