David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

That is helpful and I thank the Minister.
Returning to voluntary or paid organisations, what about the Iona Institute? The Standards in Public Office Commission, SIPO, is referred to but it failed completely to get the Iona Institute to register and failed to get any information on its sourcing or membership. We need to know a lot more about the Iona Institute, which is such a powerful force for such a tiny group of people. Where is the finance coming from? Why is it on every radio and television station? The institute is everywhere and it is madness. A letter in The Irish Timesreferred to this point, namely, not being able to switch on a radio or television without seeing someone from the Iona Institute.
Section 14 is important because it provides for delayed publication where it would have a serious adverse effect on the financial interests of the State, which is fair enough. The national economy is also fair enough but the section also applies to private business interests. The tobacco and drinks lobbyists have been referred to but I have no difficulty in adversely affecting them financially. In fact, I would have thought that is the aim of the Government to stop smoking as far as possible. It seems perfectly legitimate to me but this section provides an escape route. The Minister is indicating that it is not the case and I will be interested to read later what he says in reply. This seems to be an escape route for the lobby.
The explanatory memorandum states that the Bill allows for the development of a code of conduct by SIPO but surely that should have been there. If SIPO was charged with this, I do not see why it does not have it already. It is such a fundamental part of the Bill that it should be included. Without a code of conduce, the Bill is valueless. We need the code of conduct.
I very much welcome the section dealing with the development or zoning of land. It has vitiated Irish public life over the past decade.
Section 14(1)(a)(iii) provides for delayed publication if something adversely affects business interests generally or the business interests of any description of persons, and section 14(1)(b) refers to causing a material financial loss to the person to whom the information relates or prejudicing seriously the competitive position of that person in the conduct of the person’s occupation, profession or business or the outcome of any contractual or other negotiations being conducted by that person. This seems to open up the question of the tobacco and drinks lobbyists. I am concerned that there is a clear reason for it. If the tobacco people come in and say the Government's measures aimed at controlling smoking are adversely affecting the industry, it is clear and simple and the industry has a get-out clause and can apply for an exemption. I think that is straightforward but I think it is wrong.
I look forward to hearing the Minister's explanation for it but I am concerned about these areas. The code of conduct should be in the Bill and the question of an exit route for some the most damaging industries should be addressed.