Jillian van Turnhout (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 40:

In page 12, between lines 11 and 12, to insert the following:"(2) Inclusion in the Register established under this Section shall not be construed by any Minister of the Government or any public body as extinguishing or limiting or otherwise affecting in a negative manner the entitlement of any person or body so included to apply for or to be considered for any of the matters referred to in section 5(9)(c).".

I have been in communication with the Minister since Second Stage in relation to this amendment, about which I will speak briefly. I have tabled it to ensure we are all absolutely clear about the intentions of this Bill. I was surprised to read an article in today's The Irish Timesin which one of my colleagues suggested that this Bill could promote a culture of secrecy. I think the exact opposite. I suggest it was unhelpful, to say the least. A former US Supreme Court Justice, Louis Brandeis, once said that sunlight is the best disinfectant. I think that is what this lobbying Bill is about. I want to ensure businesses, civil society, non-governmental organisations and others have equality of access to our politicians and officials. It is something on which I pride myself, as a Member of the Legislature here in Ireland. I remember being involved in youth work at European level as a young person in my 20s. I looked at the excellent access we have in Ireland to our public officials, our Legislature and our politicians. We want to ensure it is done transparently and openly and not in such a way that anything is done behind the scenes. My understanding is that the intention of this Bill is to ensure we change that culture. Only so much can be done by legislation. As Senators and Deputies, we have a role in supporting the cultural shift that is also needed.

I have tabled this amendment because there is a concern that appearing on the register of lobbyists will have a negative impact in terms of perception. I do not want to speak for the Minister, but I know we are trying to ensure lobbying is not a bad word. I believe we engage in lobbying because we care, we want to see change and we want to advocate for change. If people are engaged, that is something positive. I often think that if people say nothing, perhaps they do not care. We want to ensure people can lobby. I do not want organisations that are on the register of lobbyists to be disqualified in some way from consideration for grants. If this legislation discourages people from getting involved, it will be counterproductive. I would like the Minister to give the House a clear statement on the intention of the Bill in respect of the amendment I have tabled. If we are in agreement, I hope the Minister, who spoke earlier about the communications strategy, can clearly instruct his ministerial colleagues and the public bodies that grants and lobbying are not to be linked. I do not think they should be linked. One should not be prohibited from getting a grant just because one is on a lobbying register. Both activities should be done in full transparency and openness. I am not asking for any secrecy. We should not say that one excludes the other. That is my intention in proposing this amendment.