David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I suggest that Senator Ó Clochartaigh withdraw the amendment and re-enter it on Report Stage in a slightly different form with, for example, a cash limit. If it stated any lobbying activity costing more than €5,000, €10,000, €15,000, €100,000 or whatever, of course it would be another matter. Everybody knows that the big tobacco companies, the drinks sector and others use significant sums of money. Let us have it specified over a certain amount.

Where somebody is going to lobby a Minister, merely to discuss an issue, would he or she put in the bus fare? I do not see it as practical. I see it as having a, to use the awful phrase, chilling effect on lobbying. It would be nonsense if, for example, they had to produce receipts for the taxi and a sandwich they had in the bar.

When large sums are spent on lobbying, there may be some point in seeing that. I would agree with that. I would respectfully suggest that Senator Ó Clochartaigh withdraw the amendment and resubmit it with a certain reference to the substantial sums that could be involved, and anything over that should be recorded.