Lorraine Clifford Lee (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

At this stage I can nearly pre-empt what he will do but that is all right. I have prepared for this debate and I know exactly what Fianna Fáil did in this area. When Fianna Fáil was in government we introduced a comprehensive series of measures to ensure the highest ethical standards are maintained. I will outline a couple of those if I can. The objective of the white collar crime Bill, which we published, could not be achieved in 2011 because the Dáil was dissolved. We also published the register of lobbyists Bill 2012, measures to limit spending by local election candidates in 2009, the Civil Service code of standards and behaviours in 2004, the Standards in Public Office Act 2001, the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act 2001, the code of practice for employees of local authorities in 2001, the Local Government Act 2001, the Local Elections (Disclosure of Donations and Expenditure) Act 1999 and the political donations Bill was also published in 2011.Fianna Fáil has a proud record of acting in this area, and I am glad to see Fine Gael is finally bringing some legislation before the House. I can see Senator Conway filling with glee and writing his response in his head, but I just wanted to put on the record of the House the proud tradition Fianna Fáil has in dealing with this issue. Fianna Fáil will support the Bill. We are very happy it is before the House.