Michael McDowell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Second, the drinks industry in Ireland, taken at its broadest, is an important economic activity. It would be very strange if it did not organise to lobby for its interests. Third - this is the point I wish to make most strongly - the lobbying the other way by State-sponsored bodies which are fully funded by the taxpayer has been much more intense. I can say with certainty that the number of emails, the literature and the pressure on Members of this House to support the Bill have been much more intense and it has been paid for mostly from the Exchequer indirectly. Various groups that receive grants from the Department of Health have been hammering away at this issue and screaming protests that others are lobbyists. I do not accept that proposition. There is something very strange about the fact that a load of people who are paid from the Exchequer to lobby us scream when it is suggested they-----