Rónán Mullen (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I think the Senator is being dismissive. It is relevant because this Bill amends the Health Act. That is a cheap shot and a weak Government reproach, instead of dealing with the substance of what I am bringing up, which is important. This might enlighten the Senator. Under the Electoral (Amendment) (Political Funding) Act 2012, any political party which does not produce audited accounts for a given year will get no funding from the State for the following year. Why should the same not apply to lobby groups funded by the HSE? The Senator should understand that as a politician. It is simply a case of sauce for the goose being sauce for the gander. The legislative bar on funding political parties that fail to file audited accounts should extend to all bodies in receipt of State funding, with appropriate discretion for leeway caused by delays of a few months which occur in the normal course of events. Bringing this about would require simple amendments to sections 38 and 39 of the 2004 Act, which this Bill also amends. This is the relevant point in respect of Senator Davitt's query. I wonder if the Minister of State could express a view on this? Does she agree that no group or organisation should be in receipt of significant State funding without being in full compliance with basic company law requirements? Would she support such amendments if I brought them forward to this Bill?