Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I will take that on board; it is no problem. I thank the Cathaoirleach Gníomhach. The programme for Government also commits to extend the lobbying register so the lobbying of senior officials in bodies like the Central Bank of Ireland, ComReg, the National Transport Authority and the HSE that have significant policymaking or development functions will need to be reported on on the same basis as central and local government. No action has yet been taken on this issue.

We need to see why the Government declined so many of the recommendations of the report of the finance committee. We need to understand those reasons well. I also hope the Government will allow sufficient time on Committee Stage to thoroughly interrogate this Bill and deal with our amendments. I hope there will be no attempt to rush this Bill through, as it is far too important. I look forward to the Minister of State's response explaining why the Government has declined to make this Bill as strong as it needs to be.