Coghlan warns against increased civil service secrecy once new lobbying legislation is enacted

Fine Gael Senator and Government Chief Whip in the Seanad, Senator Paul Coghlan has expressed concerns that the new legislation to reform lobbying in Ireland may lead to a new culture of secrecy within the civil service. Senator Coghlan expressed his concerns to Minister Howlin following the recent debate on the Registration of Lobbying Bill in Seanad Eireann.

Senator Coghlan, who has welcomed the Bill said that it is an important measure to enhance openness and transparency in political and public life. He commented that the Bill was born out of instances where so called lobbyists effectively acted as bagmen for clients.   He told the Seanad;

“It is important to distinguish proper lobbying activities by organisations and individuals from attempts to bribe, corrupt or compromise politicians or public officials. Such actions are illegal, repugnant to all and should be distinguished from genuine open and objective engagement between vested interests and the body politic.

“The new legislation could have the unintended consequence of closing off designated public officials to engagement with external vested interests for fear of being “listed” in the reports that groups, companies and organisations involved in lobbying will have to file with SIPO.

“It would be regrettable if a cautious desire to avoid the limelight of reportage actually led to the system of public administration clamming up and closing in on itself.   It would be important that this aspect is monitored closely to ensure that the intent and objective underpinning this important legislation does not lead to non-engagement with external groups and individuals, particularly among public servants.  

“Proper lobbying carried out in an open, respectful and lawful manner was an important part of a functioning democracy. Many laws, regulations and policy initiatives have been improved as a consequence of direct representations made by groups or individuals.

“There is a recognition across the political spectrum and, I trust, within the Civil Service that no politician or official has a monopoly of wisdom or experience on any particular area of policy or legislation. It is important, therefore, that the views of those who are directly impacted by initiatives emanating from the political system are adequately heard.

“Of course at the end of the day it is a matter for politicians and officials to make up their own minds on the relevant laws or policies being considered but usually our consideration of matters is improved following engagement with external groups and individuals as well as our own experience.

“I will be requesting the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to review the operation of the new regime and to assess if the levels of engagement by the civil service with external groups will in fact be diminished under the new regime.

“I can see how in light of the new legislation designated public officials might refuse to meet a group or individual for fear that the meeting might be perceived as having resulted in influence being exercised over a particular policy or decision.   This would be an ironic and counterproductive outcome if it occurred. This legislation is not about curtailing inputs to Government policy – but rather to enable us to see who is trying to influence key decisions.”