Major Irish lobbyists still not signed up to EU register
Issued : Tuesday 20 December, 2011
Nessa Childers MEP calls again on all major Irish lobbyists to sign up to the new EU lobbyists register, six months after its launch.
She said "The register is six months old now. It is time for all major Irish organisations lobbying in Brussels, such as IBEC and the IFA, who have not yet registered to now sign up. They have nothing to hide in their activities and so should declare what they are lobbying on and how much money they are spending on it.
"Many campaigners for better lobbying transparency in the EU, including myself, have watched closely which Irish organisations have signed up. I congratulate organisations such as Trocaire, the Irish Wind Energy Association, the Dublin Chamber of Commerce and the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association for signing up to the register.
"Brussels is the second biggest lobbying capital in the world, where 20 of the 50 biggest European firms haven't even been registered as lobbying, despite their very strong presence in Brussels. Many companies that are signed up have also declared ridiculously low budgets for their lobbying activities in the past, this must be changed.
"Since I have taken up my duties as an MEP last year, I have direct experience with the massive lobbying storm from big business. For example, I have been working to bring in a strict food and drinks labelling regime across Europe which will benefit the health of Irish consumers. However MEPs have received ten times more lobbying requests from business interests compared to health and consumer groups.
"The European Union needs input from all stakeholders when drawing up new legislation, but it must be absolutely transparent process."
Further info:
http://europa.eu/transparency-register/index_en.htm
http://www.nessachilders.ie/press/national/127203027312767394.html
