Vol. 557 No. 1
316 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of lobby groups or public relations firms he or his Department has met with to discuss issues of impending legislation since the formation of the Government; the issues on which they lobbied; if this resulted in changes or amendments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21646/02]
My Department has met with a large number of groups in connection with proposals contained in the Education for Persons with Disabilities Bill and is continuing to meet with these group at the moment. I have also sought the views of interested parties on this Bill by placing advertisements in the national press inviting submissions on the Bill. To date, views from 26 groups have been received.
An approach of widespread consultation on legislative proposals has long been the policy of my Department. These consultations are often reflected in amendments to legislation, both during its initial drafting and over the course of its passage through the Houses of the Oireachtas. no public relations firm has been consulted or involved in this process.
