The Government has no plans to set up a code of conduct for political lobbyists, the Dáil heard today.
Fine Gael said there was general public support for an ethics framework for people who try to influence legislation on behalf of special interest groups.
One of the most famous political lobbyists, Frank Dunlop, admitted to the Mahon tribunal that he kept a stash of cash to bribe politicians to secure their support for land rezoning decisions.
Deputy Fine Gael leader Richard Bruton today said in the Dáil: "What are the Government's proposals in relation to this? [the registration of lobbyists] Are they supportive of a voluntary or statutory register?"
Tánaiste Michael McDowell, who was representing the Taoiseach, said: "There is no intention at this stage to introduce lobbyist legislation."