NEW rules governing access to the European Parliament by lobbyists are expected to be introduced this week.
Parliament yesterday considered a report by the British Socialist MEP, Mr Glynn Ford, which aims to control the activities of the hundreds of lobbyists representing commercial and political interests as well as MEPs' assistants.
The latter often act as lobbyists by using the access their status gives them to all areas of the parliament.
Mr Ford's report is designed to establish a code of conduct for lobbyists. Under the rules a register will be maintained listing lobbyists and their interests.
It will also draw a distinction between registered assistants working exclusively for an MEP and those who combine working for an MEP with other interests.
To be registered, lobbyists must state the interest or interests they represent; refrain from any action designed to obtain information dishonestly; refrain from claiming any formal relationship with the European Parliament when dealing with third parties, and from circulating for profit documents obtained from the Parliament.
Every year registered lobbyists will have to submit a report on activities carried out with the aim of influencing decision making in the European Parliament. Passes will be withdrawn if any rules are breached.
Dublin MEP Ms Mary Banotti, said the proposals were long overdue. The degree of access to the Parliament by lobbyists was now out of control", she said.
Lobbyists for alternative medicine, the pharmaceutical industry, telecommunications industry and even Iranian revolutionaries were the most persistent and active, she added. Lobbyists' activities had burgeoned after the Single European Act was passed when they realised the growing importance and influence of the parliament, Ms Banotti said.
The monthly plenary session of the Parliament in Strasbourg is a favourite time for lobbying. While lobbyists also operate in Brussels - frequently lobbying other EU institutions - MEPs are not always as captive a group in Brussels as in Strasbourg.
The rules also impinge on MEPs and their relationship with the growing number of lobbyists.
MEPs will be forbidden from accepting gifts or other benefits from lobbyists. Former MEPs are not exempt, and the rules remind them that they have responsibilities as well under codes of behaviour.