Under Section 25 of the HBFI Act, it is an offence to attempt to communicate, on behalf of another person (the “principal”), with HBFI, a HBFI group entity or a person providing services or advice to HBFI or a HBFI group entity with the intention of influencing the making of a decision in relation to the performance of the functions of HBFI or the HBFI group entity. This prohibition does not apply to a person acting in his or her capacity as (i) an adviser to the principal in relation to law, finance or the acquisition, disposal or development of land, (ii) an employee of the principal, or (iii) a shareholder of the principal or person otherwise exercising control over the principal, where the principal is a corporate entity.

A staff member, Board member of HBFI or other such person providing services or advice to HBFI is obliged to report any such attempt to a member of the Garda Síochána and failure to do so is itself an offence. A person who commits an offence under Section 25 of the HBFI Act shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine of up to €1,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or both.