Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 November 2018
603. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the policy on the need for note taking when Ministers and-or Ministers of State meet business and other leaders; the way in which this policy is outlined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46494/18]
View answerIt is standard procedure within my Department (and in line with good practice as set out in the Register of Lobbying’s published Guidance for Designated Public Officials) to maintain good record keeping habits and to note important communications regarding official business and to take notes of meetings.
Notes of meetings held by me or my Department’s Ministers of State with persons who may come within the definition of lobbyist under the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015 are to be taken using an agreed template. An Office Notice was issued to all officials and Designated Public Officials in my Department outlining the arrangements in relation to recording Ministers’ meetings with lobbyists and is readily available to all staff on my Department’s intranet.
