Vol. 557 No. 1
438 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the number of lobby groups or public relations firms he or his Department has met 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. [21652/02]
I and my Department routinely engage with various interested parties and groups to discuss proposals across a range of areas, including proposals for legislative review. Contacts with public relations firms may infrequently arise as part of this process. It would not be practicable to detail all occasions or circumstances in which discussions of this kind may arise.
As Minister for the Environment and Local Government, I have to date sponsored two Bills, which have been enacted: the Electoral Amendment Act 2002 and the Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Performance of Certain Functions) Act 2002.
I am not aware of any changes or amendments arising from consultations such as referred to in the question either in relation to these enactments or to any of the Bills under my Department's sponsorship currently listed in the Government's legislation programme for the autumn Parliamentary session 2002.
