Brendan Howlin
Ceist:25 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government if he plans to introduce legislation to control or regulate political lobbying; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23595/03]
Adjournment Debate. - Proposed Legislation.
A comprehensive new ethics framework for local authority members and staff was brought into operation on 1 January 2003. This framework will be reinforced further by separate statutory codes of conduct for staff and members of local authorities which are being prepared in my Department, and drafts should be available later this year. Against this background, it is intended to examine the question of the regulation or control of lobbyists which may require further legislation.