Mary Lou McDonald
Ceist:51. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when he intends to publish the Regulation of Lobbying Bill. [39877/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 20 September 2012
Ceisteanna (51)
Freagraí scríofa
A consultation process was carried out by my Department earlier this year, based on the broad OECD principles, to inform the development of proposals for lobbying regulation in Ireland. Following this process policy proposals were published drawing on the outcome of the consultation.
A public seminar was then held in early July to discuss the proposals, following which a further consultation phase on lobbying took place focusing on some specific issues. This phase has recently concluded. A General Scheme of a Bill is currently being drafted by my Department and I intend to bring this Scheme to Government as soon as possible. Subject to the views of Government, I would anticipate that the General Scheme will be published and sent to the Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform for their consideration.
I expect to be in a position to publish the Bill following careful consideration of the views of the Joint Oireachtas Committee received on the legislative proposals and the drafting of the Bill by the Office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel in due course.