Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 January 2016
12. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Finance the number of representations made to him in 2015 by representatives and lobbyists from all sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1317/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will appreciate that in view of my remit as Minister for Finance, I receive a large volume of representations from a broad range of sources, including private individuals, representative groups, companies, and local and voluntary groups covering a wide range of policy areas including, for example, financial services, taxation and fiscal policy. In 2015 almost 5000 records of correspondence were created. This includes approximately 1,370 representations from TDs and Senators, including pre-budget submissions, and representations transferred to Revenue and other Departments.
The Deputy may wish to note that the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015 provides for the establishment and maintenance of a publicly accessible register of lobbying. The purpose of the register is to make information available to the public on the identity of those communicating with Designated Public Officials. Under the Act, lobbyists who have registered with the Standards Commission must, by 21 January 2016, have provided the Standards Commission on lobbying activities engaged in during the period 1 September 2015 to 31 December 2015. The register can be accessed at http://www.lobbying.ie.
