Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 April 2018
454. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if under the lobbyist register it is expected that calls from lobbyists are recorded; if this is the practice in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17996/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015 designates the Standards in Public Office Commission (SIPO) as the Registrar of Lobbying. The Commission maintains the web-based Register of Lobbying, which monitors compliance, provides guidance and assistance and, where necessary, investigates and pursues breaches of legal requirements.
Anyone engaging in lobbying activities from 1 September 2015 is required to keep a record of these activities and submit them to the on-line Register within 21 days after the end of each four month period. The obligation is with the lobbyist to register and submit appropriate returns.
Under Section 6(4) of the Act, my Department provides an up to date list of designated public officials on the Department’s website. That web page also contains a link to the Register of Lobbying www.lobbying.ie, where the lobbyists’ obligations are explained.
The SIPO Lobbying Register is reviewed by my Department every 4 months and a list of lobbyist contacts with this Department is circulated to the Management Board for information.
