Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
545. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number and name of the groups he met each month to date in 2018 which fall under the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33708/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015 designates the Standards in Public Office Commission (SIPO) as the Registrar of Lobbying. The Commission established and maintains the on-line register of lobbying and oversees compliance with the legislative provision.
Anyone engaging in lobbying activities from 1st 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. The Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015 does not set out any requirements for Designated Public Officials (DPOs) to register, submit returns, or validate information contained in the returns submitted by lobbyists.
Every 4 months, officials in my Department review all lobbying activity contained on the SIPO Lobbying Register in respect of DPOs within my Department and a list of lobbyist contacts is circulated to all DPOs within my Department for information.
