Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 April 2021
674. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Social Protection the details of the bodies and advisory structures under the aegis of her Department which are subject to the transparency code; if all such bodies and advisory structures are abiding by the provisions of the code; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22160/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department adheres to the policy and principles of open government. Designated Officials under the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015 are listed here:
https://www.gov.ie/en/organisation-information/73a5e7-regulation-of-lobbying-act-2015/
A critical element of public policy formulation is the availability to Ministers of expertise, skills and knowledge from persons outside of the public service. Often, this process is formalised by the establishment of a task force, working group, etc., to focus on a particular policy issues.
Given the importance and value of the work carried out by such groups in terms of the promotion of economic and social priorities, it is essential that the incentive for all key stakeholders to participate in and engage with such work is fully supported. These bodies must adhere to a transparency code established under Section 5(7) of the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015 by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. This means that the relevant bodies must adhere to standards of transparency in the Code.
There are two such bodies under the aegis of the Department. As per the Transparency Code, the Labour Market Advisory Council publishes agendas, minutes and relevant documents here:
https://www.gov.ie/en/organisation-information/c4ef43-agendas-minutes-and-associated-documents-labour-market-advisory-coun/
The Pensions Commission also adheres to the Transparency Code. Information about its activities is published here:
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c72c6-the-commissions-work/
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
