Lobbying Reform

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 February 2023

Wednesday, 22 February 2023

Ceisteanna (203)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

203. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice the number of senior staff members of his Department or of State bodies under the aegis of his Department who are also on the boards of bodies registered for lobbying purposes under the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015, or on the board of bodies which have had to disclose that they engaged in lobbying State authorities; if it is intended to issue directions as to the appropriateness of such involvement in these bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9074/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will be aware, my Department is required to publish a list of staff who are Designated Public Officials (DPO) under Section 6(4) of the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015.

The purpose of the Act is to provide for a web-based Register of Lobbying to make information available to the public on the identity of those communicating with designated public officials on specific policy, legislative matters or prospective decisions. There are 29 senior staff published on this list under my Department or bodies under its aegis. Agencies under the remit of my department are aware of their obligations to comply with the Act.

The Department does not have visibility of the membership of all boards but is satisfied that senior officials in the Department are aware of their obligations under the Regulation of Lobbying Act, Ethics in Public Office Act 1995 and the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour.