Lobbying Reform

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 February 2023

Wednesday, 22 February 2023

Ceisteanna (34)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

34. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Taoiseach 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; and if it is intended to issue directions as to the appropriateness of such involvement in these bodies. [9078/23]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

The Department currently has no senior staff on the boards of bodies registered for lobbying purposes.

Staff are required to abide by the Civil Service Code of Standards which states “Civil servants may not at any time engage in, or be connected with, any outside business or activity which would in any way conflict with the interests of their Departments/Offices, or be inconsistent with their official positions, or tend to impair their ability to carry out their duties as civil servants."