Locations
The obligation for lobbyists to register their activities with the new lobbying regulator commenced on 1 September 2015. Any lobbying activity which occurs after this date must be registered with the Register of Lobbying though the returns to be made every four months.
Ms Sherry Perreault, the Head of Lobbying Regulation, noted: “The commencement of this legislation is an important milestone in enhancing transparency in Irish public life. Through the online register of lobbying, the public will have greater access to information about how decisions on policy, legislation and funding are informed and made”
The Standards in Public Office Commission, which is responsible for the Register of Lobbying, has established a dedicated website at www.lobbying.ie. Information on the website includes a Quick Guide and a “Three Step Test” to help people identify if they are covered under the new obligations.