Standards in Public Office Commission submissions to first legislative review of lobbying legislation
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Standards in Public Office Commission submissions to first legislative review of lobbying legislation

12/12/2016

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With the Regulation of Lobbying Act (“The Act”) having been commenced on 1st September 2015, the first legislative review is now underway. The review provides an opportunity to assess the operation of the legislation and for interested bodies to provide submissions on amendments which may be deemed necessary.

The requirement for a legislative review arises from Section 2[1] of the Act. Section 2 requires that the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (the “Minister”) should carry out a review of the operation of the Act and make a report to each House of the Oireachtas of his findings.

The legislation mandates that the review should include consulting with the Standards in Public Office Commission (“the Commission”) and relevant stakeholders, where appropriate. In the context of the first legislative review, the Commission has made submissions to the Minister, identifying the following key areas as requiring amendment:

  • Definitions within the Act
  • Operation of the Act
  • Enforcement powers within the Act
  • Miscellaneous Provisions

Whilst the submissions are premised with a recognition that the Act appears to be operating well, detailed recommendations are made in respect of the amendments required in these areas. The recommendations ultimately adopted by the Minister will be followed with interest.

A link to previous McDowell Purcell blogs relating to the regulation of lobbying can be accessed here.

Authors: James Roddy and Lyn McCarthy