Alan Farrell (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if new proposals being drawn for lobbying legislation and a register of lobbyists will contain information on resources and methods used by lobbying groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54260/12]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the fundamental objective of the commitment contained in the Programme for Government is to introduce a statutory register of lobbying. My Department has engaged in extensive consultation over the past 12 months with stakeholders. I published a policy paper in July setting out my broad policy proposals and am currently preparing the General Scheme of a Bill which I hope to circulate to Government Departments shortly for their observations. While final decisions have not yet been taken on the Bill, it is my intention that the legislation will be balanced ensuring appropriate transparency in relation to lobbying activity while seeking to minimise the administrative burden on registrants. Subject to Government agreement, it is my intention to submit the General Scheme of the Bill to the Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform Committee before finalising the text of the Bill.