Written answers

Thursday, 2 July 2015

Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

Ministerial Meetings

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

89. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide, in tabular form, the number of requests for meetings he has received from private, external, non-State-funded lobby groups; the number of meetings he has held with these groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26705/15]

Photo of Brendan HowlinBrendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy will appreciate, in view of the range of my remit as Minister I receive representations, including requests for meetings from a broad range of sources, including members of the Oireachtas, local and voluntary groups and private individuals and companies.

While my Office does not maintain a register of all such requests for meetings or invitations received, I can advise the Deputy that during 2014 I have attended some 150 meetings with a variety of individuals and groups, including some 18 meetings or so with representatives of those bodies under the aegis of my Department and other public representatives.  These figures would not include informal unscheduled meetings that might arise from time to time.

The Deputy will be aware that the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015 has recently been enacted by the Oireachtas and will commence on 1 September 2015.  The Act provides that the Standards in Public Office Commission (the Standards Commission) will establish and maintain an online register of lobbying and oversee compliance with the legislative provisions.  The purpose of the register will be to make information available to the public on the identity of those communicating with designated public officials.  Persons lobbying will have to register with the Standards Commission and will be required to submit returns on their lobbying activities.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.