Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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176. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of meetings requested by private external lobby groups and the number of meetings held, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43604/15]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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In response to the Deputy's question I receive representations and requests for meetings from a broad range of sources, including members of the Oireachtas, local and voluntary groups, 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 2015 I have attended over seventy meetings with a variety of individuals and groups, including meetings with representatives of those bodies under the aegis of my Department and other public representatives. These figures would not include informal unscheduled meetings that may arise from time to time. 

The Deputy will be aware that the Regulation of Lobbying Act commenced 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 are required to register with the Standards Commission and are required to submit returns on their lobbying activities. This register is available to the public and can be viewed on . Lobbying activity carried out during the period 1 September 2015 to 31 December 2015 must be returned by 21 January 2016.