Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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76. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when he plans to publish legislation to amend the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54953/21]

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, the Taoiseach announced a review of the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015 (the Act) in September 2020. My Department’s comprehensive review of the Act concluded in early summer 2021 and the Government approved the preparation of the heads of a General Scheme to amend the Act in July.

The Heads are close to finalisation and will be brought to Government for consideration. Government approval will be sought for publication of the General Scheme and priority drafting.

My Department is in the process of early constructive engagement with the Office of the Attorney General to identify and mitigate legal issues which may arise in amending legislation in this complex policy area.

The proposals to amend the Act will build on the existing strong legislative foundation and further strengthen Ireland’s lobbying laws. In particular, the purpose of the amendments will be to:

- Improve the operation and functionality of the Lobbying Register;

- Strengthen the existing legislation and its enforcement; and

- Make failure to comply with the post-term employment restrictions set out in section 22 of the Act a relevant contravention under the Act.