New lobbying legislation comes into force

The Regulation of Lobbying Act (the “Act”) came into effect on the 1st September 2015 and introduces registration and disclosure requirements for those carrying out lobbying activities. The Act aims to make the process of lobbying more transparent and to publicly identify those communicating with the Government and senior civil and public servants on public policy matters.

The Act provides for the establishing and maintaining of a web-based register of persons who carry on lobbying activities and also provides restrictions and conditions on the taking up of certain employments by certain designated officials for a specified period of time where a possible conflict of interest arises. 

Now that the Act is in effect anyone carrying on lobbying activities will need to keep a record of these activities and submit them to the Register of Lobbying every four months. This information will need to be submitted to the Register within twenty one days after the end of each four month period. The first returns are due to be submitted to the register by the 21st January 2016. 

The Standard in Public Offices Commission will be the regulator of lobbying. It will oversee the implementation of the register, monitor compliance, provide guidance and assistance and investigate breaches of the Act. 

For more information on the Act, please contact Sean O'Donnell.c) Byrne Wllace