Introduction

The Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015 (no 5 of 2015) (the Act) was signed into law in March 2015, and commenced on 1 September 2015. The Regulation of Lobbying and Oireachtas (Allowances to Members) (Amendment) Act 2023 was passed into law in 22 June 2023. Most of the amendments will commence enforcement on 1 January 2024 with the remainder commencing enforcement on 1 June 2024.

Members of the Dáil, Members of the Seanad and Members of the European Parliament representing the Irish State are Designated Public Officials (see page 3 for an explanation of who these are). TDs, Senators and MEPs are not required to register or submit a return when lobbied. Their interactions when lobbied must be reported by the lobbyists in accordance with the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015. These guidelines have been drafted to ensure that TDs, Senators and MEPs understand how the system works, how they fit in to it and their part in supporting the effective implementation of the legislation.