Standards Commission pleased with levels of compliance for first returns under Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015

High levels of compliance for those required to register and to submit returns of lobbying activities for period 1 September – 31 December 2015

Friday 29 January 2016: The first reporting deadline for those lobbying designated public officials took place on Thursday 21 January 2016. Those who undertook any lobbying during the period of 1 September – 31 December 2015 were required to register and submit returns of their lobbying activity on the online Register of Lobbying by the deadline.

As of midnight on 21 January, more than 1,100 organisations and individuals had registered, and 2,550 returns had been submitted to the Register.

The Chairman of the Standards in Public Office Commission, Mr. Justice Daniel O’Keeffe, said “We are very pleased with the level of compliance achieved in this first returns period. The information available on the Register provides the Irish public with unprecedented insight into the role that lobbying plays in shaping policy and funding decisions. The overall level of compliance is a very positive indicator that there is an acceptance of the need for openness and transparency in lobbying.”

Ireland’s first Head of Lobbying Regulation, Sherry Perreault, said “It is clear that the work we have done and continue to do in building awareness and understanding of the Regulation of Lobbying Act has been effective. We now look to maintain our momentum as the next returns period, from 1 January to 30 April, is underway. We will continue to develop and refine education and information tools in order to promote knowledge and understanding of the Act”.

The Register is overseen by the Standards in Public Office Commission, and may be viewed at www.lobbying.ie.  The website, which includes the online register, also has a suite of information tools designed to help lobbyists, designated public officials and the public to fully understand the Act and its obligations.

Ends

For further information please contact:

Lobbying Regulation Unit
Standards in Public Office Commission
6 Earlsfort Terrace
Dublin 2

Tel: 01 639 5722
E-mail: info@lobbying.ie
Website: www.lobbying.ie
Twitter: @LobbyingIE

Background:
On 1 September 2015, the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015 commenced, and with it, the requirement for those who lobby designated public officials to register and report on their lobbying activities every four months.  Information submitted to the Register is available for public inspection at www.lobbying.ie.