The Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015 (the ‘Act’) came into effect on 1 September with the announcement that the Register of Lobbying is now a legal requirement. The aim of the Act is to bring transparency to the public in relation to communications made to Government and senior officials on matters of public policy. The body tasked with overseeing the implementation of the Act is the Standards in Public Office Commission.
Lobbyists are obliged to register with the Commission. The Act outlines a ‘three step test’ to determine whether a body is classified as a lobbyist. Once registered, lobbyists must make a return three times a year stating the type and extent of lobbying carried on, the names of the officials to whom communications were made and the subject matter of those communications. The Register of Lobbying will be publicly accessible and available online here.
Part 4 of the Act, concerning enforcement has not yet come into force. This is in order to allow lobbyists to become accustomed to the Act and their procedural obligations under it. When commenced however, Part 4 will provide for penalties including a class C fine on summary conviction and imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years on indictment.
Further information about the Act can be accessed through Lobbying.ie.