Lobbying Reform

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 February 2023

Wednesday, 22 February 2023

Questions (109)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

109. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance the number of senior staff members of his Department or of State bodies under the aegis of his Department who are also on the boards of bodies registered for lobbying purposes under the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015, or on the board of bodies which have had to disclose that they engaged in lobbying State authorities; if it is intended to issue directions as to the appropriateness of such involvement in these bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9069/23]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

My Department does not routinely collect the information requested in the format that the Deputy has asked for. However, to be of assistance to the Deputy, this information has been collated and I am informed that there are 5 senior staff members of my Department who are on the boards of bodies that fall within the scope of the question. I would note that in the majority of cases, the staff members are members of the Boards as a result of the role that they have within the Department.

In relation to the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) and the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI), two senior members of staff of the NTMA and one senior staff member of the SBCI hold directorships on boards of charitable organisations registered for lobbying purposes under the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015.

As the Deputy is aware, the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour and the Ethics legislation pertaining to designated positions in Public Bodies covers conflict of interest matters which provide significant directions on this matter.