As part of the appointment process every Director acknowledges he/she is responsible for securing their company complies with all relevant obligations. Two examples of “relevant obligations” would include compliance with the Lobbying Act 2015.
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Property companies lobbying for changes in planning law, re-zoning of land.
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Charities advocating for changes in law.
The Lobbying Regulation (Amendment) Bill 2020 seeks to reform the Lobbying Act 2015. One of the proposals in the Bill will be the ability for a Designated Public Official to cease communicating with a lobbyist where they are aware that the person or body carrying on lobbying activities has failed to comply with the Act.
Transparency Ireland carried out a review of disclosure practices of 30 of Ireland’s top companies across a range of indicators including Responsible Political Engagement. Whilst a number showed leadership in the area it is fascinating to note that most of the companies did not disclose a policy on responsible political engagement. Indeed, 28 out of the 30 companies reviewed did not publish rules or policies dealing with “revolving doors” (the movement of staff rom the public sector to companies or vice versa).
For greater detail on this topic take a look at www.lobbying.ie and www.transparency.ie