Big business enjoys ‘significant access’ to Irish officials in Brussels

Big businesses have significant access to Brussels-based officials of the Irish Government to promote their corporate agenda, according to transparency campaigners.

The first study on lobbying at national government offices in Brussels has revealed the majority of contacts with senior Irish diplomats is with corporate lobbyists.

Over a recent 12-month period, the two most senior members of Ireland’s permanent representation to the EU listed a total of 123 meetings with large multinational firms, professional lobbyists, representative bodies and journalists.