Ethics watchdog issues hundreds of fines to lobbyists

The State’s ethics watchdog has confirmed that it has brought prosecutions against those who have failed to abide by lobbying laws.

It has also confirmed that it has issued hundreds of fines to lobbyists who failed to submit returns on their activities on time.

The Irish Examiner can reveal that the Standards in Public Office Commission (Sipo) has levied more than 500 fines to lobbyists who failed to submit their returns on time, under powers granted last year by the Regulation of Lobbying Act.