Group says plan to regulate lobby groups 'doesn't go far enough'

Government plans to regulate lobby groups have been criticised for not going far enough.

The new Heads of the Regulation of Lobbying Bill 2013 have just been approved this week by the Government.

The proposals include introducing a regulator that can investigate any group that breaks the law, and for all communication from lobbyists to be registered.

However, John Devitt from Transparency Ireland has said the one-year cooling off period before politicians can join any lobby groups, is not long enough.

He said: "This doesn't go far enough. Senior decision makers may need to be prohibited from taking positions in a role that presents a conflict of interest while they are serving in the public service."