This protocol is written having regard to the Code of Conduct for Councillors published by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, and the Local Government Act 2001, as amended by the Local Government Reform Act 2014, with specific reference to Part 15 Ethical Framework for the Local Government Service.

The Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015 commenced on 1st September 2015. The purpose of the Act is to provide for a web-based Register of Lobbying to make information available to the public on the identity of those communicating with Designated Public Officials on specific policy, legislative matters or prospective decisions.

Section 6(4) of the Act requires each public body to publish a list of designated public officials of the body. The purpose of the list is twofold:

1. To allow members of the public to identify those persons who are designated public officials; and
2. As a resource for lobbyists filing a return to the Register who may need to source a designated public official’s details.

To see a list of Tipperary County Council’s Designated Public Officials - Click on Schedule below.

The following guidance documents are available for your information - Click on relevant documents listed below.

• Summary of main provisions of Lobbying Act 2015
• Guidance for Designated Public Officials
• Guidelines on Lobbying in relation to development and zoning of land

If a "Relevant Body" (comprised of external stakeholders and at least one DPO) is discussing matters that might be considered lobbying for the purposes of the Act, the body may adhere to the Transparency Code by publishing its terms of reference, membership, agendas and minutes of meetings. If the Transparency code is adhered to, the external stakeholders do not have to register those communications of lobbying.

The relevant bodies operating within Tipperary County Council are listed on the attached schedule. The relevant body is responsible for publishing any information relating to the working group which is required to be published under the Transparency Code and this information is published on the Council’s website under – Your Council/Council meetings.

The Standards in Public Office Commission has established an online Register of Lobbying and further information and guidance on the Act is available on the website below.