Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru / National Assembly for Wales

Y Pwyllgor Safonau Ymddygiad / Standards of Conduct Committee
Ymchwiliad i Lobïo / Inquiry into Lobbying
Ymateb gan Gomisiynydd Safonau Cynulliad Gogledd Iwerddon / Evidence from Northern Ireland Assembly Commissioner for Standards

1. Thank you for the opportunity to respond to the recent consultation paper.  However, as the answers to the specific issues on which views are sought require a detailed knowledge of the nature and extent of lobbying in Wales which I do not possess, I shall confine myself to more general comments.

2. Lobbying has not been a significant issue in the Northern Ireland Assembly.  There is no register of lobbyists nor, so far as I am aware, any plan to establish one.  Any interaction between Members (MLAs) and lobbyists is, so far as the MLAs are concerned, governed by the Members Code of Conduct.  There have been no complaints to me in relation to lobbying since my office was established in 2012.  The Committee on Standards and Privileges has issued Guidance for Members on dealing with Lobbyists which can be viewed at http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/globalassets/documents/standards-and-privileges-2011-2016/guidance-on-dealing-with-lobbyists/guidance-for-members-on-dealing-with-lobbyists.pdf.

Douglas Bain CBE TD Advocate

Northern Ireland assembly Commissioner for Standards