Ireland's lobbying register reveals dozens of former officials targeting ex-colleagues

An analysis of over 83,000 records on Ireland's lobbying register since 2020 indicates that at least 63 former public officials and politicians have engaged in advocacy with former peers. The investigation underscores the scale of Ireland's "revolving door" practices, where former decision-makers transition into private sector lobbying roles. Although current regulations impose cooling-off periods and restrictions on post-government employment, records demonstrate repeated instances of former officials directly contacting active colleagues to influence policy on behalf of commercial interests and lobby groups. The disclosures have prompted renewed scrutiny over existing ethics rules and transparency standards governing post-service advocacy in public administration.

Sources: The Journal.