91997E2002

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2002/97 by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Council (10 June 1997)

Subject: Lobbyists and Staff Regulations

Is the Council aware that Parliament has amended its rules to say that registered lobbyists, when recruiting former officials of the institutions, shall comply with the provisions of the Staff Regulations. These regulations currently specify that former holders of sensitive posts may have to seek permission of the institutions to take up new jobs where they interact closely with the Parliament. I understand currently no posts are designated sensitive. Is this an admission of impotence or an omission of action? Can the Council confirm it will look at the matter and draw up a list of posts?

Answer (17 October 1997)

1. When they leave the service the attention of Council officials is drawn to their obligations under Article 16 of the Staff Regulations. Article 40 of Annex VII to the Staff Regulations ("non-cumulation¨ rule) is also applied.

2. The Council has not so far drawn up a list of "sensitive¨ posts, for which holders would, for a period of three years after leaving the service, have to submit for Council approval a description of the duties or assignments they may be called upon to carry out.

3. In the light of the Honourable Member's question, the Council will consider the question of drawing up a list of the posts referred to in the second paragraph of Article 16 of the Staff Regulations.