Overwatch Report

The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA

May–August

[EU Affairs] IFA Event - CAP to 2030 & Beyond

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Barry Cassidy', 'role': 'Special Adviser (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)'} {'name': 'Brian Purcell', 'role': 'Special Adviser (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)'} {'name': 'Evie Sammon', 'role': 'Councillor (Kildare County Council)'} {'name': 'Martin Heydon', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)'} {'name': 'Paraic Brady', 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'} {'name': "Peter 'Chap' Cleere", 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} + 1 more

The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA

May–August

[EU Affairs] Key Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Post-2027 - General Principles

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Letter All TDs', 'role': ''} {'name': 'Submission All TDs', 'role': ''} {'name': 'Letter All MEPs', 'role': ''} {'name': 'Submission All MEPs', 'role': ''} {'name': 'Letter All Senators', 'role': ''} {'name': 'Submission All Senators', 'role': ''} + 24 more

The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA

May–August

[EU Affairs] Key Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post-2027 - Pillar 1 Interventions

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Letter All TDs', 'role': ''} {'name': 'Submission All TDs', 'role': ''} {'name': 'Letter All MEPs', 'role': ''} {'name': 'Submission All MEPs', 'role': ''} {'name': 'Letter All Senators', 'role': ''} {'name': 'Submission All Senators', 'role': ''} + 24 more

The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA

May–August

[EU Affairs] Key Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post-2027 - Pillar II Interventions

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Letter All TDs', 'role': ''} {'name': 'Submission All TDs', 'role': ''} {'name': 'Letter All MEPs', 'role': ''} {'name': 'Submission All MEPs', 'role': ''} {'name': 'Letter All Senators', 'role': ''} {'name': 'Submission All Senators', 'role': ''} + 29 more

The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA

May–August

[EU Affairs] Key Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Post-2027 - Generational Renewal

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Letter All TDs', 'role': ''} {'name': 'Submission All TDs', 'role': ''} {'name': 'Letter All MEPs', 'role': ''} {'name': 'Submission All MEPs', 'role': ''} {'name': 'Letter All Senators', 'role': ''} {'name': 'Submission All Senators', 'role': ''} + 25 more

The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA

May–August

[EU Affairs] Key common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Post-2027 - Performance-Based Payments

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Letter All TDs', 'role': ''} {'name': 'Submission All TDs', 'role': ''} {'name': 'Letter All MEPs', 'role': ''} {'name': 'Submission All MEPs', 'role': ''} {'name': 'Letter All Senators', 'role': ''} {'name': 'Submission All Senators', 'role': ''} + 24 more

The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA

May–August

[EU Affairs] Key Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Post 2027 Principles - General Administration

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Letter All TDs', 'role': ''} {'name': 'Submission All TDs', 'role': ''} {'name': 'Letter All MEPs', 'role': ''} {'name': 'Submission All MEPs', 'role': ''} {'name': 'Letter All Senators', 'role': ''} {'name': 'Submission All Senators', 'role': ''} + 25 more

The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA

May–August

[EU Affairs] IFA Key Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post-2027 Principles - Inspections/Penalties

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Letter All TDs', 'role': ''} {'name': 'Submission All TDs', 'role': ''} {'name': 'Letter All Senators', 'role': ''} {'name': 'Submission All Senators', 'role': ''} {'name': 'Letter All MEPs', 'role': ''} {'name': 'Submission All MEPs', 'role': ''} + 25 more

Natural Capital Ireland

May–August

[Environment] NCI Executive Coordinator Deirdre Lane attended All Island Bioeconomy Summit & Awards in Johnstown, Co Meath with presentations by Minister for Agriculture, Food & the Marine Martin Heydon and Minister of State at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment with special responsibility for Circular Economy Alan Dillon addressing the event virtually .Topics included the advance of biomethane and biochar technology, the blue economy funding in this area. https://bioeconomy.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Alan Dillon', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment)'} {'name': 'Martin Heydon', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)'}

Society of the Irish Motor Industry

May–August

[Taxation] Budget 2026 and electric vehicles - the key issues for SIMI in Budget 2026 include taxation and incentive policy in relation to motor vehicles, particularly Electric Vehicle (EV) Supports and EV charging infrastructure

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': "Darragh O'Brien", 'role': 'Minister (Department of Transport)'}

Business in the Community Ireland

May–August

[Economic Development and Industry] Inform of the publication by BITCI, alongside other signatories, of a joint Europe-wide statement calling for five key outcomes to be safeguarded in the ongoing EU Omnibus negotiations.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Peter Burke', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment)'} {'name': 'Niamh Smyth', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment)'} {'name': 'Declan Hughes', 'role': 'Secretary General (Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment)'} {'name': 'Ronnie Downes', 'role': 'Assistant Secretary (Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment)'}

Leitrim Integrated Developemnt Company CLG

May–August

[Budgetary matters] We have contacted Minister Norma Foley T.D. on a number of occasions to discuss continuation / expansion of DCDE / HSE (S39) funding for disabled people to access social farming placements in 2026

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Norma Foley', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth)'}

Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA)

May–August

[Education and Training] HECA, representing the majority of established private and independent HEIs, requests an introductory meeting with the Minister for FHERIS to discuss key issues affecting the sector, highlight our contribution to national skills and societal needs, and extend an invitation for the Minister to attend the HECA Research Conference 2025.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'James Lawless', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science)'}

Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA)

May–August

[Education and Training] Constitutional duties from Supreme Court rulings remain unmet, risking breach and exclusion of private/independent HEI graduates. Key issues: 1937 Act: Sections 6 & 7 unconstitutional; franchise non-compliant. Seanad Electoral (University Members) (Amendment) Act 2024: Limits franchise to HEIs designated under the HEA Act 2022, but no process exists. QQI Act 2012: Delegated authority not commenced.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': "Colm O'Reardon", 'role': 'Secretary General (Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science)'}

Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA)

May–August

[Education and Training] HECA seeks to outline higher education issues of concern and explore possible solutions, while highlighting the role and potential of the private and independent sector. Key areas include skills, societal needs, international students, applied research, legislative issues, and the National Training Fund.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Keith Moynes', 'role': 'Assistant Secretary (Department of Further and Higher Education, Innovation and Science)'}

Crosscare

May–August

[Children and Youth Affairs] Crosscare emailed Minister Foley on behalf of CRAVA (network of youth residential services) seeking a meeting about childrens residential care, aftercare and the funding model of same.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Norma Foley', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth)'}

Crosscare

May–August

[Children and Youth Affairs] Gordon Hill of Crosscare emailed Minister Foley seeking to meet re the review of the Childcare Act and, in particular, about who qualifies for aftercare

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Norma Foley', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth)'}

National Youth Council of Ireland

May–August

[Development and Zoning] Abbeylands Development Cavan

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Kathryn Reilly (Former DPO)', 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'} {'name': 'Eoin Doyle', 'role': 'Chief Executive Officer (Cavan County Council)'} {'name': 'Brendan Smith', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Pauline Tully', 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'} {'name': 'Niamh Smyth', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment)'}

Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed

May–August

[Social Protection] In June, as part of the Community and Voluntary Pillar, the INOU attended a bilateral meeting with the Department of Social Protection. The agenda included Programme for Government; Child Poverty; and updates on a range of issues including key policies like Pathways to Work; Roadmap for Social Inclusion; Pay-related benefits, and Working Age Payment proposal.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Ciaran Lawler', 'role': 'Assistant Secretary (Department of Social Protection)'} {'name': 'Rónán Hession', 'role': 'Assistant Secretary (Department of Social Protection)'} {'name': 'Fiona Ward', 'role': 'Assistant Secretary (Department of Social Protection)'} {'name': 'Niall Egan', 'role': 'Assistant Secretary (Department of Social Protection)'}

Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed

May–August

[Employment] Meeting with Sinéad Gibney TD.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Sinéad Gibney', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

The Psychological Society of Ireland

May–August

[Health] Letter to Minister Foley, co-signed by six professional bodies (Occupational Therapy, Psychiatry, Psychology, Speech and Language Therapy, Social Work, Dietetics), requesting an urgent meeting on concerns about the HSE’s draft Autism Assessment & Intervention Pathway Protocol.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Norma Foley', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth)'}

Irish Green Building Council

May–August

[Environment] On behalf of members and to present recommendations from The Irish Green Building Council and the Vacant to Vibrant Buildings Alliance on the key actions required to support the re-use of vacant units above the shop in cities, towns and village centres.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Alan Dillon', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage)'} {'name': 'James Geoghegan', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Ray McAdam', 'role': 'Councillor (Dublin City Council)'} {'name': 'Jennifer Whitmore', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Rory Hearne', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'John McDonald', 'role': 'Special Adviser (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage)'}

Dwyer Nolan Developments Ltd

September–December

[Development and Zoning] Draft Greystones – Delgany & Kilcoole Local Planning Framework 2025

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Tom Fortune', 'role': 'Councillor (Wicklow County Council)'} {'name': 'Stephen Stokes', 'role': 'Councillor (Wicklow County Council)'} {'name': 'Orla Finn', 'role': 'Councillor (Wicklow County Council)'} {'name': 'Lourda Scott', 'role': 'Councillor (Wicklow County Council)'} {'name': 'Louise Fenelon Gaskin', 'role': 'Councillor (Wicklow County Council)'} {'name': 'Mark Barry', 'role': 'Councillor (Wicklow County Council)'}

Abbeydorney/Kilflynn Family Resource Centre CLG

May–August

[Children and Youth Affairs] Pre Budget Submission

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Letter All TDs', 'role': 'To advocate for more funding for Family Resource Centres in Ireland'} {'name': 'Pa Daly', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Michael Healy-Rae', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Danny Healy-Rae', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Michael Cahill', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Norma Foley', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

PJ RIgney Distillery & International Brands Co Ltd

May–August

[Employment] Tariffs with the US - getting back to zero for zero with the US

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Martin Heydon', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)'}

Veterinary Ireland

September–December

[Agriculture] Invitation to Martin Heydon, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, to attend and speak on veterinary matters at the Veterinary Ireland Annual General Meeting (AGM) being held in the Lyrath Estate Hotel, Co. Kilkenny on Friday 21st November 2025

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Barry Cassidy', 'role': 'Special Adviser (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)'} {'name': 'Brian Purcell', 'role': 'Adviser to Minister (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)'} {'name': 'Martin Heydon', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)'}

Helium Arts

May–August

[Children and Youth Affairs] Mayor of Ennis Clare Colleran Molloy and Cllr Mary Howard attended a Helium Showcase Stakeholder Event in Súil Gallery, Ennis on 27th May to coincide with the launch of Helium's 'Journeys' artwork exhibition by young people.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Clare Colleran Molloy', 'role': 'Councillor (Clare County Council)'} {'name': 'Mary Howard', 'role': 'Councillor (Clare County Council)'}

Martin O'Malley

May–August

[Development and Zoning] Change of Land Zoning

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Stephen Stokes', 'role': 'Councillor (Wicklow County Council)'} {'name': 'Louise Fenelon Gaskin', 'role': 'Councillor (Wicklow County Council)'} {'name': 'Orla Finn', 'role': 'Councillor (Wicklow County Council)'} {'name': 'Tom Fortune', 'role': 'Councillor (Wicklow County Council)'} {'name': 'Lourda Scott', 'role': 'Councillor (Wicklow County Council)'} {'name': 'Mark Barry', 'role': 'Councillor (Wicklow County Council)'}

Nursing Homes Ireland

May–August

[Health] NHI wrote to the Minister following the publication of the ESRI Older People's Care Capacity Review and wanted to bring to the Minister's attention some key information from the capacity review and requested a meeting with the Minister to discuss.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': "Kieran O'Donnell", 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Health)'}

Federation of Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians

May–August

[Health] Letter to Minister Carroll MacNeill requesting a meeting to discuss new eye care services for patients in Ireland.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Jennifer Carroll MacNeill', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Health)'}

Lobbying Tracker

Most Lobbied TDs