Overwatch Report

Ability West

January–April

[Finance] Correspondence to DPOs re Once-off Bonus Payment (€1,000) to Frontline Healthcare Workers

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Anne Rabbitte', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth)'} {'name': 'Ciaran Cannon', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Seán Canney', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Éamon Ó Cuív', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Mairéad Farrell', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Hildegarde Naughton', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Transport)'} + 13 more

Ability West

May–August

[Public Expenditure and Reform] Correspondence to DPOs re Publication of an Action Plan in relation to the Disability Capacity Review

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Ciaran Cannon', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Seán Canney', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Éamon Ó Cuív', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Mairéad Farrell', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Hildegarde Naughton', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Transport)'} {'name': 'Michael Moynihan', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} + 9 more

Ability West

May–August

[Finance] Correspondence to DPOs re Pay Parity for Section 39 Organisations

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Ciaran Cannon', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Seán Canney', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Éamon Ó Cuív', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Mairéad Farrell', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Hildegarde Naughton', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Transport)'} {'name': 'Michael Moynihan', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} + 10 more

Ability West

May–August

[Local Government] To lobby for the addition of a zebra crossing near an Ability West Day Service in Liosbaun Industrial Estate, Tuam Road.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Mike Cubbard', 'role': 'Councillor (Galway City Council)'} {'name': 'Hildegarde Naughton', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Catherine Connolly', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': "Pauline O'Reilly", 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'} {'name': 'Frank Fahy', 'role': 'Councillor (Galway City Council)'} {'name': 'Mairéad Farrell', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} + 1 more

Ability West

September–December

[Transport] To lobby for additional funding for increased transport facilities for service users in Mountbellew Hub, College Road, Ballinasloe.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Anne Rabbitte', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth)'}

Ability West

January–April

[Employment] Changes to the Community Employment Scheme (Policy Circular 03/2020)

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Anne Rabbitte', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth)'} {'name': 'Denis Naughten', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Éamon Ó Cuív', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Hildegarde Naughton', 'role': 'Super Junior Minister (Department of Climate Action, Communication Networks and Transport)'} {'name': 'Michael Fitzmaurice', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Noel Grealish', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} + 2 more

Ability West

January–April

[Housing] Follow up meeting with Minister and other stakeholder groups re. housing pilot proposal for people with intellectual disabilities

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Anne Rabbitte', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth)'}

Ability West

September–December

[Children and Youth Affairs] Potential use of the Youth Services Grant Scheme, which is currently under review, to provide a training allowance to trainees in St. Joseph's Training Services

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': "Roderic O'Gorman", 'role': 'Minister (Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth)'}

Ability West

September–December

[Budgetary matters] Correspondence to DPOs to highlight unmet needs and challenges ahead of Budget 2022 (in October 2021)

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Anne Rabbitte', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth)'} {'name': 'Catherine Connolly', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Ciaran Cannon', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Claire Kerrane', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Denis Naughten', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Éamon Ó Cuív', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} + 5 more

Ability West

September–December

[Housing] A proposal was submitted to Minister Anne Rabbitte about a joint housing project involving Ability West, Brothers of Charity Services Ireland and Proactive Carers Galway

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Anne Rabbitte', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth)'}

Ability West

September–December

[Budgetary matters] Invitation to DPOs to discuss the campaign run by the National Federation of Voluntary Service Providers ahead of Budget 2022 (Oct 2021)

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Anne Rabbitte', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth)'} {'name': 'Ciaran Cannon', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Seán Canney', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Éamon Ó Cuív', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Hildegarde Naughton', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Transport)'} {'name': 'Mairéad Farrell', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} + 2 more

Ability West

January–April

[Health] Letter and Infographics issued to DPOs in advance of General Election 2020 to highlight lack of investment and unmet needs in Ability West and the Disability Sector nationally

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Ciarán Cannon', 'role': 'Minister of State for the Diaspora and Overseas Development Aid (Department of Foreign Affairs)'} {'name': 'Anne Rabbitte', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Eugene Murphy', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Éamon Ó Cuív', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Donagh Mark Killilea', 'role': 'Councillor (Galway County Council)'} {'name': 'Ollie Crowe', 'role': 'Councillor (Galway City Council)'} + 12 more

Ability West

January–April

[Education and Training] To advocate for the restoration of the Rehabilitative Training Allowance to first year and future year entrants to the R.T. programme in Ability West

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Sean Canney', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Environment, Climate and Communications)'}

Ability West

January–April

[Health] Advocated for the development of services for adults with intellectual disabilities in Headford, Co. Galway

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Sean Canney', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Environment, Climate and Communications)'}

Ability West

January–April

[Education and Training] Advocating for the restoration of Rehabilitative Training Allowance for trainees accessing Ability West's Rehabilitative Training programme

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Noel Grealish', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Catherine Connolly', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Mairead Farrell', 'role': 'Councillor (Galway City Council)'} {'name': 'Hildegarde Naughton', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Éamon Ó Cuív', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Clodagh Higgins', 'role': 'Councillor (Galway City Council)'} + 49 more

Ability West

January–April

[Health] Meeting with Deputy Eugene Murphy as a follow to letter and infographics issued to discuss the challenges, unmet needs and lack of investment in Ability West and Disability Services nationally

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Eugene Murphy', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

Ability West

May–August

[Health] Mtg with Minister Anne Rabbitte to brief her on unmet needs for children and adults with intellectual disability in areas such as respite, residential, multidisciplinary supports, changing needs, transport, aids and appliances, and to advise her about increased costs of insurance, compliance (such as HIQA regulations) and the growing capital requirements in Ability West

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Anne Rabbitte', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth)'}

Ability West

on behalf of Yes (client not named)

September–December

[Health] Requirement for Prioritisation of People with Disabilities in the Allocation Plan for Covid-19 Vaccination

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Anne Rabbitte', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth)'} {'name': 'Hildegarde Naughton', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Seán Canney', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Noel Grealish', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Michael Fitzmaurice', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Mairéad Farrell', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} + 5 more

Ability West

on behalf of Yes (client not named)

September–December

[Local Government] Requirement for Wheelchair Parking Area outside a new Day Service for Adults with Intellectual Disability in Mountbellew, Co Galway

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Michael Connolly (Currently employed as a DPO)', 'role': 'Councillor (Galway County Council)'} {'name': 'Michael Connolly', 'role': 'Councillor (Galway County Council)'}

Ability West

September–December

[Housing] Requested Minister to meet with Ability West, Brothers of Charity Services Ireland (Galway Region), Proactive Carers Group (Galway) and Disability Federation of Ireland to discuss a research opportunity with NUIG re. rights & access to housing/residential placements for people with intellectual disabilities

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Anne Rabbitte', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth)'}

Ability West

September–December

[Local Government] To lobby for the addition of a footpath on the outskirts of Dunmore, Co Galway, which would support safe access to the town by residents (some wheelchair users) in an Ability West residential service, without having to use a vehicle.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Joe Sheridan', 'role': 'Councillor (Galway County Council)'}

Ability West

on behalf of Yes (client not named)

January–April

[Social Protection] Letter to the Ombudsman re the difficulties that Monica Ubaka, (mother of a child, Desmond Onuoha (availing of our services) has had with the Department of Social Protection over a number of months/years in terms of communication difficulties, accessing social welfare payments and seeking advice/support relating to Monica’s PPS number. Ability West staff obtained written consent from Monika Ubaka to send this letter on her behalf.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Jacqui McCrum', 'role': 'Director General (The Office of the Ombudsman)'}

Ability West

on behalf of Yes (client not named)

January–April

[Local Government] Improvements of Road Safety along the Tuam Road, Galway, from Joyce Roundabout to Riverside.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Cllr Declan McDonnell (Former DPO)', 'role': 'Councillor (Galway City Council)'} {'name': 'Cllr Noel Larkin (Former DPO)', 'role': 'Councillor (Galway City Council)'} {'name': 'Cllr Mairead Farrell (Former DPO)', 'role': 'Councillor (Galway City Council)'} {'name': 'Cllr Michael Crowe (Former DPO)', 'role': 'Councillor (Galway City Council)'} {'name': "Cllr Terry O'Flaherty (Former DPO)", 'role': 'Councillor (Galway City Council)'} {'name': 'Cllr John Walsh (Former DPO)', 'role': 'Councillor (Galway City Council)'} + 8 more

Ability West

May–August

[Health] Email enclosing letter and infographics x 2 issued to a number of designated public officials prior to Budget 2020

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Anne Rabbitte', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Ciaran Cannon', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Éamon Ó Cuív', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Finian McGrath', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection)'} {'name': 'Michael Fitzmaurice', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Sean Canney', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Rural and Community Development)'} + 6 more

Ability West

May–August

[Local Government] Cutting back the hedges in an area close to one of our services located in the Liosban Industrial Estate, Galway, as it had overgrown and was blocking pedestrian accessibility on the pathway, leading to people having to step down onto a busy road, also wheelchair users. Also, advocating for a new pedestrian crossing to be installed at the end of Sandy Road nearby to our service in Liosban Ind. Estate, Galway

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Catherine Connolly', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

Ability West

May–August

[Finance] Increase of school insurance for four special schools under the patronage of Ability West

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Denis Naughten', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

Ability West

September–December

[Health] Letter and Infographic issued to a number of designated public officials prior to the Budget 2020

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Anne Rabbitte', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Catherine Connolly', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Ciaran Cannon', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Éamon Ó Cuív', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Eugene Murphy', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Finian McGrath', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Health)'} + 5 more

Ability West

January–April

[Community] Concerns regarding the inaccessibility of footpaths in Liosban Industrial Estate, Galway City. Ability West has three days services located in this estate which are accessed by people with intellectual and physical disabilities.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Éamon Ó Cuív', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Catherine Connolly', 'role': 'Councillor (Galway City Council)'} {'name': 'Hildegarde Naughton', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Seán Kyne', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

Ability West

May–August

[Local Government] Improvements of road safety along the Tuam Road, from Joyce Roundabout to Riverside, in Galway City.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Niall McNelis', 'role': 'Councillor (Galway City Council)'}

Ability West

May–August

[Health] Letter and Infographic issued to a number of designated public officials prior to the Budget 2019

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Anne Rabbitte', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Catherine Connolly', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Ciaran Cannon', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Denis Naughten', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Environment, Climate and Communications)'} {'name': 'Éamon Ó Cuív', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Eugene Murphy', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} + 7 more

Lobbying Tracker

Most Lobbied TDs