Overwatch Report

Consultative Committee of Accountancy Bodies Ireland

May–August

[Taxation] Requesting that guidance on the Key Employee Engagement Programme (KEEP) scheme to be updated to confirm that relevant limits apply only at the time of option grant.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Tom James', 'role': 'Assistant Secretary (The Office of the Revenue Commissioners)'}

Courtown Community Council

May–August

[Local Government] Correspondence regarding the proposed material contravention relating to the disposal of the main village car park in Courtown.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Anthony Donohoe', 'role': 'Councillor (Wexford County Council)'} {'name': 'Craig Doyle', 'role': 'Councillor (Wexford County Council)'} {'name': 'Darragh McDonald', 'role': 'Councillor (Wexford County Council)'} {'name': 'Donal Kenny', 'role': 'Councillor (Wexford County Council)'} {'name': 'Joe Sullivan', 'role': 'Councillor (Wexford County Council)'} {'name': 'Mary Farrell', 'role': 'Councillor (Wexford County Council)'} + 4 more

Courtown Community Council

May–August

[Local Government] Communication with the Chair of the TCF Team to share concern that members of the TCF team were only given only 18 hours to read and consider the 48 page document before a vote was taken to proceed to general consultation.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Donal Kenny', 'role': 'Councillor (Wexford County Council)'}

Yewtree Infotainment Unlimited Company

on behalf of Yes (client not named)

May–August

[Energy and Natural Resources] Ivan Yates is engaged with Regnum Renewables, providing advisory services. Following on from previous engagements with local councillors, updates on the first round of community engagement for Kilmichael Wind Farm were shared with the Gorey and Kilmuckridge councillors, as well as with three local TDs.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Ivan Yates (Former DPO)', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)'} {'name': 'Brian Brennan', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Paddy Kavanagh', 'role': 'Councillor (Wexford County Council)'} {'name': 'Pip Breen', 'role': 'Councillor (Wexford County Council)'} {'name': 'Joe Sullivan', 'role': 'Councillor (Wexford County Council)'} {'name': 'Mary Farrell', 'role': 'Councillor (Wexford County Council)'} + 8 more

Kerry Parents & Friends Association

May–August

[Health] Pre-Budget Communication Sent to TD's - seeking support for Section 39 Agencies

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Norma Foley', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth)'} {'name': 'Danny Healy-Rae', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Michael Healy-Rae', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Michael Cahill', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Pa Daly', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

McGarrell Reilly Management

May–August

[Development and Zoning] Seeking to have land rezoned to residential in Dunboyne, Kilcock & Stamullen

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Kieran Kehoe', 'role': 'Chief Executive Officer (Meath County Council)'} {'name': 'Eoghan Dockrell', 'role': 'Councillor (Fingal County Council)'}

Yewtree Infotainment Unlimited Company

on behalf of Yes (client not named)

May–August

[Energy and Natural Resources] Regnum Renewables and Ivan Yates (providing advisory services) briefed the West Clare MD councillors in advance of community engagement on a proposed wind farm near Lissycasey, Dehomad Wind Farm, and subsequently engaged with four Clare TDs to share information and request introductory meetings.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Ivan Yates (Former DPO)', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)'} {'name': 'Shane Talty', 'role': 'Councillor (Clare County Council)'} {'name': 'Rita McInerney', 'role': 'Councillor (Clare County Council)'} {'name': 'Dinny Gould', 'role': 'Councillor (Clare County Council)'} {'name': 'Michael Shannon', 'role': 'Councillor (Clare County Council)'} {'name': 'Ian Lynch', 'role': 'Councillor (Clare County Council)'} + 8 more

Yewtree Infotainment Unlimited Company

on behalf of Yes (client not named)

May–August

[Transport] Ivan Yates is engaged with UTS Technologies, providing advisory and lobbying services. The engagements focused on providing analysis, data, and recommendations concerning the current regulatory framework governing cashless parking in Ireland. The purpose was to highlight barriers in the existing legislation that limit competition and restrict nationwide interoperability of cashless parking apps, and to explore approaches for enabling an open, competitive market.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Ivan Yates (Former DPO)', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)'} {'name': 'Peter Walsh', 'role': 'Chief Executive Officer (Transport Infrastructure Ireland)'}

Vincent Jennings/Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association (CSNA)

May–August

[Taxation] CSNA sought the establishment of protocols that the HSE Environmental Health Service would adopt with Revenue to provide for the return of excises ,ad valorem and Value Added taxes for excised products taken by EHO's for analysis. The refunds are already provided for in law , the methodology has not been established.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Paschal Donohoe', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Finance)'}

Vincent Jennings/Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association (CSNA)

May–August

[Budgetary matters] The PowerUp grant scheme was not made available to those that had not availed of the Second Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) Scheme. This defied logic- taxpayers who chose NOT to accept a grant were effectively precluded from seeking assistance at a later stage.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Peter Burke', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment)'}

Irish Exporters Association

May–August

[Trade] Government Consultative Group on Trade to engage with government of the latest and emerging trade developments and opportunties.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Simon Harris', 'role': 'Tánaiste and Minister (Department of Foreign Affairs)'} {'name': 'James Lawless', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science)'} {'name': 'Niamh Smyth', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment)'} {'name': 'Martin Heydon', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)'} {'name': 'Joe Hackett', 'role': 'Assistant Secretary (Department of Foreign Affairs)'} {'name': 'Brendan Gleeson', 'role': 'Secretary General (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)'} + 5 more

Pender & Associates Ltd

on behalf of Yes (client not named)

May–August

[Taxation] Engagement regarding excise tax on alcohol as part of Budget 2026

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Aiden Corkery (Former DPO)', 'role': 'Deputy Government Press Secretary (Department of the Taoiseach)'} {'name': 'Sean Canney', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Transport)'} {'name': 'Michael Healy-Rae', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)'} {'name': 'Laura Mannion', 'role': 'Special Advisor (Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment)'} {'name': 'Brian Keegan', 'role': 'Special Advisor (Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment)'}

Hume Brophy

on behalf of Yes (client not named)

May–August

[Banking and Financial Institutions] Engagement on the Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation and to provide relevant business updates.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Gerry Cross', 'role': 'Director (Central Bank of Ireland)'} {'name': 'Robert Troy', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Finance)'} {'name': 'Anne Marie McKiernan', 'role': 'Director (Central Bank of Ireland)'} {'name': 'Ged Nash', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

Pender & Associates Ltd

on behalf of Yes (client not named)

May–August

[Economic Development and Industry] Invite to attend store and meet with management

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Daniel Butler', 'role': 'Councillor (Limerick City and County Council)'} {'name': "Kieran O'Donnell", 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

Pender & Associates Ltd

on behalf of Yes (client not named)

May–August

[Taxation] Engagement regarding excise tax on alcohol as part of Budget 2026

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Cáit Nic Amhlaoibh', 'role': 'Policy and Programme for Government Coordinator for Independents (Department of the Taoiseach)'}

British Irish Chamber of Commerce

May–August

[Finance] Invited Official from the Dept. to engage with our members at an informative roundtable about the Government's public consultation on Irelands FS strategy for 2030

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Brian Carroll', 'role': 'Assistant Secretary (Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment)'}

Dublin Zoo

May–August

[Heritage] Outlined challenges facing animal transfers in the zoo sector. Organised meetings to build relationships. Sought advice in relation to a new project. Requested a meeting to discuss state support for Dublin Zoo and Fota Wildlife Park. Gave Minister an update on animal matters.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Barry Andrews', 'role': 'MEP (European Parliament)'} {'name': 'Barry Cowen', 'role': 'MEP (European Parliament)'} {'name': 'Kevin Boxer Moran', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Richard Shakespeare', 'role': 'Chief Executive Officer (Dublin City Council)'} {'name': 'John Conlon', 'role': 'Chairman (The Office of Public Works)'}

Ibec

May–August

[Economic Development and Industry] Financial services engagement

Public Officials Lobbied

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

Afri

May–August

[Justice and Equality] Afri and Comhlámh launched a public campaign ahead of the September Hague Group deadline. We asked civil society organisations to sign a joint open letter, share the campaign with #HagueGroupNow, and encourage staff to act. We asked individuals to sign a petition and use the Uplift tool to email their TDs urging Ireland to join the Hague Group and adopt its measures. No direct contact with DPOs took place in this period.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Email All TDs', 'role': 'Yes. Afri and Comhlámh managed a campaign using an Uplift email-sending tool, which enabled members of the public to email their TDs individually, calling on the Government to join the Hague Group and adopt its measures. We also used email newsletters and social media to mobilise the public, though no bulk messages were sent directly by Afri/Comhlámh to Designated Public Officials.'}

Irish Road Haulage Association

May–August

[Transport] Labour shortage inpacting the haulage sector. Holyhead Port scheduled sailings. Employment permits. Rosslare Europort-Operational issues. EU & Greening of corporate fleets.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Peter Burke', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment)'} {'name': 'Sean Canney', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Transport)'} {'name': "Darragh O'Brien", 'role': 'Minister (Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment)'} {'name': 'Simon Harris', 'role': 'Tánaiste and Minister (Department of Foreign Affairs)'}

Irish Council for International Students (ICOS)

May–August

[Housing] Submitted PQ to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to request explanation on how full-time students living in privately-rented accommodation on leases of less than 6 years will be protected from having to pay exorbitant rent increases from 1?March 2026

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Donna McGettigan', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

Shine

May–August

[Health] Shine contacted Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Government Chief Whip & Minister of State for Mental Health, TD Mary Butler, inviting them to take part in a photocall and contribute a video message for the launch of the Green Ribbon Campaign 2025

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Caitriona Fitzpatrick (Former DPO)', 'role': 'Special Advisor (Department of Foreign Affairs)'} {'name': 'Micheál Martin', 'role': 'Taoiseach (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Mary Butler', 'role': 'Government Chief Whip and Minister (Department of the Taoiseach)'}

Irish Council for International Students (ICOS)

May–August

[Housing] Submitted PQ to ask the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will outline what measures his Department is taking to protect renters who are subletting, and if he will make a statement on the matter

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Rory Hearne', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

Irish Council for International Students (ICOS)

May–August

[Housing] Submitted PQ to ask Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider introducing legislation to protect renters who are in a subletting arrangement and are not covered under the Tendencies Residence Act, and if he will make a statement on the matter

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Rory Hearne', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

Irish Council for International Students (ICOS)

May–August

[Housing] Submitted PQ to ask the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider introducing legislation to protect renters in digs accommodation, and if he will make a statement on the matter

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Rory Hearne', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'James Browne', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage)'}

CPSMA

May–August

[Budgetary matters] Increase in capitation and funding for primary mangagement bodies

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Helen McEntee', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Education)'} {'name': 'Jack Chambers', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Finance)'} {'name': 'Cliodhana ONeill', 'role': 'Acting Assistant Secretary (Department of Education)'} {'name': 'Bernie McNally', 'role': 'Secretary General (Department of Education)'} {'name': 'Cathal Crowe', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Aisling Dempsey', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} + 26 more

Irish Travel Agents Association

May–August

[Transport] Review of the Air Passenger Right Regulation 261/2004

Public Officials Lobbied

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

Irish Travel Agents Association

May–August

[Justice and Equality] Proposed increase in personal injury awards.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Micheál Martin', 'role': 'An Taoiseach (Department of the Taoiseach)'} {'name': 'Simon Harris', 'role': 'Tánaiste and Minister (Department of Defence)'}

Irish Association of Investment Managers

May–August

[Finance] The establishment of the United Nation development programme new global project office for Sustainable Finance in Ireland.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Paschal Donohoe', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Finance)'}

Irish Association of Investment Managers

May–August

[Foreign Affairs] Ireland for Finance Strategy and an improvement in the temporary visa scheme for non-Irish workers.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Simon Harris', 'role': 'Tánaiste and Minister (Department of Foreign Affairs)'}

Lobbying Tracker

Most Lobbied TDs