Overwatch Report

Epilepsy Ireland

May–August

[Health] Contacted all TDs and Senators in advance of National Epilepsy Week identifying 5 key issues which are facing people with epilepsy in Ireland.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Email All Oireachtas Members', 'role': 'Emailed all Oir members with a briefing on the issues identified.'} {'name': 'Email All Oireachtas Members', 'role': 'Follow up email to all TDs and Senators during National Epilepsy Week with press release'} {'name': 'Cormac Devlin', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Niall Blaney', 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'} {'name': "Denis O'Donovan", 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'}

Epilepsy Ireland

May–August

[Health] Following contact from a constituent, Cllr. O'Donovan contacted EI to ask how she could support EI's advocacy objectives. Sought that she submit a motion to her council in support of EI's submission to Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters regarding access to Free Travel for people with epilepsy and improved reasonable accommodations for students with epilepsy during state exams.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': "Deirdre O'Donovan", 'role': 'Councillor (South Dublin County Council)'}

Epilepsy Ireland

May–August

[Health] Following contact from a constituent, Cllr. French contacted EI to ask how she could support EI's advocacy objectives. Sought that she submit a motion to her council in support of EI's submission to Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters regarding access to Free Travel for people with epilepsy and improved reasonable accommodations for students with epilepsy during state exams. When the motion was introduced, EI contacted all Cllrs seeking support.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Email All Councillors', 'role': ''} {'name': 'Conor Tormey', 'role': 'Councillor (Meath County Council)'} {'name': 'Suzanne Jamal', 'role': 'Councillor (Meath County Council)'} {'name': 'Joe Bonner', 'role': 'Councillor (Meath County Council)'} {'name': "Aisling O'Neill", 'role': 'Councillor (Meath County Council)'} {'name': 'Amanda Smith', 'role': 'Councillor (Meath County Council)'} + 35 more

Epilepsy Ireland

May–August

[Health] Informed elected representatives about the EI/ MSLETB Training For Success Course in IT Sligo.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Email All Oireachtas Members', 'role': 'Each Oireachtas member was provided with information on the course; info on the prevalence of epilepsy in their constituencies; a draft social media post for sharing. Those who shared messages were retweeted by EI on social media.'}

Epilepsy Ireland

May–August

[Health] Sought that Councillors submit motions to their local council in support of EI's submission to the Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters which focused on the issue of access to Free Travel for people with epilepsy and the need for reasonable accommodations during state exams for students with epilepsy who have a seizure.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Hazel Chu', 'role': 'Councillor (Dublin City Council)'} {'name': 'Chris Pender', 'role': 'Councillor (Kildare County Council)'} {'name': "Elisa O'Donovan", 'role': 'Councillor (Limerick City and County Council)'} {'name': 'Damien Geoghegan', 'role': 'Councillor (Waterford City and County Council)'}

Epilepsy Ireland

May–August

[Health] Seeking that Deputies put forward questions on the status of reimbursement of the epilepsy medication Epidyolex.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Brendan Smith', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Jennifer Carroll MacNeill', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

Epilepsy Ireland

May–August

[Social Protection] Contacted representatives to discuss and gain support for access to Free Travel for people with epilepsy.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Claire Kerrane', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Malcolm Noonan', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage)'} {'name': 'Erin McGreehan', 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'} {'name': 'Timmy Dooley', 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'} {'name': "Joe O'Brien", 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Rural and Community Development)'}

Epilepsy Ireland

May–August

[Education and Training] Seeking that the Deputy raise the issue of reasonable accommodations for students with epilepsy during state exams and thanking her for discussing it during a media appearance.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Jennifer Carroll MacNeill', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

Epilepsy Ireland

May–August

[Health] Thanked the Cllrs for introducing motions in support of Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters submission which focussed on the issue of access to free travel for people with epilepsy and reasonable accommodations for students with epilepsy during state exams.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Jimmy Moloney', 'role': 'Councillor (Kerry County Council)'} {'name': 'Richard Truell', 'role': 'Councillor (Monaghan County Council)'} {'name': 'Fionnán Fitzgerald', 'role': 'Councillor (Kerry County Council)'} {'name': 'Séafra Ó Faoláin', 'role': 'Councillor (Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council)'} {'name': "Martina O'Connor", 'role': 'Councillor (Galway City Council)'} {'name': 'Niall McNelis', 'role': 'Councillor (Galway City Council)'}

Epilepsy Ireland

May–August

[Health] Following contact from a constituent, Cllr. O'Broin contacted EI to ask how he could support EI's advocacy objectives. Sought that he submit a motion to council in support of EI's submission to the Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters regarding access to Free Travel for people with epilepsy and reasonable accommodations for students with epilepsy during state exams.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Eoin Ó Broin', 'role': 'Councillor (South Dublin County Council)'}

Epilepsy Ireland

May–August

[Health] Seeking action on the Minister's commitments in 2020 to hold an inquiry on sodium valproate and to take steps to reduce risks associated with the use of the medication in pregnancy

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Susan Mitchell', 'role': 'Special Adviser (Department of Health)'} {'name': 'Seán Crowe', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Marian Harkin', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Stephen Donnelly', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Health)'}

Epilepsy Ireland

May–August

[Social Protection] Met with the Deputy to discuss Epilepsy Ireland's proposals on access to Free Travel for people with epilepsy.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Claire Kerrane', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

Epilepsy Ireland

May–August

[Health] Briefing bye-election candidates on issues facing people with epilepsy within the constituency

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Ivana Bacik', 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'} {'name': 'James Geoghegan', 'role': 'Councillor (Dublin City Council)'} {'name': 'Lynn Boylan', 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'} {'name': 'Deirdre Conroy', 'role': 'Councillor (Dublin City Council)'} {'name': 'Claire Byrne', 'role': 'Councillor (Dublin City Council)'}

Epilepsy Ireland

September–December

[Social Protection] Highlighting Epilepsy Ireland proposals around improving access to Free Travel for people with epilepsy.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Anne Rabbitte', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Health)'} {'name': 'Patrick Costello', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Seán Sherlock', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Neasa Hourigan', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Michael Moynihan', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Denis Naughten', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} + 13 more

Epilepsy Ireland

September–December

[Education and Training] Seeking further information on proposed alternate sitting of Leaving Cert in 2022 and the inclusion of students with epilepsy in Department's plans

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Patrick Costello', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Paul Kehoe', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Norma Foley', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Education)'}

Epilepsy Ireland

September–December

[Transport] Seeking that the Deputy raise a question around bicycle lights regulation.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Patrick Costello', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

Epilepsy Ireland

September–December

[Health] Contacted Deputies seeking responses to PQs that they had submitted which may be relevant to work of Epilepsy Ireland (Issues re HSE epilepsy services & funding)

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Catherine Connolly', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Pauline Tully', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'John Paul Phelan', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

Epilepsy Ireland

September–December

[Health] Updating Deputies on decision to reimburse Epidyolex medication and thanking for them for previously raising issue

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Róisín Shorthall', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Jennifer Carroll MacNeill', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Brendan Smith', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'David Cullinane', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

Epilepsy Ireland

September–December

[Health] Seeking that Deputies submit questions regarding issues with the Medical Cannabis Access Programme.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Róisín Shorthall', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'David Cullinane', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

Epilepsy Ireland

September–December

[Health] Joining with other organiations to raise concerns over Slaintecare resignations.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Stephen Donnelly', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Health)'}

Epilepsy Ireland

September–December

[Communications] Seeking update on Epilepsy Ireland proposals on Online Safety & Media Regulation Bill RE need to reference attacks on those with photosensitive epilepsy (PSE); raising concerns with Minister

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Niamh Smyth', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Shane Cassells', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Catherine Martin', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media)'} {'name': 'Jennifer Carroll MacNeill', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

Epilepsy Ireland

September–December

[Health] Tagged Minister in tweet re the launch of the PPI Ignite Network

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Anne Rabbitte', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Health)'}

Epilepsy Ireland

September–December

[Health] Raising Epilepsy Ireland ongoing campaign on sodium valproate - need for inquiry, greater risk reduction measures and services for families.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Carol Nolan', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Michael Fitzmaurice', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Bríd Smith', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Seán Crowe', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Gino Kenny', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Catherine Connolly', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} + 27 more

Epilepsy Ireland

September–December

[Health] Communications with Department of Health re the Terms of Reference for proposed Sodium Valproate inquiry.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Muiris O’Connor', 'role': 'Assistant Secretary (Department of Health)'}

Epilepsy Ireland

January–April

[Health] We contacted all candidates in the General Election seeking their support for matters important to people with epilepsy and their families.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Email All Oireachtas Members', 'role': 'Emails were sent individually to each GE candidate in this target group asking for their support of issues affecting people with epilepsy as outlined below. Those who shared their support on social media were publicly thanked.\n\nThis communication can be found on our website at this link: https://www.epilepsy.ie/content/epilepsy-ireland-general-election-campaign-ge2020'} {'name': 'Email All Senators', 'role': 'Emails were sent individually to each GE candidate in this target group asking for their support of issues affecting people with epilepsy as outlined below. Those who shared their support on social media were publicly thanked.\n\nThis communication can be found on our website at this link: https://www.epilepsy.ie/content/epilepsy-ireland-general-election-campaign-ge2020'} {'name': 'Email All TDs', 'role': 'Emails were sent individually to each GE candidate in this target group asking for their support of issues affecting people with epilepsy as outlined below. Those who shared their support on social media were publicly thanked.\n\nThis communication can be found on our website at this link: https://www.epilepsy.ie/content/epilepsy-ireland-general-election-campaign-ge2020'} {'name': 'Email All MEPs', 'role': 'Emails were sent individually to each GE candidate from this target group asking for their support of issues affecting people with epilepsy as outlined below. Those who shared their support on social media were publicly thanked.\n\nThis communication can be found on our website at this link: https://www.epilepsy.ie/content/epilepsy-ireland-general-election-campaign-ge2020'} {'name': 'Email All Local Authority Members', 'role': 'Emails were sent individually to each GE candidate from this target group asking for their support of issues affecting people with epilepsy as outlined below. Those who shared their support on social media were publicly thanked.\n\nThis communication can be found on our website at this link: https://www.epilepsy.ie/content/epilepsy-ireland-general-election-campaign-ge2020'} {'name': 'Email All Councillors', 'role': 'Emails were sent individually to each GE candidate from this target group asking for their support of issues affecting people with epilepsy as outlined below. Those who shared their support on social media were publicly thanked.\n\nThis communication can be found on our website at this link: https://www.epilepsy.ie/content/epilepsy-ireland-general-election-campaign-ge2020'}

Epilepsy Ireland

January–April

[Health] We contacted all TDs about Purple Day, an international epilepsy awareness and fundraising day. We enclosed Purple wristbands encouraging them to wear them and to share their support for the day on their social media channels.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Letter All TDs', 'role': 'Purple day awareness letter request'} {'name': 'Email All TDs', 'role': 'Follow up on previous letter to remind them of our Purple Day request'}

Epilepsy Ireland

January–April

[Health] Thanking and tagging all those TD’s on twitter who took time to support Epilepsy Ireland awareness campaign on Purple Day 26/3/20

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': "Marie-Louise O'Donnell", 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'} {'name': 'Róisín Shorthall', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Catherine Martin', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': "Fergus O'Dowd", 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Niamh Smyth', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': "Joe O'Brien", 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} + 5 more

Epilepsy Ireland

May–August

[Health] Congratulating Minister Joe O’Brien on appointment as Charities Minister and highlighting work of our organisation.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': "Joe O'Brien", 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Rural and Community Development)'}

Epilepsy Ireland

May–August

[Health] Informing Deputies about our recent survey results on risk awareness in Sodium Valproate; updating them on publication of report following inquiry on the matter in the UK and outlining our calls for an Independent Inquiry.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Mattie McGrath', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Alan Kelly', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Denis Naughten', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Environment, Climate and Communications)'} {'name': 'Marian Harkin', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Róisín Shorthall', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Richard Boyd Barrett', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} + 1 more

Epilepsy Ireland

May–August

[Health] Deputy shared a message on Deputy Holly Cairns twitter page raising awareness of risk for women taking sodium valproate. Reached out seeking meeting.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Holly Cairns', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

Lobbying Tracker

Most Lobbied TDs