Overwatch Report

Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Ireland

January–April

[Children and Youth Affairs] JRS Ireland attended and participated in all 'NGO Stakeholder Engagement Forum on Ukraine' meetings during the period under review.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Carol Baxter', 'role': 'Assistant Secretary (Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth)'} {'name': "Joe O'Brien", 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Rural and Community Development)'}

Age Action

January–April

[Economic Development and Industry] Participation in a quarterly meeting as a member of the National Economic and Social Council (NESC)

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Elizabeth Canavan', 'role': 'Assistant Secretary (Department of the Taoiseach)'}

Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association

January–April

[Health] Agenda of the EU Competitiveness Council

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Barbara Cullinane', 'role': 'Deputy Permanent Representative of Ireland to the European Union (Department of Foreign Affairs)'}

Age Action

January–April

[Public Expenditure and Reform] Participation in Digital Inclusion Roundtable

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Barry Lowry', 'role': 'Chief Information Officer (Department of Public Expenditure and Reform)'}

Ability West

January–April

[Public Expenditure and Reform] Notify local representatives of poor compliance with HIQA standards, confirmed by HIQA inspection reports. Identify contributing factor in the under-resourcing of Ability West services and issue of lack of pay parity for Ability West employees (Section 39 agency).

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Aisling Dolan', 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'} {'name': 'Éamon Ó Cuív', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Catherine Connolly', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Ollie Crowe', 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'} {'name': 'Eugene Murphy', 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'} {'name': "Pauline O'Reilly", 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'}

Irish Wildbird Conservancy

January–April

[Marine] The role of fisheries management in climate action

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Paul Kenny', 'role': 'Special Adviser (Department of Environment, Climate and Communications)'} {'name': 'Jennifer Whitmore', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

Irish Wildbird Conservancy

January–April

[Marine] The implementation of Article 17 of the Common Fisheries Policy, the role of fisheries management in climate action, and Marine Protected Area General Scheme

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Marc Ó Cathasaigh', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

Irish Wildbird Conservancy

January–April

[Marine] Article 17 of the Common Fisheries Policy; Realising climate and biodiversity targets, and fisheries management; The upcoming European Commission Action Plan to conserve fisheries resources and protect marine ecosystems & the Common Fisheries Policy Review

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Charlie McConalogue', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)'} {'name': 'Darran Brennan', 'role': 'Special Adviser (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)'}

Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association

January–April

[Agriculture] During the period in question the ITBA engaged with both politicians and department officials regarding submission made and access to the Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR) fund. The subject of work permits for non-EU residents was also undertaken.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Charlie McConalogue', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)'} {'name': 'Martin Heydon', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)'} {'name': 'Barry Cassidy', 'role': 'Special Adviser (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)'}

Irish Beef and Lamb Association

January–April

[Agriculture] John O Reilly on 29-03-23 sent a message to Chris McManus Sein Fein MEP requesting a meeting regarding sheep and suckler farmers

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Chris MacManus', 'role': 'MEP (European Parliament)'}

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre

January–April

[Public Expenditure and Reform] Brief on matters of concern in particular on the issue of access to adequate, sustainable funding and supports for 'Section 56' agencies

Public Officials Lobbied

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

Macra na Feirme

January–April

[Agriculture] 4. No recognition or engagement by Government on a farming succession scheme

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Leo Varadkar', 'role': 'Taoiseach (Department of the Taoiseach)'} {'name': 'Charlie McConalogue', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)'} {'name': 'Pippa Hackett', 'role': 'Super Junior Minister (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)'} {'name': 'Martin Heydon', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)'} {'name': "Philip O'Callaghan", 'role': 'Deputy Chief of Staff (Department of the Taoiseach)'}

An Taisce The National Trust for Ireland

January–April

[Development and Zoning] Planning Bill, Archeological Heritage Bill

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Eoin Ó Broin', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': "Cian O'Callaghan", 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Victor Boyhan', 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'} {'name': 'Holly Cairns', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

An Taisce The National Trust for Ireland

January–April

[Environment] River Basin Management Plan

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'David Flynn', 'role': 'Adviser to Minister (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage)'}

Laois Chamber Alliance

January–April

[Economic Development and Industry] Discussion regarding increased housing construction and availability in Laois and issues with talent and skills shortage in a number of sectors

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Caroline Hofman (Former DPO)', 'role': 'Special Adviser (Department of Finance)'} {'name': 'Sean Fleming', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Foreign Affairs)'} {'name': 'Brian Stanley', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Thomasina Connell', 'role': 'Councillor (Laois County Council)'} {'name': 'Cathal Berry', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

Irish Dental Association

January–April

[Health] Update re engagement with Minister for Health

Public Officials Lobbied

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

Doras Luimní

January–April

[Justice and Equality] Meeting as part of Ukraine Civil Society Forum representative group to discuss community engagement

Public Officials Lobbied

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

Courtown Community Council

January–April

[Development and Zoning] Multiple engagements to discuss the findings of the Smart Village Plan, the outcome of the Courtown Regeneration Partnership meeting and the proposed landswap. Multiple calls made to delay a decision on the proposed land swap to allow for meaningful consultation and full clarity and transparency with the local people.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Andrew Bolger', 'role': 'Councillor (Wexford County Council)'} {'name': 'Pip Breen', 'role': 'Councillor (Wexford County Council)'} {'name': 'Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin', 'role': 'Councillor (Wexford County Council)'} {'name': 'Joe Sullivan', 'role': 'Councillor (Wexford County Council)'} {'name': 'Diarmuid Devereux', 'role': 'Councillor (Wexford County Council)'} {'name': 'Donal Kenny', 'role': 'Councillor (Wexford County Council)'} + 10 more

NewsBrands Ireland

January–April

[Communications] Engagement with Department officials re European Media Freedom act

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Catherine Martin', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media)'}

NewsBrands Ireland

January–April

[Communications] Engagement with Dept of Media officials about implementation of Future of Media Commission recommendations

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Tríona Quill', 'role': 'Assistant Secretary (Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media)'}

Irish Penal Reform Trust

January–April

[Justice and Equality] IPRT attendance at Mental Health Reform event in Mansion House to engage with TDs/Sentaors.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Ivana Bacik', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': "Fiona O'Loughlin", 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'} {'name': 'Paul McAuliffe', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'John Lyons', 'role': 'Councillor (Dublin City Council)'} {'name': 'Dean Mulligan', 'role': 'Councillor (Fingal County Council)'} {'name': 'Frances Black', 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'} + 19 more

Irish Penal Reform Trust

January–April

[Justice and Equality] To engage with key stakeholders to speak at IPRT 'Progress in the Penal System' report launch

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Caron McCaffrey', 'role': 'Director General (Irish Prison Service)'} {'name': "John O'Callaghan", 'role': 'Assistant Secretary (Department of Justice)'} {'name': 'Oonagh McPhillips', 'role': 'Secretary General (Department of Justice)'} {'name': 'Mark Wilson', 'role': 'Director (Probation Service)'}

Irish Penal Reform Trust

January–April

[Justice and Equality] Engagement with key contacts in criminal justice agencies at reception in British Embassy

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Ciairin de Buis', 'role': 'CEO (Department of Justice)'} {'name': 'Fergal Black', 'role': 'Director of Services or Equivalent (Irish Prison Service)'}

Irish Penal Reform Trust

January–April

[Justice and Equality] Engage with TDs/Senators and key stakeholders on IPRT 'Progress in the Penal System' Annual Report

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Jennifer Carroll MacNeill', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Finance)'} {'name': 'Patrick Costello', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Patricia Ryan', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Brian Stanley', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Éamon Ó Cuív', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Catherine Murphy', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} + 26 more

Irish Penal Reform Trust

January–April

[Justice and Equality] Engagement with Irish Prison Service on the issue of children/families impacted by imprisonment and the importance of family contact for prisoners

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Fergal Black', 'role': 'Director of Services or Equivalent (Irish Prison Service)'} {'name': 'Caron McCaffrey', 'role': 'Director General (Irish Prison Service)'} {'name': 'Don Culliton', 'role': 'Director of Services or Equivalent (Irish Prison Service)'}

Irish Penal Reform Trust

January–April

[Justice and Equality] Engagement with co-chairs of All-Party Oireachtas Group on Penal Reform

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Ivana Bacik', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Jennifer Carroll MacNeill', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Finance)'}

Irish Penal Reform Trust

January–April

[Justice and Equality] Social media engagement with Interim Minister for Justice Simon Harris on issue of overcrowding in Irish prisons

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Simon Harris', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Justice)'}

Irish Penal Reform Trust

January–April

[Justice and Equality] Engagement with key stakeholders on issue of women in prison and specifically maternal imprisonment.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Ben Ryan', 'role': 'Assistant Secretary (Department of Justice)'} {'name': 'Oonagh McPhillips', 'role': 'Secretary General (Department of Justice)'} {'name': 'Mark Wilson', 'role': 'Director (Probation Service)'} {'name': 'Caron McCaffrey', 'role': 'Director General (Irish Prison Service)'} {'name': 'Fergal Black', 'role': 'Director of Services or Equivalent (Irish Prison Service)'}

Autism Spectrum Information, Advice and Meeting Point Ltd, Trading as AsIAm

January–April

[Health] Engaged with key decision makers in response to the RTE Investigates programme on the lack of regulation of psychology in Ireland and its impact on Autism assessments

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Noel Byrne', 'role': 'Special Adviser (Department of Health)'} {'name': 'Anne Rabbitte', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth)'} {'name': 'John Kearney', 'role': 'Chief Executive Officer (The National Council for Special Education)'} {'name': 'Niall O’Connor', 'role': 'Special Adviser (Department of Social Protection)'}

Autism Spectrum Information, Advice and Meeting Point Ltd, Trading as AsIAm

January–April

[Education and Training] Engaged with John Kearney in relation to supports for Autistic students in schools

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'John Kearney', 'role': 'Chief Executive Officer (The National Council for Special Education)'}

Lobbying Tracker

Most Lobbied TDs