Overwatch Report

The Wheel

September–December

[EU Affairs] Attendance at the Oireachtas Joint Committee on EU Affairs to brief them on the topic of unlocking EU funding. The main recommendation was to establish a co-financing scheme for civil society organisation to enable more drawdown of EU funding. Also discussed, was The Wheel project 'Access Europe' and the vital role it plays in assisting groups to engage in EU programmes.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Colm Brophy', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Brendan Howlin', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Marian Harkin', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Seán Haughey', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Sharon Keogan', 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'} {'name': 'Ruairí Ó Murchú', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

iCare Housing CLG

September–December

[Housing] To discuss the Mortgage to Rent Scheme

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': "Darragh O'Brien", 'role': 'Minister (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage)'}

Irish Mortgage Holders Organisation (IMHO)

September–December

[Housing] To discuss the Mortgage to Rent Scheme

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': "Darragh O'Brien", 'role': 'Minister (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage)'}

CHILDREN'S RIGHTS ALLIANCE - REPUBLIC OF IRELAND LIMITED

September–December

[Children and Youth Affairs] Development of a new model of childcare to tackle disadvantage (Equal Participation Model)

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Email All Oireachtas Members', 'role': 'Email to all TDs and Senators with research paper and key Budget 2024 asks.'} {'name': 'Clare Mungovan', 'role': 'Special Adviser (Department of the Taoiseach)'} {'name': 'Dónall Geoghegan', 'role': 'Chief of Staff (Department of the Taoiseach)'} {'name': 'Elizabeth Canavan', 'role': 'Assistant Secretary (Department of the Taoiseach)'} {'name': "Roderic O'Gorman", 'role': 'Minister (Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth)'} {'name': 'Leo Varadkar', 'role': 'Taoiseach (Department of the Taoiseach)'}

BlackRock Asset Management Ireland Limited

September–December

[Finance] BlackRock met with Michael McGrath, Assistant Secretary for Financial Services, Department of Finance on 15 September 2023 to discuss the current agenda for EU Financial Services regulation, with a particular emphasis on the development of the EU Capital Markets Union (CMU), as well as key issues in the international work on financial stability and the resilience of market finance entities. In addition views were exchanged on the EU Retail Investment Strategy.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Michael J. McGrath', 'role': 'Assistant Secretary (Department of Finance)'}

Dublin Zoo

September–December

[Heritage] Requested a meeting to discuss Dublin Zoo and Fota Wildlife Park 10 year capital development plan , requested assistance with our Wild Lights project and sought to clarify a media article

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Paschal Donohoe', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Finance)'} {'name': 'Philip O’Callaghan', 'role': 'Special Adviser (Department of the Taoiseach)'} {'name': 'Malcolm Noonan', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage)'} {'name': "Darragh O'Brien", 'role': 'Minister (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage)'} {'name': 'Aodhán Ó Ríordáin', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Helen McEntee', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Justice and Equality)'} + 1 more

Instinctif Partners Public Affairs Ireland

on behalf of Yes (client not named)

September–December

[Health] To discuss the EU Pharma Package

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Sean Kelly', 'role': 'MEP (European Parliament)'}

Irish Road Haulage Association

September–December

[Transport] Dublin - Liverpool ferry route. Budget submission. Enchanced revenue reporting requirments. Chronic HGV Driver Shortages. Tacho Gen2. Toll Company discounts.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Jack Chambers', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Michael McGrath', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Neale Richmond', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

Fórsa trade union

September–December

[Community] General email sent to all Oireachtas members and Councillors. To improve the terms and conditions of community and voluntary sector staff. To provide more funding to Section 39 agencies.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Kevin Donoghue (Former DPO)', 'role': 'Councillor (Dublin City Council)'} {'name': 'Email All Oireachtas Members', 'role': 'An email was sent to all Oireachtas members.'} {'name': 'Email All Councillors', 'role': 'An email was sent to all Councillors'}

Fórsa trade union

September–December

[Local Government] Email sent to all TDs seeking support for Forsa's campaign to change legislation around waste management in Ireland. Specifically to facilitate insourcing or re-municipalisation of waste services.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Kevin Donoghue (Former DPO)', 'role': 'Councillor (Dublin City Council)'} {'name': 'Email All TDs', 'role': 'Email sent to all TDs'} {'name': 'Marie Sherlock', 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'} {'name': 'Bríd Smith', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Gary Gannon', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Jennifer Whitmore', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} + 3 more

Vulcan Consulting Limited

on behalf of Yes (client not named)

September–December

[Housing] Community Engagement

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Paul Bradford (Former DPO)', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Lower House of the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Violet Anne Wynne', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Cathal Crowe', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Michael McNamara', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Martin Conway', 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'} {'name': 'Timmy Dooley', 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'}

Seqirus

September–December

[Health] Engagement request with Health committee

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Seán Crowe', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Cathal Crowe', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

Fair Seas Ireland

September–December

[Environment] Letter to Ireland's MEPs to encourage them to vote positively for the Nature Restoration Law

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Letter All MEPs', 'role': ''}

Cork Chamber

September–December

[Economic Development and Industry] Press Release - Specialist Skills Shortages the top barrier to growth and sustainability measures

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Email All Councillors', 'role': 'Cork City and County Councillors. 03/10/23'} {'name': 'Email All Oireachtas Members', 'role': 'Cork Oireachtas members only. 03/10/23'} {'name': 'Email All MEPs', 'role': 'Cork MEPs only. 03/10/23'} {'name': 'Tim Lucey', 'role': 'CEO (Cork County Council)'} {'name': 'Ann Doherty', 'role': 'Chief Executive Officer (Cork City Council)'}

Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Ireland

September–December

[Children and Youth Affairs] During October - December 2023, JRS Ireland participated in the Tusla 'Stakeholder Engagement on Issues Facing Unaccompanied Minors and Separated Children'. Representatives from NGOs and civil society and officials from Government Departments and State bodies were in attendance.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Colm Ó Conaill', 'role': 'Assistant Secretary (Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth)'} {'name': 'Tomás Ó Ruairc', 'role': 'Assistant Secretary (Department of Education)'}

Dara Residential Services

September–December

[Community] Wages and inflation costs for Section 39 workers and organisation

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Anne Rabbitte', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Réada Cronin', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Michael Coleman', 'role': 'Councillor (Kildare County Council)'}

SIPTU - Services Industrial Professional Trade Union

September–December

[Justice and Equality] Pension Promise Campaign - regarding the Governments commitment iin the Roadmap for PEnsion Reform 2018 - 2023 for a state contributory pension payment of no less than 34% of average earnings.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Barry Cowen', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Carol Nolan', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Charles Flanagan', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Peter Burke', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Robert Troy', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Seán Fleming', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} + 1 more

SIPTU - Services Industrial Professional Trade Union

September–December

[Justice and Equality] Pension Promise Campaign regarding the Governments commitment in the Roadmap for Pension Reform 2018 - 2023 for a state contributory pension payment of no less than 34% of average earnings

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Brian Stanley', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Joe Flaherty', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

Ballina Chamber of Commerce

September–December

[Economic Development and Industry] "Building Better Business" event hosted in Ballina, Co Mayo, presented a valuable opportunity for the local business community, to engage with policymakers and advocate for equal regional development. Lobbying Ministers and TDs allowed the Chamber to address issues and promote policies that support economic growth and development in the region.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Simon Coveney', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment)'} {'name': 'Dara Calleary', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment)'} {'name': 'Alan Dillon', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

Ballina Chamber of Commerce

September–December

[Economic Development and Industry] "Building Better Business" event hosted in Ballina, Co Mayo, presented a valuable opportunity for the local business community, to engage with Ministers, addressing sustainability and digitisation, crucial for the long-term success and resilience of businesses, especially for SMEs. Government play a pivotal role in creating an enabling environment and providing support for businesses to navigate these complex and rapidly evolving landscapes.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Simon Coveney', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment)'} {'name': 'Dara Calleary', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment)'} {'name': 'Alan Dillon', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists

September–December

[Finance] IASLT submitted a PreBudget Submission to the Department of Finance in advance of this years Budget. Within this pre budget submission we call for the following: 1. Significant investment in the Speech and Language Therapy workforce 2. SLT - Videofluoroscopy Swallow Study 3. Sláintecare priorities - Communication and Swallowing

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Michael McGrath', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Finance)'} {'name': 'Michael McGrath', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Public Expenditure and Reform)'}

Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists

September–December

[Children and Youth Affairs] Meeting with Pauline Tully to discuss Discussion concerns in relation to Childrens Disability Services, IASLT concerns and recruitment and retention challenges.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Pauline Tully', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

Barclays Bank Ireland PLC

September–December

[Banking and Financial Institutions] Discussion of topics on the agenda of the September Eurofi Financial Forum, in particular progress on Capital Markets Union and implications of recent bank failures. In addition, an update on Barclays strategy.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Michael J. McGrath', 'role': 'Assistant Secretary (Department of Finance)'}

Ballyhaunis Chamber of Commerce

September–December

[Economic Development and Industry] Rural Regeneration Funding, Town Centre First, Development of Tourist Office, Parking, Age Friendly town - age friendly parking

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'John Cribbin', 'role': 'Councillor (Mayo County Council)'} {'name': 'Dara Calleary', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment)'} {'name': 'Michael Ring', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

Evara Developments Limited

September–December

[Housing] Meeting with Kevin Dillon, special advisor to the Housing Agency

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Kevin Dillon', 'role': 'Special Adviser (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage)'}

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

September–December

[Budgetary matters] Engagement with elected officials on SVP pre-budget submission

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Email All Oireachtas Members', 'role': 'Email on the 12th of October on SVP post-budget analysis'} {'name': 'Heather Humphreys', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Social Protection)'} {'name': 'Norma Foley', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Education)'} {'name': "Roderic O'Gorman", 'role': 'Minister (Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth)'} {'name': 'Paul McAuliffe', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Dara Calleary', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment)'} + 1 more

daa plc

September–December

[Transport] Letter to all Oireachtas Members to provide a briefing on Noise Management and Mitigation at Dublin Airport

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Aengus Ó Snodaigh', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Alan Dillon', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Alan Farrell', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Aodhán Ó Ríordáin', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Bernard Durkan', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Bríd Smith', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} + 83 more

Bank of Ireland Group plc

September–December

[Banking and Financial Institutions] To brief on a range of matters including Bank of Ireland’s refreshed corporate strategy, support for home building, activity in the mortgage market, the bank levy, legislative proposals on access to cash, and the benefits of a more efficient process for the issuance of covered bonds.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': "Paul O'Brien (Former DPO)", 'role': 'Special Adviser (Department of the Taoiseach)'} {'name': 'Michael McGrath', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Finance)'} {'name': 'John Hogan', 'role': 'Secretary General (Department of Finance)'} {'name': 'Oliver Gilvarry', 'role': 'Assistant Secretary (Department of Finance)'}

Bank of Ireland Group plc

September–December

[Banking and Financial Institutions] To brief on a range of matters including Bank of Ireland’s refreshed corporate strategy, support for home building, activity in the mortgage market, the bank levy, legislative proposals on access to cash, and the benefits of a more efficient process for the issuance of covered bonds.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': "Paul O'Brien (Former DPO)", 'role': 'Special Adviser (Department of the Taoiseach)'} {'name': 'Oliver Gilvarry', 'role': 'Assistant Secretary (Department of Finance)'} {'name': 'Damien English', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Kevin Barrett', 'role': 'Special Adviser (Department of Finance)'}

SIPTU - Services Industrial Professional Trade Union

September–December

[Budgetary matters] Budget lobbying for the Big Start Campaign. Seeking budget funding towards; Early Years Educators/managers pay, funding for further education course, funding for AIM to support children with additional needs, funding for an equal participation model and funding to explore public provision of childcare.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Peter Burke', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Joe Flaherty', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Micheál Carrigy', 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'} {'name': 'Sorca Clarke', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Robert Troy', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

Lobbying Tracker

Most Lobbied TDs