Overwatch Report

Mental Health Ireland

September–December

[Health] 5th October 2022. Photo Shoot outside Dail Eireann with An Táinaíste, Leo Varadkar & Minister for Justice Helen McEntee with Mental Health Ireland CEO Martin Rogan & Communications Manager Carmen Bryce to promote our launch of "Wellbeing Works", a workplace mental health strategy.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Leo Varadkar', 'role': 'An Tánaiste (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Helen McEntee', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Justice)'}

Mental Health Ireland

September–December

[Health] Pre and Post event planning meetings to confirm speaker engagement @ International Initiative for Mental Health Leadership & International Initiative for Disability Leadership, European Hub of Global Conference - Leadership Exchange. Various Meeting dates throughout October, culminating in speaking and attendance engagements at the event on 26th & 27th October 2022

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Maria Walsh', 'role': 'MEP (European Parliament)'} {'name': 'Micheál Martin', 'role': 'An Taoiseach (Department of the Taoiseach)'} {'name': 'Mary Butler', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Health)'} {'name': 'Anne Rabbitte', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth)'} {'name': 'Eileen Flynn', 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'}

Stop Climate Chaos coalition

September–December

[Environment] Loss and Damage (Climate Finance)

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Brian Carroll', 'role': 'Assistant Secretary (Department of Environment, Climate and Communications)'} {'name': 'Eamon Ryan', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Environment, Climate and Communications)'}

Cork Chamber

September–December

[Economic Development and Industry] Press Release: Cork City Heritage and Biodiversity Plan welcomed by Cork Chamber

Public Officials Lobbied

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

Renewable Gas Forum-Irish Green Gas Limited

May–August

[Energy and Natural Resources] RGFI lobbied Government to address the security of supply, storage and gas prices as we have been highlighting to Government since 2014 on these matters of national importance. We put forward an Integrated Business case for Biomethane that will provide cross sectoral economic and environmental benefits, which in light of the sectoral carbon ceilings and legally binding targets all solutions to decarbonize these sectors should be give serious consideration by Govern

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Paul Kenny', 'role': 'Special Adviser (Department of Environment, Climate and Communications)'}

Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Ireland Limited

on behalf of Yes (client not named)

May–August

[Development and Zoning] The lands in question were residential zoned lands under the adopted development plan (Oughterard Development plan 2006 – 2012). When the new Draft Galway Development Plan 2022 – 2028 was issued it sought to down zone a portion of the subject lands and include a small element of additional lands as flood risk. On behalf of our client, we engaged with 2 local councillors over the phone and provided a briefing note outlining the rationale for the proposed amendments sought

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Thomas Welby', 'role': 'Councillor (Galway County Council)'} {'name': 'Noel Thomas', 'role': 'Councillor (Galway County Council)'}

William(Billy) Lawless

September–December

[Local Government] 1.Rezone subject lands of William Lawless, Menlo, Galway from 'Agricultural & High Amenity' to 'Low Density Residential'. 2. Extend the 'Village Envelope' of Menlo to include the subject lands,

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'William(Billy) Lawless (Former DPO)', 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'} {'name': 'Michael John Crowe', 'role': 'Councillor (Galway City Council)'} {'name': 'Mike Cubbard', 'role': 'Councillor (Galway City Council)'} {'name': 'Frank Fahy', 'role': 'Councillor (Galway City Council)'} {'name': 'Peter Keane', 'role': 'Councillor (Galway City Council)'} {'name': 'Noel Larkin', 'role': 'Councillor (Galway City Council)'} + 13 more

Crainn

September–December

[Health] Engagement with Minister on the topic of rising harms of drugs in a European and Irish context. Significant focus on the harms of the black market. Briefing on educational approaches to cannabis and harm reduction. We also discussed solutions to certain problems from a regulatory perspective based on evidence and data from other jurisdictions, as well as topics relating to the Citizens Assembly on drug use & the national oversight committee for current drugs strategy.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Frank Feighan', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Health)'}

Laois Chamber Alliance

September–December

[Arts] Request for the removal of the cap on Film Relief (Section 481 Film Tax Credit) as an incentive to encourage film making in Laois

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Caroline Hofman (Former DPO)', 'role': 'Special Advisor (Department of Finance)'} {'name': 'Sean Fleming', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Finance)'} {'name': 'Charles Flanagan', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

Hanover Media Strategy Limited

on behalf of Yes (client not named)

September–December

[Transport] The impact of vehicle supply shortages on the car rental sector

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': "Fiona O'Connor", 'role': 'Special Adviser (Department of Finance)'} {'name': 'Brendan Griffin', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Tim Lombard', 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'} {'name': 'Aindrias Moynihan', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': "Joe O'Brien", 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Rural and Community Development)'} {'name': 'Neale Richmond', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} + 4 more

Ibec

September–December

[Environment] Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for beverage containers

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Ossian Smyth', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Environment, Climate and Communications)'} {'name': 'Eamon Ryan', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Environment, Climate and Communications)'}

Ibec

September–December

[EU Affairs] Irish business priorities for the COREPER I agenda

Public Officials Lobbied

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

Delta Centre

September–December

[Health] Challenges facing Section HSE funded 39 organizations including inflation costs verses salaries of employees in Section 39 agencies, resulting in major issues in recruitment and retention of staff which in turn has potential negative impact on the quality of services to people with disabilities

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Anne Rabbitte', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Health)'} {'name': "Jennifer Murnane O'Connor", 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

Instinctif Partners Public Affairs Ireland

on behalf of Yes (client not named)

September–December

[Agriculture] Engagement with members of the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee regarding the launch of the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee Canine Welfare Report

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Lynn Boylan', 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'} {'name': 'Jackie Cahill', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Victor Boyhan', 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'} {'name': 'Paul Daly', 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'}

Instinctif Partners Public Affairs Ireland

on behalf of Yes (client not named)

September–December

[Agriculture] Engagement with members of the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee regarding Horse and Greyhound Industry Fund regulations

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Jackie Cahill', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Lynn Boylan', 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'} {'name': 'Victor Boyhan', 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'} {'name': 'Paul Daly', 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'} {'name': 'Martin Browne', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Matt Carthy', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} + 6 more

Instinctif Partners Public Affairs Ireland

on behalf of Yes (client not named)

September–December

[Agriculture] Engagement with Neasa Hourigan TD

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Neasa Hourigan', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

Instinctif Partners Public Affairs Ireland

on behalf of Yes (client not named)

September–December

[Agriculture] Engagement with Peadar Toibin TD

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Peadar Tóibín', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

Instinctif Partners Public Affairs Ireland

on behalf of Yes (client not named)

September–December

[Agriculture] Engagement with the Department of Justice regarding Dogs Trust Ireland Petition Campaign

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Helen McEntee', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Justice)'} {'name': 'James Browne', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Justice)'}

Crainn

September–December

[Health] Arranging dates for engagement on recent Oireacthas Justice Committee report on drug sanctions and the upcoming CA

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Pa Daly', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

Social Justice Ireland

January–April

[Housing] Made a submission on the need for the establishment of an equity scheme for borrowers in long-term mortgage arrears to Minister for Housing and Taoiseach.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Email All Oireachtas Members', 'role': 'We propose that you establish an application-based equity scheme to support borrowers in long term mortgage arrears. The State would provide funds to pay down a proportion of the borrower’s mortgage in exchange for equity in the mortgaged property. The borrower retains ownership of the property, the funds are paid off the mortgage, making the loan sustainable for the borrower, and the State has a subordinated charge.\nThe Government is not averse to taking equity in private homes, as has been demonstrated by the Shared Equity provisions in the recently passed Affordable Housing Act, 2021. The problem is these schemes tend to favour those who need them least and artificially maintain high property prices. Our proposal would see the State use the Shared Equity model to support those who need it most to avoid homelessness.'} {'name': 'Email All TDs', 'role': 'We propose that you establish an application-based equity scheme to support borrowers in long term mortgage arrears. The State would provide funds to pay down a proportion of the borrower’s mortgage in exchange for equity in the mortgaged property. The borrower retains ownership of the property, the funds are paid off the mortgage, making the loan sustainable for the borrower, and the State has a subordinated charge.\nThe Government is not averse to taking equity in private homes, as has been demonstrated by the Shared Equity provisions in the recently passed Affordable Housing Act, 2021. The problem is these schemes tend to favour those who need them least and artificially maintain high property prices. Our proposal would see the State use the Shared Equity model to support those who need it most to avoid homelessness.'} {'name': 'Email All Senators', 'role': 'We propose that you establish an application-based equity scheme to support borrowers in long term mortgage arrears. The State would provide funds to pay down a proportion of the borrower’s mortgage in exchange for equity in the mortgaged property. The borrower retains ownership of the property, the funds are paid off the mortgage, making the loan sustainable for the borrower, and the State has a subordinated charge.\nThe Government is not averse to taking equity in private homes, as has been demonstrated by the Shared Equity provisions in the recently passed Affordable Housing Act, 2021. The problem is these schemes tend to favour those who need them least and artificially maintain high property prices. Our proposal would see the State use the Shared Equity model to support those who need it most to avoid homelessness.'} {'name': "Darragh O'Brien", 'role': 'Minister (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage)'} {'name': 'Micheál Martin', 'role': 'An Taoiseach (Department of the Taoiseach)'}

Tralee Chamber Alliance

January–April

[Local Government] Lack of signage on approach roads into Tralee regarding Greenway. Lack of Trailhead.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Michael Scannell', 'role': 'Director of Services or Equivalent (Kerry County Council)'}

Tralee Chamber Alliance

January–April

[Local Government] Lack of signage on approach roads into Tralee regarding Greenway.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Mikey Sheehy', 'role': 'Councillor (Kerry County Council)'}

Realt na Mara National School

January–April

[Development and Zoning] Réalt na Mara NS is a newly amalgamated primary school on a split site. The Board of Réalt na Mara NS wish to get the Killea Campus, Dunmore East rezoned as residential in order to sell it and fund a single Site school in the village.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Pat Fitzgerald', 'role': 'Councillor (Waterford City and County Council)'} {'name': 'Jody Power', 'role': 'Councillor (Waterford City and County Council)'} {'name': 'Davy Daniels', 'role': 'Councillor (Waterford City and County Council)'} {'name': 'Eddie Mulligan', 'role': 'Councillor (Waterford City and County Council)'} {'name': 'Adam Wyse', 'role': 'Councillor (Waterford City and County Council)'} {'name': 'Mary Roche', 'role': 'Councillor (Waterford City and County Council)'}

Webdoctor Ltd

January–April

[Health] Budget 2022 announcement regarding new funding for specific Women’s Health measures, in particular the additional funding to make contraception freely available to women aged 17-25.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Stephen Donnelly', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Health)'} {'name': 'Robert Watt', 'role': 'Secretary General (Department of Health)'}

Ibec

January–April

[Local Government] Engagement on Dublin's city recovery agenda

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Owen Keegan', 'role': 'CEO (Dublin City Council)'} {'name': 'Karl Mitchell', 'role': 'Executive Manager (Dublin City Council)'}

Early Childhood Ireland

January–April

[Children and Youth Affairs] The impact of Covid-19 on early years and school-age care settings

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Anne Marie Brooks', 'role': 'Assistant Secretary (Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth)'} {'name': "Roderic O'Gorman", 'role': 'Minister (Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth)'} {'name': 'Eoin Wilson', 'role': 'Special Adviser (Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth)'}

Early Childhood Ireland

January–April

[Children and Youth Affairs] The bespoke Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) forearly years and school-age settings

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Brendan Griffin', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

Early Childhood Ireland

January–April

[Children and Youth Affairs] Variety of issues impacting on children who attend early years and school-age care settings

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Kevin McCarthy', 'role': 'Secretary General (Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth)'}

Ibec

January–April

[Housing] Debt service ratios to the Central Bank Mortgage Measures framework review

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Kevin Dillon', 'role': 'Special Adviser (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage)'} {'name': "Darragh O'Brien", 'role': 'Minister (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage)'} {'name': 'Eoin Ó Broin', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'John Shaw', 'role': 'Assistant Secretary (Department of the Taoiseach)'} {'name': 'Paschal Donohoe', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Finance)'} {'name': 'Paul Lemass', 'role': 'Assistant Secretary (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage)'} + 13 more

Irish Exporters Association

January–April

[Trade] Engaged in discussion during the Enterprise Forum Meeting to raise challenges and issues faced by our members (supply chain disruptions, staffing, Brexit and COVID-19 impact, inflation & energy costs, geopolitical situation in Russia/Ukraine)

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Leo Varadkar', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment)'} {'name': 'Declan Hughes', 'role': 'Assistant Secretary (Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment)'} {'name': 'Pauline Mulligan', 'role': 'Assistant Secretary (Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment)'} {'name': 'Ronnie Downes', 'role': 'Assistant Secretary (Department of Public Expenditure and Reform)'} {'name': 'David Hegarty', 'role': 'Assistant Secretary (Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment)'} {'name': 'Orlaigh Quinn', 'role': 'Secretary General (Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment)'}

Lobbying Tracker

Most Lobbied TDs