Overwatch Report

Law Society of Ireland

September–December

[Children and Youth Affairs] The Law Society met with senior officials at the Department of Children and a delegation from the Decision Support Service on the topic of Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPA).

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Mark Garrett (former DPO) (Former DPO)', 'role': 'Special Advisor to the Tanaiste (Department of Foreign Affairs)'} {'name': 'Norma Foley', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth)'} {'name': 'Hildegarde Naughton', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth)'} {'name': 'Paul Melia', 'role': 'Special Advisor (Department of Education)'}

Law Society of Ireland

September–December

[Justice and Equality] The Law Society provided a presentation to members of the Oireachtas on the General Scheme of the International Protection Bill 2025.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Gary Gannon', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'James Geoghegan', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Jennifer Whitmore', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Ciarán Ahern', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Eoin Hayes', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Alice-Mary Higgins', 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'} + 1 more

Law Society of Ireland

September–December

[Employment] The Law Society provided a submission to the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment public consultation on proposed changes to the Companies Act 2014 and related legislation

Public Officials Lobbied

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

Law Society of Ireland

September–December

[Justice and Equality] Convention in relation to the Protection of the Lawyer into domestic law.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Barry Ward', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': "Jim O'Callaghan", 'role': 'Minister (Department of Justice)'}

Law Society of Ireland

September–December

[Foreign Affairs] The Law Society provided a submission in response to the Department of Foreign Affairs consultation on the Priorities and Policy Programme for Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Mark Garrett (former DPO) (Former DPO)', 'role': 'Special Advisor to the Tanaiste (Department of Foreign Affairs)'} {'name': 'Simon Harris', 'role': 'Tánaiste and Minister (Department of Foreign Affairs)'}

Law Society of Ireland

September–December

[Finance] Letter which provided an analysis of the different cost components of a motor insurance premium and an employers' liability and public liability premium.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Mark Garrett (former DPO) (Former DPO)', 'role': 'Special Advisor to the Tanaiste (Department of Foreign Affairs)'} {'name': 'Robert Troy', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment)'}

Law Society of Ireland

September–December

[Taxation] The Law Society provided a submission on the Finance (Tax Appeals and Fiscal Responsibility) Bill in response to a consultation from the Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Mairéad Farrell', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

Law Society of Ireland

September–December

[Justice and Equality] The Law Society provided a submission on the General Scheme of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences, Domestic Violence and International Instruments) Bill 2025 to the Joint Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Matt Carthy', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

Law Society of Ireland

September–December

[Employment] Law Society response to the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment's public consultation and survey on the European Union’s Platform Work Directive

Public Officials Lobbied

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

Law Society of Ireland

September–December

[Agriculture] The Law Society sent a letter to both the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine in relation to the Report of the Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Martin Heydon', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)'} {'name': 'Paschal Donohoe', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Finance)'}

Law Society of Ireland

September–December

[Justice and Equality] Discussed the following topics with the Department of Justice: - Courts reform including the implementation of the Mediation Council - Civil legal aid - Law reform including the Civil Reform Bill and eConveyancing - The profession generally, including access to the profession and legal deserts.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Mark Garrett (former DPO) (Former DPO)', 'role': 'Special Advisor to the Tanaiste (Department of Foreign Affairs)'} {'name': 'Andrew Munro', 'role': 'Assistant Secretary (Department of Justice)'} {'name': "Stjohn O'Connor", 'role': 'Director (Department of Justice)'}

Law Society of Ireland

September–December

[Justice and Equality] The Law Society sent a letter to the Minister for Justice in relation to potential solicitor representation on the Family Justice Implementation Group

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': "Jim O'Callaghan", 'role': 'Minister (Department of Justice)'}

Law Society of Ireland

September–December

[Public Expenditure and Reform] The Law Society provided its pre-Budget submission to Government (in conjunction with a Technical Submission sent to Government in August) that called for stronger Government to focus on the need for sustainable investment in the justice system to improve its accessibility and the experience for individuals and businesses

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Deirdre Gillane', 'role': 'Chief of Staff (Department of the Taoiseach)'} {'name': 'John Callinan', 'role': 'Secretary General (Department of the Taoiseach)'} {'name': 'Micheál Martin', 'role': 'Taoiseach (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Simon Harris', 'role': 'Tánaiste and Minister (Department of Foreign Affairs)'} {'name': 'Joanne Lonergan', 'role': 'Chief of Staff (Department of the Taoiseach)'} {'name': 'Sarah Bardon', 'role': 'Chief of Staff (Department of the Taoiseach)'} + 8 more

Law Society of Ireland

September–December

[Taxation] A broad range of issues related to business taxation are discussed at these Business Taxation Stakeholder Forum (BTSF) meetings. Technical and administrative matters arise, but legislation and policy are also discussed.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Mark Garrett (former DPO) (Former DPO)', 'role': 'Special Advisor to the Tanaiste (Department of Foreign Affairs)'} {'name': 'Sinead Ryan', 'role': 'Assistant Secretary (Department of Finance)'}

Law Society of Ireland

September–December

[Taxation] A broad range of taxation matters related to Tax Audits are discussed at these TALC subcommittee meetings, many technical and administrative matters arise, but legislation and policy can also be relevant.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Mark Garrett (former DPO) (Former DPO)', 'role': 'Special Advisor to the Tanaiste (Department of Foreign Affairs)'} {'name': 'Emily Swift', 'role': 'Assistant Secretaries or Equivalent Grades (The Office of the Revenue Commissioners)'}

Law Society of Ireland

September–December

[Taxation] A broad range of taxation matters related to Direct and Capital Taxes are discussed at these TALC subcommittee meetings, many technical and administrative matters arise, but legislation and policy can also be relevant. During this period the budget and Finance Bill were of particular relevance.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Mark Garrett (former DPO) (Former DPO)', 'role': 'Special Advisor to the Tanaiste (Department of Foreign Affairs)'} {'name': 'Tom James', 'role': 'Assistant Secretary (The Office of the Revenue Commissioners)'}

Law Society of Ireland

September–December

[Taxation] A broad range of taxation matters related to Indirect Taxes (e.g. VAT) are discussed at these TALC subcommittee meetings, many technical and administrative matters arise, but legislation and policy can also be relevant. During this period the budget and Finance Bill were of particular relevance (including in particular proposed new provisions about VAT on apartments).

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Mark Garrett (former DPO) (Former DPO)', 'role': 'Special Advisor to the Tanaiste (Department of Foreign Affairs)'} {'name': 'Clare Costello', 'role': 'Assistant Secretary (Department of Finance)'} {'name': 'Deirdre Hanlon', 'role': 'Assistant Secretary (The Office of the Revenue Commissioners)'}

Law Society of Ireland

September–December

[Taxation] A broad range of taxation matters are discussed at Main TALC Meetings, many technical and administrative matters arise, but legislation and policy can also be relevant. During this period the budget and Finance Bill were of particular relevance.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Mark Garrett (former DPO) (Former DPO)', 'role': 'Special Advisor to the Tanaiste (Department of Foreign Affairs)'} {'name': 'Joe Howley', 'role': 'Assistant Secretaries or Equivalent Grades (The Office of the Revenue Commissioners)'} {'name': 'Tom James', 'role': 'Assistant Secretary (The Office of the Revenue Commissioners)'} {'name': 'Therese Bourke', 'role': 'Assistant Secretary (The Office of the Revenue Commissioners)'}

Law Society of Ireland

September–December

[Housing] Submission on E.N.D. was referred to at the HFA meeting. Meetings with TE on extension of Form 3 procedure.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Mark Garrett (former DPO) (Former DPO)', 'role': 'Special Advisor to the Tanaiste (Department of Foreign Affairs)'} {'name': 'Liz Pope', 'role': 'Chief Operations Officer (Tailte Éireann )'}

Law Society of Ireland

September–December

[Economic Development and Industry] Filing of Limited Partnerships

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Mark Garrett (former DPO) (Former DPO)', 'role': 'Special Advisor to the Tanaiste (National Shared Services Office)'} {'name': 'Maureen O’Sullivan', 'role': 'Registrar of Companies (Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment)'}

Law Society of Ireland

January–April

[Justice and Equality] Current challenges solicitors encounter with the prison service, with particular reference to block bookings/no shows at appointments to meet with prisoners.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Mark Garrett (Former DPO)', 'role': 'Special Adviser (Department of Foreign Affairs)'} {'name': 'Don Culliton', 'role': 'Director of Services or Equivalent (Irish Prison Service)'}

Law Society of Ireland

January–April

[Justice and Equality] Reduced prison sentences in circumstances where the accused makes an early guilty plea.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Mark Garrett (Former DPO)', 'role': 'Special Adviser (Department of Foreign Affairs)'} {'name': 'Helena Kiely', 'role': 'Chief Prosecution Solicitor (The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions)'} {'name': 'Declan Keating', 'role': 'Chief Prosecution Solicitor (The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions)'}

Law Society of Ireland

January–April

[Taxation] TALC Direct and Capital Taxes Meeting

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Mark Garrett (Former DPO)', 'role': 'Special Adviser (Department of Foreign Affairs)'} {'name': 'Tom James', 'role': 'Assistant Secretary (The Office of the Revenue Commissioners)'}

Law Society of Ireland

January–April

[Taxation] Stamp Duty numbers and non-residents

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Mark Garrett (Former DPO)', 'role': 'Special Adviser (Department of Foreign Affairs)'} {'name': 'Joe Howley', 'role': 'Assistant Secretaries or Equivalent Grades (The Office of the Revenue Commissioners)'} {'name': 'Therese Bourke', 'role': 'Assistant Secretary (The Office of the Revenue Commissioners)'} {'name': 'Tom James', 'role': 'Assistant Secretary (The Office of the Revenue Commissioners)'}

Law Society of Ireland

January–April

[Taxation] Issues related to Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPs) and related taxation matters are discussed at these TALC subcommittee meetings

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Mark Garrett (Former DPO)', 'role': 'Special Adviser (Department of Foreign Affairs)'} {'name': 'Jeanette Doonan', 'role': 'Assistant Secretaries or Equivalent Grades (The Office of the Revenue Commissioners)'}

Law Society of Ireland

January–April

[Taxation] Business Taxation Stakeholder Forum

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Mark Garrett (Former DPO)', 'role': 'Special Adviser (Department of Foreign Affairs)'} {'name': 'Sinead Ryan', 'role': 'Assistant Secretary (Department of Finance)'}

Law Society of Ireland

January–April

[Housing] Housing for all (HFA) and e-conveyancing

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Mark Garrett (Former DPO)', 'role': 'Special Adviser (Department of Foreign Affairs)'} {'name': "Darragh O'Brien", 'role': 'Minister (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage)'} {'name': 'James Browne', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage)'}

Law Society of Ireland

January–April

[Health] Recommendation 5.3 in the Report of the Interdepartmental Working Group (IDWG) on the Rising Cost of Health-Related Claims

Public Officials Lobbied

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

Law Society of Ireland

January–April

[Taxation] Public Consultation on the Tax Treatment of Interest in Ireland (Department of Finance)

Public Officials Lobbied

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

Law Society of Ireland

January–April

[Taxation] Proposed update to Part 33, Chapter 3 of the Taxes and Duty Manual

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Niall Cody', 'role': 'Chairman (The Office of the Revenue Commissioners)'}

Lobbying Tracker

Most Lobbied TDs