Overwatch Report

IMPACT trade union

January–April

[Public Expenditure and Reform] Highlighting work pressures faced by Special Education Needs Organisers (SENOs) doe to staffing shortages

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Ivana Bacik', 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'} {'name': 'Sean D. Barrett', 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'} {'name': 'Paul Bradford', 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'} {'name': 'Terry Brennan', 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'} {'name': 'Colm Burke', 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'} {'name': 'Paddy Burke', 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'} + 359 more

IMPACT trade union

January–April

[Community] Pay restoration in the community and voluntary sector

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Gerry Adams', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'James Bannon', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Seán Barrett', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Tom Barry', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Richard Boyd Barrett', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'John Halligan', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation)'} + 376 more

MSD

January–April

[Health] Health Policy

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Simon Harris', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Finance)'} {'name': 'Simon Harris', 'role': 'An Tánaiste (Department of the Taoiseach)'} {'name': 'Conor Glynn', 'role': 'Special Advisor to the Tanaiste (Department of the Taoiseach)'}

Pfizer

January–April

[Trade] Geopolitical polices in relation to tariffs and Most Favoured Nation (MFN) pricing

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Simon Harris', 'role': 'Tánaiste and Minister (Department of Foreign Affairs)'} {'name': 'John Hogan', 'role': 'Secretary General (Department of Finance)'} {'name': 'Conor Glynn', 'role': 'Special Advisor to the Tanaiste (Department of the Taoiseach)'} {'name': 'Sinead Ryan', 'role': 'Assistant Secretary (Department of Finance)'}

Down Syndrome Ireland

January–April

[Children and Youth Affairs] Meeting to Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Simon Harris', 'role': 'Tánaiste and Minister (Department of Foreign Affairs)'} {'name': 'Micheál Martin', 'role': 'Taoiseach (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

Vintners' Federation of Ireland

January–April

[Finance] Budget 2027

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'William Lavelle (Former DPO)', 'role': 'Special Adviser (Department of Justice)'} {'name': "James O'Connor", 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Carol Nolan', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': "Ryan O'Meara", 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Tony McCormack', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Michael Cahill', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} + 41 more

Irish Distillers

January–April

[Economic Development and Industry] To engage with relevant stakeholders regarding US tariffs on Irish whiskey

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': "James O'Connor", 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Helen McEntee', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Foreign Affairs)'} {'name': 'Maeve von Heynitz', 'role': 'Director General (Department of Foreign Affairs)'} {'name': 'Noel Grealish', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)'} {'name': 'Fiona Geoghegan', 'role': 'Adviser to Minister of State (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)'} {'name': 'Simon Harris', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Finance)'} + 1 more

BlackRock Asset Management Ireland Limited

January–April

[Finance] Engagements on capital markets developments (with a particular focus on retail investment in the domestic context and the future of financial markets (incl. tokenisation) in an international context). Engagements on the EU Savings and Investments Union initiatives including the Blueprint for a Savings and Investment Account, Market Integration and Supervision Package (MISP), Pan-European Personal Pension Product Review (PEPP 2.0) and Retail Investment Strategy (RIS).

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Robert Troy', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Finance)'} {'name': 'Conor Glynn', 'role': 'Special Advisor to the Tanaiste (Department of the Taoiseach)'} {'name': 'Andrew Smith', 'role': 'Adviser to Minister of State (Department of Finance)'} {'name': 'Clare Mungovan', 'role': 'Special Adviser (Department of the Taoiseach)'} {'name': 'Micheál Martin', 'role': 'Taoiseach (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Simon Harris', 'role': 'An Taoiseach (Department of the Taoiseach)'} + 5 more

IS&WFPO CLG

January–April

[Marine] Mackerel, Coastal States, Visas for A Typical Workers, Fuel, Hague Preferences/Quotas, Taxation

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Danny Healy-Rae', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Michael Healy-Rae', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Michael Collins', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Martin Heydon', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Timmy Dooley', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': "Noel O'Donovan", 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'} + 11 more

Sunbeam House Services CLG

January–April

[Budgetary matters] Contacted DPOs to highlight the concerns for Sunbeam, such as funding to meet the changing needs, housing and transport for people with intellectual disabilities supported by Sunbeam; and the increasing assignment of funds for disability services to for-profit organisations.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'John Brady', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Brian Brennan', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Edward Timmins', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Jennifer Whitmore', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Malcolm Byrne', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} + 1 more

Sanofi

January–April

[Health] enhanced vaccines for influenza public health strategies

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Dr Colm Henry', 'role': 'Chief Clinical Officer (Health Service Executive)'} {'name': 'Jennifer Carroll MacNeill', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Health)'} {'name': 'Simon Harris', 'role': 'Tánaiste and Minister (Department of Foreign Affairs)'} {'name': 'Dr Máirín Ryan', 'role': 'Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Health Technology Assessment (Health Information and Quality Authority)'} {'name': 'Professor Mary Horgan', 'role': 'Chief Medical Officer (Department of Health)'} {'name': 'Bernard Gloster', 'role': 'Chief Executive Officer (Health Service Executive)'} + 9 more

Irish Petrol Retailers Association

January–April

[Energy and Natural Resources] Request for Temporary Reduction in Excise Duty and Establishment of a Fuels Forum

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Micheál Martin', 'role': 'Tánaiste and Minister (Department of the Taoiseach)'} {'name': 'Simon Harris', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Finance)'}

Irish Petrol Retailers Association

January–April

[Energy and Natural Resources] Excise Reduction

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Email All Oireachtas Members', 'role': 'Letter to Minister Harris/Burke and Martin was copied to all Oireachtas Members.'} {'name': 'Peter Burke', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment)'} {'name': 'Simon Harris', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Finance)'} {'name': 'Micheál Martin', 'role': 'Tánaiste and Minister (Department of the Taoiseach)'}

British Irish Chamber of Commerce

January–April

[Finance] Sought to advise Minister with regards to the design and scope of proposed personal savings accounts to be launched next year.

Public Officials Lobbied

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

British Irish Chamber of Commerce

January–April

[Finance] Raised concerns and considerations about the transposition of AIFMD II EU Legislation..

Public Officials Lobbied

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

British Irish Chamber of Commerce

January–April

[EU Affairs] For the Tánaiste to speak to a roundtable discussion of senior business leaders from across the UK and Ireland.

Public Officials Lobbied

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

Cork Business Association

January–April

[Housing] Meeting to introduce CBA and discuss ways to increase housing supply and delivery. Discussions also around Cork light rail, cost of doing business and establishment of Cork City task force.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Simon Harris', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Finance)'} {'name': 'Jerry Buttimer', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Rural and Community Development)'} {'name': 'Colm Burke', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Jack White', 'role': 'Councillor (Cork County Council)'}

Irish Universities Association

January–April

[Education and Training] General discussion of Government Priorities and IUA Cooperation

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Pat McParland', 'role': 'Deputy Chief of Staff (Department of the Taoiseach)'} {'name': 'John Callinan', 'role': 'Secretary General (Department of the Taoiseach)'} {'name': 'Micheál Martin', 'role': 'Tánaiste and Minister (Department of Foreign Affairs)'} {'name': 'Max Murphy', 'role': 'Special Adviser (Department of the Taoiseach)'} {'name': 'Deirdre Gillane', 'role': 'Chief of Staff (Department of the Taoiseach)'} {'name': 'Donna McGettigan', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} + 10 more

Irish Hotels Federation

January–April

[Tourism] Seeking Government measures to support the long term growth and development of Ireland's tourism and hospitality industry

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Email All Oireachtas Members', 'role': 'Media statement shared in relation to measures for supporting improved cost competitiveness for tourism businesses'} {'name': 'Email All Oireachtas Members', 'role': 'Media statement shared s in relation to measures for supporting increased investment in hotel accommodation'} {'name': 'Cynthia Ní Mhurchú', 'role': 'MEP (European Parliament)'} {'name': 'Peter Burke', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment)'} {'name': 'Simon Harris', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Finance)'} {'name': 'Brian Keegan', 'role': 'Special Advisor (Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment)'}

Google Ireland Limited

January–April

[Economic Development and Industry] Protection of minors online

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Ryan Meade (Former DPO)', 'role': 'Special Adviser (Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government)'} {'name': 'Simon Harris', 'role': 'Tánaiste and Minister (Department of Foreign Affairs)'} {'name': 'Micheál Martin', 'role': 'Taoiseach (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Helen McEntee', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Ivana Bacik', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'James Geoghegan', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} + 3 more

Google Ireland Limited

January–April

[Economic Development and Industry] EU Digital Simplification Package

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Ryan Meade (Former DPO)', 'role': 'Special Adviser (Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government)'} {'name': 'Simon Harris', 'role': 'Tánaiste and Minister (Department of Foreign Affairs)'} {'name': 'Micheál Martin', 'role': 'Taoiseach (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Helen McEntee', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Jean Carberry', 'role': 'Assistant Secretary (Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment)'} {'name': 'Jack Chambers', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform)'} + 3 more

Credit Union Development Association

January–April

[Banking and Financial Institutions] To request a meeting with Tánaiste Simon Harris to discuss credit union matters and broader Government initiatives.

Public Officials Lobbied

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

NewsBrands Ireland

January–April

[Finance] Impact of Karshan judgement on news publishers

Public Officials Lobbied

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

Meta Platforms Ireland Ltd

January–April

[Finance] Ongoing support of the EU Vat Committee’s 2018 opinion on personalised advertising.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Simon Harris', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Finance)'} {'name': 'Conor Glynn', 'role': 'Special Advisor to the Tanaiste (Department of the Taoiseach)'} {'name': 'Sinead Ryan', 'role': 'Assistant Secretary (Department of Finance)'} {'name': 'Clare Costello', 'role': 'Assistant Secretary (Department of Finance)'}

Johnson Controls International plc,

January–April

[Taxation] Global Minimum Tax Implementation and Ireland’s Competitiveness

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Simon Harris', 'role': 'Tánaiste and Minister (Department of Foreign Affairs)'}

Meta Platforms Ireland Ltd

January–April

[EU Affairs] To discuss the ongoing regulatory processes in the EU related to Meta’s advertising model.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Micheál Martin', 'role': 'Taoiseach (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Deirdre Gillane', 'role': 'Chief of Staff (Department of the Taoiseach)'} {'name': 'Helen Blake', 'role': 'Assistant Secretary (Department of the Taoiseach)'} {'name': 'Simon Harris', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Finance)'} {'name': 'Conor Glynn', 'role': 'Special Advisor to the Tanaiste (Department of the Taoiseach)'} {'name': 'Sinead Ryan', 'role': 'Assistant Secretary (Department of Finance)'} + 5 more

Teneo Strategy Ireland Limited

on behalf of Yes (client not named)

January–April

[Finance] To advocate for the establishment of an expert group on fuels policy and taxation

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Joanne Lonergan', 'role': 'Programme Manager - Tánaiste (Department of the Taoiseach)'} {'name': 'Simon Harris', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Finance)'} {'name': 'Stephen Kinsella', 'role': 'Special Adviser (Department of the Taoiseach)'} {'name': 'Clare Mungovan', 'role': 'Special Adviser (Department of the Taoiseach)'} {'name': 'James Geoghegan', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

Bank of Ireland Group plc

January–April

[Banking and Financial Institutions] To brief on a range of matters including Bank of Ireland’s refreshed strategy, support for home building, the importance of a level playing field for financial services, remuneration policy, the policy environment to support the introduction of new tax efficient investment accounts, and policy interventions to prevent fraud and financial crime.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Damien Garvey (Former DPO)', 'role': 'Special Adviser (Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht)'} {'name': "Paul O'Brien (Former DPO)", 'role': 'Special Advisor to the Taoiseach (Department of the Taoiseach)'} {'name': 'Simon Harris', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Finance)'} {'name': 'John Hogan', 'role': 'Secretary General (Department of Finance)'} {'name': 'Oliver Gilvarry', 'role': 'Assistant Secretary (Department of Finance)'} {'name': 'Clare Mungovan', 'role': 'Special Adviser (Department of the Taoiseach)'} + 2 more

Macra na Feirme

January–April

[Agriculture] Macra Raises Concern Over Rising Energy Costs for Young People in Rural Ireland

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Simon Harris', 'role': 'Tánaiste and Minister (Department of Defence)'} {'name': 'Martin Heydon', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)'}

Aer Lingus

January–April

[Transport] Dublin Airport Passenger Cap

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': "Darragh O'Brien", 'role': 'Minister (Department of Transport)'} {'name': 'Helen McEntee', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Foreign Affairs)'} {'name': 'Jack Chambers', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform)'} {'name': 'Simon Harris', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Finance)'} {'name': 'Peter Burke', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment)'} {'name': 'Ethna Brogan', 'role': 'Assistant Secretary (Department of Transport)'}

Lobbying Tracker

Most Lobbied TDs