National Federation of Voluntary Service Providers Supporting People with Intellectual Disability (National Federation of Voluntary Service Providers Supporting People with Intellectual Disability)

Lobbying Organisation National Federation of Voluntary Service Providers Supporting People with Intellectual Disability

Date published 21 May, 2024

Relevant Matter Public policy or programme

Public Policy Area Justice and Equality

Period 1 Jan, 2024 to 30 Apr, 2024

Specific Details Raising awareness of the priorities for the disability sector in Ireland

Intended results Awareness and engagement on the priorities of the disability sector in Ireland

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Alison Harnett (CEO National Federation of Voluntary Service Providers), Megan Leahy (Administrative Officer National Federation of Voluntary Service Providers) and Jillian Sexton (National Federation of Voluntary Service Providers)

Did any Designated Public Official(DPO) or former Designated Public Official(DPO) carry out lobbying activities on your behalf in relation to this return? You must include yourself, and answer Yes, if you are a current DPO or a DPO at any time in the past. (What is a Designated Public Official?) No

Did you manage or direct a grassroots campaign? No

Was this lobbying done on behalf of a client? No

Lobbying activity

The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.

Lobby day (1)

6th April 2024 - Alison Harnett (National Federation CEO) and Megan Leahy (Administration Officer) attended the Fine Gael Ard Fheis as part of the Oireachtas Disability Group. They spoke with a number of individuals at the event, but had particular discussions regarding the priorities for Disability Services with Simon Harris, Paschal Donohoe, Kieran O'Donnell and Alan Dillon.

Social Media (1)

15th Feb 2024 - The National Federation reposted a post by the Bernard Gloster (HSE CEO) on X which highlighted his attendance at the National Federation General Assembly and promoted future engagement with Disability Service Providers. Tagged Ministers Roderic O'Gorman and Anne Rabbitte.

Social Media (1)

6th April 2024 - National Federation posted on X regarding their attendence at the Fine Gael Ard Fheis with the Oireachtas Disability Group. Tagged Simon Harris and Alan Dillon.

Lobby day (1)

22nd April 2024 - Alison Harnett (National Federation CEO) attended the Green Party Party Conference as part of the Oireachtas Disability Group. She spoke with a number of individuals at the event, but had particular discussions regarding the priorities for Disability Services with Grace O’Sullivan MEP, Eamon Ryan, Oissian Smyth, and Roderic O’Gorman.

Social Media (2-5)

20th April 2024 - National Federation posted on X twice regarding their attendence at the Green Party Party Conference with the Oireachtas Disability Group. The post highlights the importance of listening to the issues facing people with disabilities, their families and the organisations that provide supports. Tagged Roderic O'Gorman, Grace O'Sullivan, Eamon Ryan, Pauline O'Reilly and Ciaran Cuffe.

Email (2-5)

January 2024 - Emails exchanged between Colm O'Conaill (Assistant Secretary) and Jillian Sexton (National Federation) in relation to key contacts that could provide insights to the Department in relation to the disability workforce.

Email (11-20)

February 2024 - Emails exchanged between Colm O'Conaill (Assistant Secretary) and Alison Harnett (National Federation CEO) in relation to his attendance at a National Federation General Assembly. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss key issues of importance to the Sector and the Disability Action Plan.

Email (2-5)

March 2024 - Emails exchanged between Colm O'Conaill (Assistant Secretary) and Alison Harnett in relation to the membership of the DCEDIY Stakeholder Group. This Group discusses key issues of importance to the Disability Sector.

Email (1)

March 12th 2024 - Alison Harnett (National Federation CEO) shared a copy of the National Federation's submission to the draft Autism Strategy with Colm O'Conaill. This submission highlights a number of areas for strategic focus for specialist disability services.

Designated public officials lobbied

The following DPOs were lobbied during this return period on this specific Subject Matter Area. These DPOs were involved in at least one of the Lobbying Activities listed above, but not necessarily all of them. As returns are specific to a Subject Matter Area the above Lobbying Activities may be associated with multiple returns.

Roderic O'Gorman Minister (Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth)

Anne Rabbitte Minister (Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth)

Simon Harris An Taoiseach (Department of the Taoiseach)

Paschal Donohoe Minister (Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform)

Kieran O'Donnell Minister of State (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage)

Alan Dillon Minister of State (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage)

Grace O'Sullivan MEP (European Parliament)

Eamon Ryan Minister (Department of Environment, Climate and Communications)

Pauline O'Reilly Senator (Seanad)

Ciarán Cuffe MEP (European Parliament)

Ossian Smyth TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Colm Ó Conaill Assistant Secretary (Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth)