Down Syndrome Ireland

Lobbying Organisation Down Syndrome Ireland

Date published 20 May, 2024

Relevant Matter Public policy or programme

Public Policy Area Education and Training

Period 1 Jan, 2024 to 30 Apr, 2024

Specific Details Met virtually with Diane O'Gorman, advisor to Minister Josepha Madigan, in relation to the published Department of Education and Skills circulars on the allocation of Special Education Teacher hours

Intended results On foot of representations to us by members/parents, we asked for the rollout of the new model outlined in the circular to be reversed, or paused pending further consultation.

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Dr. Fidelma Brady (Head of Education, Down Syndrome Ireland)

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.

Virtual Meeting (1)

Meeting over Zoom 16/02/2024. Present: Diane Chambers, Dr. Fidelma Brady, Turlough Kelly (Head of Communication & Advocacy, Down Syndrome Ireland)

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.

Diane O'Gorman Adviser to Minister (Department of Education)