The Psychological Society of Ireland

Lobbying Organisation The Psychological Society of Ireland

Date published 11 Sep, 2025

Relevant Matter Legislation

Public Policy Area Health

Period 1 May, 2025 to 31 Aug, 2025

Specific Details Meeting with Deputies Liam Quaide and Rory Hearne on the Mental Health Bill 2024, Proposed Amendments, and Assessment of Need Policy

Intended results The discussion focused on the PSI’s position on the Bill, proposed amendments, and concerns regarding the current implementation of the Assessment of Need, including improving access, timeliness, and equity in mental health services. Engagement with Oireachtas members to ensure awareness of PSI’s position on the Mental Health Bill 2024 and the Assessment of Need policy, and to facilitate consideration of PSI’s evidence-informed recommendations during legislative and policy development.

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Dr Damien Lowry, PSI President and Kennedy Fiorella, Policy and Advocacy Manager

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.

Meeting (1)

Meeting with Deputies Liam Quaide and Rory Hearne to present the PSI’s position on the proposed Mental Health Bill 2024, discuss amendments, and address concerns about the Assessment of Need policy, including proposals to improve access and service delivery.

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.

Liam Quaide TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Rory Hearne TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)