Children's Books Ireland CLG (Children's Books Ireland)

Lobbying Organisation Children's Books Ireland CLG

Date published 19 Sep, 2025

Relevant Matter Matters involving public funds

Public Policy Area Education and Training

Period 1 May, 2025 to 31 Aug, 2025

Specific Details Emails and meetings with government and opposition TDs to discuss funding for school libraries in Ireland.

Intended results Government and opposition party support for sustained and annual funding for school libraries in primary and secondary schools in Ireland.

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Becky Long

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.

Email (6-10)

On the 15th of May, I requested a meeting with Cathal Crowe to discuss the outcomes of our Reading for Joy Forum and book gifting application data. On the 7th of July, I shared our Children and Young People's Reading in Ireland report with Jen Cummins and Cathal Crowe, and on the 10th of July, I shared same with Paschal Donohoe, Jack Chambers, Helen McEntee to request consideration for school library funding in Budget 2026, with a follow-up request for a meeting with the latter on August 8th.

Meeting (2-5)

On the 11th of June, I met with Cathal Crowe in his capacity as Chair of the Oireachtas Education Committee to request a speaking slot before the Committee and discuss the importance of funding school libraries. On the 16th of June, I met with Jen Cummins in her capacity as Education Spokesperson for the Social Democrats to discuss support for school libraries. On the 4th of July, I met with Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (Labour MEP) on child and youth literacy support.

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.

Jack Chambers Minister (Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform)

Paschal Donohoe Minister (Department of Finance)

Helen McEntee Minister (Department of Education)

Cathal Crowe TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Jen Cummins TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin MEP (European Parliament)