The Psychological Society of Ireland

Lobbying Organisation The Psychological Society of Ireland

Date published 20 Jan, 2026

Relevant Matter Public policy or programme

Public Policy Area Health

Period 1 Sep, 2025 to 31 Dec, 2025

Specific Details PSI communications with Minister Mary Butler’s office and Ian Power regarding the Annual Conference

Intended results The PSI sought to engage Minister Mary Butler with the Annual Conference to raise awareness of psychology, strengthen links between the Department of Health and PSI, and encourage dialogue on mental health policy and professional development.

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Lisa Stafford, PSI Head of Communications and Mark Smyth, PSI Chair of Standing Conference Committee

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 (2-5)

Engaged Minister Mary Butler’s office regarding attendance at the PSI Annual Conference 12–14 Nov 2025 through: sent invitation letter and event template (10 Oct), followed up with calls confirming attendance plans (30 Oct), update on scheduling conflict preventing attendance (5 Nov), and emailed conference schedule with request for Minister’s quote (3 Nov, Ian Power replied same day).

Phone call (2-5)

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.

Mary Butler Minister of State (Department of Health)

Ian Power Special Adviser (Department of the Taoiseach)