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 Sent PSI press release to Government Ministers highlighting significant pressures and long waiting times across children’s services and calls for timely, evidence-informed, rights-based reforms and increased service capacity to improve outcomes for children and families.

Intended results The PSI aims to inform Ministers Mary Butler and Jennifer Carroll MacNeill about systemic challenges in children’s services, encourage timely, evidence-informed policy and service development, and ensure that government investment and reforms improve access, outcomes, and rights-based supports for children and families.

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Lucy Brennan, PSI Media and Content Coordinator

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 (1)

Sent PSI press release via email to Ministers Mary Butler and Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, outlining evidence-informed recommendations for timely support in children’s services and emphasizing PSI engagement with relevant stakeholders to improve policy and practice.

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)

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill Minister (Department of Health)