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 Meeting between PSI representatives and the Disability Unit in the Department of the Taoiseach to discuss systemic challenges in health and psychology and opportunities for improvement were discussed.

Intended results The PSI met with the Disability Unit in the Department of the Taoiseach to discuss systemic challenges, including long waiting lists and delays in Assessment of Need (AON), gaps in public provision for dyslexia/dyscalculia assessments, workforce planning, CORU registration, evidence requirements for AON, and the division of psychological services across departments. Opportunities for service integration, improved pathways, and workforce support were highlighted.

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

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)

PSI representatives met with the Department of the Taoiseach’s Disability Unit to discuss challenges in disability services, Assessment of Need (AON), workforce planning, service integration, and maintaining professional standards. PSI offered expertise, highlighted gaps and risks, and explored collaborative solutions to improve outcomes for people with disabilities.

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.

Elizabeth Canavan Assistant Secretary (Department of the Taoiseach)