AONTAS

Lobbying Organisation AONTAS

Date published 21 May, 2026

Relevant Matter Public policy or programme

Public Policy Area Education and Training

Period 1 Jan. 2026 to 30 Apr. 2026

Specific Details The Star Awards for Adult Learning

Intended results Recognition for the role of community education as a key policy lever for priorities relating to lifelong learning and skills. Sustainable funding for the sector in recognition of its contribution to policy goals

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Dearbháil Lawless

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)

Invitation to attend the Annual Star Awards on the 6th of March sent to the Minister for FHERIS and the Minister of State for FHERIS. Sent on February the 10th.

Event / Reception (1)

Minister Harkin attended the Star Awards on the 6th of March, and gave an address to the attendees.

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.

James Lawless Minister (Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science)

Marian Harkin Minister of State (Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science)