AONTAS

Lobbying Organisation AONTAS

Date published 18 Sep, 2026

Relevant Matter Matters involving public funds

Public Policy Area Education and Training

Period 1 May. 2026 to 31 Aug. 2026

Specific Details Targeted engagement with Minister Lawless to discuss AONTAS’ Pre-Budget 2027 recommendations and advocate for increased investment in FET, adult and community education, and learner supports as part of Budget 2027

Intended results To secure Ministerial support for AONTAS’ Pre-Budget 2027 recommendations and influence Budget 2027 decisions regarding investment in FET, adult and community education, and learner supports.

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.

Meeting (1)

AONTAS met with Minister Lawless on the 8th of July to present and discuss our Pre-Budget 2027 Submission, highlighting key recommendations for increased investment in Further Education and Training (FET), adult and community education, and improved financial and disability supports for learners. Date: Wednesday, 8 July 2026 Time: 5:15pm Location: St Stephen's Green House, Earlsfort Terrace

Email (2-5)

Correspondence with the Minister’s office to share AONTAS’ position and key Pre-Budget 2027 recommendations, and to make arrangements for a meeting with the Minister to discuss these priorities in more detail.

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)

Harry McCann Special Adviser (Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science)