Dyslexia Association of Ireland

Lobbying Organisation Dyslexia Association of Ireland

Date published 13 Dec, 2018

Relevant Matter Public policy or programme

Public Policy Area Education and Training

Period 1 Sep, 2018 to 31 Dec, 2018

Specific Details We advised our members to participate in the public consultation on Exemptions from the Study of Irish, as this is of particular relevant to those affected by dyslexia. We also advised members to contact the Minister for Education and their local TDs to express their opinions on the proposed changes to the exemption process.

Intended results We welcome the removal of the requirement for a psychological report and measures of IQ or cognitive ability. However, the proposal to not allow exemptions before 3rd class means that students will be left struggling with learning 2 languages for far too long. There continues to be no clear rationale for the 10th percentile cut-off; this approach is unfair and unscientific. While an appeals process is outlined at local level, there needs to be an independent appeals process created.

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Dyslexia Association staff members including Rosie Bissett (CEO), Donald Ewing (Head of Psychological & Educational Services) and Amy Smyth (Information & Advocacy 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? Yes

What is the directive you gave to the grassroots campaigners? We asked our members to participate in the consultation via the online survey. However, as the survey is not very user-friendly, we also advised members to email their comments directly to the Minister and to their own local representatives. We provided members with some guidance on the key changes proposed and our comments on these to assist them in making their voice heard. We also advised members to share their own personal experiences and thoughts on the issue.

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)

Emails sent to all our members encouraging them to participate in the consultation process via the online survey, and also to email the Minister, and their local representatives.

Social Media (2-5)

Social media posts alerting our members and encouraging them to participate in the consultation process via the online survey, and also to email the Minister, and their local representatives.

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.

Joe McHugh Minister (Department of Education and Skills)