Fighting Blindness (Fighting Blindness)

Lobbying Organisation Fighting Blindness

Date published 21 May, 2019

Relevant Matter Public policy or programme

Public Policy Area Health

Period 1 Jan, 2019 to 30 Apr, 2019

Specific Details VAT increase on food supplements

Intended results Review of decision to increase VAT on supplements

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Caitríona Dunne

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)

Meeting with Louise O'Reilly, T.D. on February 19 in Leinster House. Introduction to teh work of Fighting Blindness, highlighting key issues including ophthalmology waiting lists, importance of research, genetic testing for inherited eye disease, counselling and support services and information helpline.

Email (2-5)

Request for an immediate review of decision by the Revenue Commissioners to increase VAT on all food supplements to 23% and intervention from the Departments of Health and Finance on the matter.

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.

Louise O'Reilly TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Catherine Byrne Minister of State (Department of Health)

Paschal Donohoe Minister (Department of Finance)

Simon Harris TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)