Kathleen O'Meara Public Affairs Consultant

Lobbying Organisation Kathleen O'Meara Public Affairs Consultant

Date published 14 May, 2021

Relevant Matter Matters involving public funds

Public Policy Area Health

Period 1 Jan, 2021 to 30 Apr, 2021

Specific Details The current and future funding of large not-for-profit disability service providers; the resolution of the deficits which have grown for some organisations in the sector; the designation of Section 38 and Section 39 of the Health Act and its impact on the relationship between the sector and the state.

Intended results To secure Government agreement to clear deficits in funding, and to alleviate the fundraising losses resulting from Covid 19 pandemic To get agreement for a new relationship between the sector, specifically Section 39 funded organisations, and the state, with a new structure for engagement, including written agreement on the role and status of Section 39 funded disability service providers. To secure agreement for a new designation, which is neither Section 38 or Section 39.

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Kathleen O'Meara

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? Yes

Client(s)

Client 1

Company name National Disability Services Association

CRO number (if applicable)

Company address 121/122 Capel St, Dublin 1. Ireland.

Main business or activity Health

Company website www.ndsa.ie

Contact email address info@ndsa.ie

Contact phone number 087 3356158

Contact address 121/122 Capel Street, Dublin.

Lobbying activity

The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.

Phone call (2-5)

Phone calls in January and February 2021 to get an update on progress on the transfer of functions from Department of Health to new Department of Children, Disability, Equality and Integration, and to seek a meeting with the Minister to set out position of NDSA regarding funding and future relationship.

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.

Noel Byrne Adviser to Minister (Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth)