Disability Federation of Ireland

Lobbying Organisation Disability Federation of Ireland

Date published 21 Sep, 2016

Relevant Matter Public policy or programme

Public Policy Area Social Protection

Period 1 May, 2016 to 31 Aug, 2016

Specific Details Concern that ministerial briefings pointed to the introduction of greater conditionality around disability payments. Departmental communications with people with disabilities, assistive technology. Eligibility criteria for Youth Guarantee.

Intended results Assurance that government policy would not move to create conditionality for Disability Allowance, or move qualifying age threshold. Improved communication between department and customers. Introduction of comprehensive response to securing Assistive Technology for those that need them. Clarification on Irish Policy

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Joan O'Donnell

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.

Event / Reception (1)

25.05.16 - Attended Anti Austerity Alliance Press Conference

Informal communication (1)

14.06.16 - Informal communication with Theresa Leonard Assistant Secretary Department of Social Protection

Letter (1)

27.07.16 - Meeting request sent to Minister Leo Varadkar

Email (2-5)

Email communications between Marian Harkin, MEP, and DFI to clarify legality of exclusion of young people on Disability Allowance from Youth Guarantee.

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.

John Dolan Senator (Seanad)

Ruth Coppinger TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Leo Varadkar Minister (Department of Social Protection)

Mick Barry TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Teresa Leonard Assistant Secretary (Department of Social Protection)

Marian Harkin MEP (European Parliament)

Finian McGrath Minister of State (Department of Health)