Down Syndrome Ireland

Lobbying Organisation Down Syndrome Ireland

Date published 16 Jan, 2023

Relevant Matter Public policy or programme

Public Policy Area Health

Period 1 Sep, 2022 to 31 Dec, 2022

Specific Details Impact from the lack of services and dysfunctional Progressing Disability Services in Co. Wexford due to 62% therapist vacancy rate

Intended results 1 - an Early Intervention Team for the county; 2. a therapy reimbursement fund for all people with DS in County Wexford; 3. therapists to be returned to two special schools; and 4. fully enact the Disability Act and Epsen Act

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Wexford Branch of Down Syndrome Ireland

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)

A group of four parents from the Wexford branch went to meet Minister Anne Rabbitt and Malcolm Byrne at the Dail. Minister Rabbitte agreed to go to Wexford in February 2023 to meet the group again and follow up on the issues raised.

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.

Anne Rabbitte Minister of State (Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth)

Malcolm Byrne Senator (Seanad)