SAFE Ireland National Social Change Agency CLG T/A SAFE Ireland

Lobbying Organisation SAFE Ireland National Social Change Agency CLG T/A SAFE Ireland

Date published 15 Jan, 2026

Relevant Matter Legislation

Public Policy Area Justice and Equality

Period 1 Sep, 2025 to 31 Dec, 2025

Specific Details Bill introducing free travel scheme for survivors of domestic violence.

Intended results Support proposed legislation by Senator Stephenson introducing free travel scheme for victims of domestic abuse.

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Mary McDermott, CEO; Dr. Blaithin O'Shea, Legal Justice Manager; Aoife Langdon, Information and Research Officer

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.

Social Media (2-5)

Instagram direct message received from Senator Stephenson on 13th October inviting a Representative from Safe Ireland to attend a Seanad debate the following Wednesday for a Bill she is introducing on a free travel scheme for survivors of domestic violence. Response 13th October from Aoife Langdon to Senator Stephenson asking if she can check with the Team and send more information by email.

Email (2-5)

Email dated 13th October from Senator Stephenson to Aoife Langdon inviting Safe Ireland to Seanad debate on proposed legislation for free travel for victims of domestic violence. Response from Aoife to Senator 13th October querying whether Safe Ireland was to speak at the debate. Email 14th October from Senator Stephenson to Aoife confirming that attendance to show support only is required by Safe Ireland at the Seanad debate.

Email (1)

Email dated 14th October from CEO Mary McDermott to Senator Stephenson advising that Safe Ireland is more than happy to support her proposed legislation and will send a representative to the debate in the Seanad.

Email (2-5)

Email dated 14th October from Dr. Blaithin O'Shea to Senator Stephenson confirming her attendance at the Seanad debate on 22nd October. Briefing note on the proposed legislation was issued 15th October by Senator Stephenson to Aoife Langdon.

Event / Reception (1)

Attendance on 22nd October at debate in the Seanad, Leinster House by Dr. Blaithin O'Shea who posed for photographs with Senator Stephenson thereafter.

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.

Patricia Stephenson Senator (Seanad)