National Infertility Support and Information Group

Lobbying Organisation National Infertility Support and Information Group

Date published 21 Jan, 2026

Relevant Matter Legislation

Public Policy Area Health

Period 1 Sep, 2025 to 31 Dec, 2025

Specific Details NISIG emailed Oireachtas members the pre-budget submission for 2026 in August 2025. Key asks included: a request for funding for our NISIG Helpline, a wider and more sufficiently funded public funded IVF scheme. That eligibility and criteria be broad, equitable, inclusive and reflective of those who seek infertility treatment. Also, that donor conception be ready to roll out in conjunction with the establishment of the new Regulatory Authority.

Intended results To secure future funding for the NISIG Helpline, in order to maintain this crucial support for those in need of assistance particularly at times of great emotional stress. Also, following up NISIG's request for a wider and more sufficiently funded public funded IVF scheme and that eligibility and criteria be broad, equitable, inclusive and reflective of those who seek infertility treatment. Also, that donor conception must be ready to roll out in conjunction with the establishment of the new Regulatory Authority

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Caitriona Fitzpatrick

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?) Yes

Current or Former Designated Public Official(s)

Caitriona Fitzpatrick (Former DPO) Special Adviser (Department of Foreign Affairs)

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.

Email (1)

NISIG, emailed Oireachtas members the pre-budget submission for 2026 in August 2025. NISIG received a reply from Peter Roche TD, relating to our request to secure future funding for the NISIG Helpline. NISIG emailed Peter Roche TD, acknowledging the email with a view to meeting to discuss in further detail over the coming months.

Email (1)

Cathaoirleach of the Joint Committee on Health, Mr Pádraig Rice, TD, invited NISIG to attend the launch of the report of the Joint Committee on the Pre-Legislative Scrutiny of the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) (Amendment) Bill, on 8th of October 2025. NISIG emailed Mr. Pádraig Rice, TD, acknowledging the invitation, explaining that we would be unable to attend the launch in person.

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.

Peter Roche TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Pádraig Rice TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)