Scouting Ireland

Lobbying Organisation Scouting Ireland

Date published 20 Jan, 2026

Relevant Matter Matters involving public funds

Public Policy Area Children and Youth Affairs

Period 1 Sep, 2025 to 31 Dec, 2025

Specific Details Advocacy for increased government funding and support for Scouting Ireland in Budget 2026, including recognition of volunteer contributions and prioritisation of youth work.

Intended results Secure increased government funding for Scouting Ireland in Budget 2026, ensure fair recognition of volunteer contributions, reduce waiting lists, expand access for young people, and strengthen prioritisation of youth work in national policy.

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Sean Sheehan, CEO of Scouting Ireland, in his organisational capacity, facilitated and sent communications to Scout Group Leaders to engage their local TDs.

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? Yes

What is the directive you gave to the grassroots campaigners? Scouting Ireland, through CEO Sean Sheehan, sent a template letter and speaking notes to all Scout Group Leaders (adult volunteers), asking them to contact their local TDs to advocate for increased government funding, recognition of volunteer contributions, and prioritisation of youth work in Budget 2026. Scout Group Leaders (adult volunteers) may have engaged TDs via emails and in-person meetings.

Was this lobbying done on behalf of a client? No

Lobbying activity

The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.

Email (100+)

Scouting Ireland, through CEO Sean Sheehan, sent a template letter and speaking notes to all Scout Group Leaders (adult volunteers), asking them to contact their local TDs to advocate for increased government funding, recognition of volunteer contributions, and prioritisation of youth work in Budget 2026. Scout Group Leaders (adult volunteers) may have engaged TDs via emails and in-person meetings.

Designated public officials lobbied

There were no DPOs directly lobbied during this return period on this specific Subject Matter Area.