Walkinstown Association for People with an Intellectual Disability Ltd (WALK)

Lobbying Organisation Walkinstown Association for People with an Intellectual Disability Ltd

Date published 21 Jan, 2016

Relevant Matter Matters involving public funds

Public Policy Area Employment

Period 1 Sep, 2015 to 31 Dec, 2015

Specific Details Funding to support people with disabilities to access mainstream training, education and employment

Intended results Greater inclusion for young people aged 16-24, with a disability through access to mainstream training education and employment opportunities.

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity PEER Programme Coordinator Louth

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

Mass communications

Email All Councillors Update relating to Comprehensive Employment Strategy documentation and setting up of independent committee to oversee same with Louth County Councillors; Notification that core funding for WALK PEER to support young people with disabilities in accessing mainstream training, education and employment has ceased.

Lobbying activity

The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.

Meeting (2-5)

Update regarding activities of WALK PEER in the Louth area, young people being engaged with, gap in supports. Specific reference to funding opportunities being sought including Dormant Accounts; Corporate Funding, etc.

Email (6-10)

Enquiries relating to publication of Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities Updates regarding activities of WALK PEER in the Louth area, young people being engaged with, gap in supports. Notification of application. Feedback on unsuccessful applications Updates and feedback on Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities publication

Informal communication (6-10)

Attendance at Louth County Economic and Community Forum; Leader Local Development Strategy groups; PPN meetings, etc. Informal conversations with DPOs regarding inclusion of young people with disabilities in County Plans (for example Local Economic and Community Plan); Funding streams; etc in terms of access to mainstream opportunities. Conversations with DPOs regarding gaps for young people with disabilities in the Louth area in accessing mainstream training, education and employment. Meeting MEPs at events - informal discussion relating to gaps in support for young people with disabilities. Young people with disabilities not being included in Youth Guarantee

Meeting (1)

Presentation on WALK PEER Programme as a model of supported employment to be mainstreamed through the Comprehensive Employment Strategy

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.

Gerald Nash TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Mary Moran Senator (Seanad)

Mark Dearey Councillor (Louth County council)

Colm Markey Councillor (Louth County council)

Maeve Anna Yore Councillor (Louth County council)

Liam Reilly Councillor (Louth County council)

Pearse McGeough Councillor (Louth County council)

Imelda Munster Councillor (Louth County council)

Teresa Leonard Assistant Secretary (Department of Social Protection)