Ability West

Lobbying Organisation Ability West

Date published 14 May, 2019

Relevant Matter Legislation

Public Policy Area Social Protection

Period 1 Jan, 2019 to 30 Apr, 2019

Specific Details Letter to the Ombudsman re the difficulties that Monica Ubaka, (mother of a child, Desmond Onuoha (availing of our services) has had with the Department of Social Protection over a number of months/years in terms of communication difficulties, accessing social welfare payments and seeking advice/support relating to Monica’s PPS number. Ability West staff obtained written consent from Monika Ubaka to send this letter on her behalf.

Intended results A representative from the Department of Social Protection would address this matter and liaise with Monica Ubaka directly in an attempt to rectify her difficulties and acknowledge her previous attempts to contact the Department in Galway. Resolution of these difficulties would support a more appropriate home environment for Monica’s son Desmond, who is supported by Ability West.

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Jennifer Reid and Anne Cleary, Staff Members, Ability West

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? Yes

Client(s)

Client 1

Full Name Desmond Onuoha and his mother, Monica Ubaka

CRO number (if applicable)

Principal Address

Contact phone number

Lobbying activity

The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.

Letter (1)

A letter was sent to the Ombudsman on 17th April 2019 by Jennifer Reid, Social Worker, and Anne Clearly, Psychologist, Ability West. This was on the recommendation of the Ombudsman for Children.

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.

Jacqui McCrum Director General (The Office of the Ombudsman)