Western Care Association

Lobbying Organisation Western Care Association

Date published 13 May, 2020

Relevant Matter Matters involving public funds

Public Policy Area Health

Period 1 Jan, 2020 to 30 Apr, 2020

Specific Details In advance of the general election, lobbying of local representatives to highlight the challenges to the Disability Sector

Intended results Secure additional funding for disability services

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Tia Crowley

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? to highlight to local representatives the challenges facing the organisation and the disability sector

Was this lobbying done on behalf of a client? No

Mass communications

Letter All Local Authority Members Wrote to service users highlighting the challenges facing Western Care Association and the Disability sector as a whole due to lack of funding

Lobbying activity

The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.

Email (1)

Emailed local representatives informing them that representation from WCA would meet them at an upcoming event organised by Disability Action Coalition. This event was organised in advance of the election to highlight to candidates the challenges facing the sector.

Event / Reception (1)

Attended local briefing organised by Disability Action Coalition where local representatives and local disability organisation representatives attended. The challenges facing the sector in particular the recently announced 1% cut were highlighted and commitments were given by the local representatives in attendance.

Meeting (1)

Meeting with Minister Michael Ring in advance of the election to highlight the funding difficulties being experienced by the organisation and by the sector.

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.

Alan Dillon TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Lisa Chambers TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Michael Ring Minister of State (Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport)

Rose Conway-Walsh TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Dara Calleary TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Michelle Mulherin Senator (Seanad)