Ability West

Lobbying Organisation Ability West

Date published 21 May, 2021

Relevant Matter Matters involving public funds

Public Policy Area Housing

Period 1 Jan, 2021 to 30 Apr, 2021

Specific Details Follow up meeting with Minister and other stakeholder groups re. housing pilot proposal for people with intellectual disabilities

Intended results To seek support of a pilot of a project that proposes to offer access to housing for persons with disabilities on a proactive basis, which provides a more efficient option than present responses to crisis situations

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Audrey Pidgeon

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

Lobbying activity

The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.

Meeting (1)

15th January - meeting facilitated by Ability West with Minister Anne Rabbitte and other stakeholder groups. Introductory meeting to present experiences of people with disabilities and their families, particularly challenge in accessing residential services and impact on ageing carers such as crisis management. Outcome: requested to draw up a proposed solution, alternative approach to housing for persons with intellectual disability.

Meeting (1)

9th April - follow up meeting between Ability West, Minister Anne Rabbitte and other stakeholders to propose a pilot of proactive residential placements, that offering a potential alleviation of the current crisis in disability residential services at a reduced cost to the state. Outcome: Requested to research pathways to social housing with local councils and Approved Housing Bodies.

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.

Anne Rabbitte Minister of State (Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth)