Down Syndrome Ireland

Lobbying Organisation Down Syndrome Ireland

Date published 19 May, 2023

Relevant Matter Public policy or programme

Public Policy Area Sports and Recreation

Period 1 Jan, 2023 to 30 Apr, 2023

Specific Details Meeting with Minister Thomas Byrne at Leinster House on 29 April

Intended results Raised awareness, discussion and education of national sport bodies and their partners, resulting in better support to athletes, parents and volunteers.

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Tessa van Heerden and Sanet Jordaan, Warrior Wolves coordinators | David O’Hare and Caroline O’Hare, members of Down Syndrome Ireland Louth Meath Branch

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.

Email (1)

To set up meeting at Leinster House

Meeting (1)

Issues raised: Appropriate opportunities and support in Irish sport for athletes with Down syndrome; After discussions with sport bodies, still a lack of awareness and education about the abilities of athletes; Opportunities that do arise, participation is hindered due to lack of support, leaving parents/volunteers to carry the load of securing opportunities, coaches, and funding; Competitive opportunities parallel to mainstream

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.

Thomas Byrne Minister of State (Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media)