Down Syndrome Ireland

Lobbying Organisation Down Syndrome Ireland

Date published 20 May, 2024

Relevant Matter Public policy or programme

Public Policy Area Health

Period 1 Jan, 2024 to 30 Apr, 2024

Specific Details Focus group in relation to the issue of diagnostic overshadowing in people with Down syndrome, convened at Minister Rabbitte's invitation

Intended results Improved awareness and new guidelines regarding diagnostic overshadowing within Dept. of Health/HSE

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Gina Grant (Branch Advocacy Coordinator, Down Syndrome Ireland)

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)

Interim CEO Claire Wright, Head of Communication & Advocacy Turlough Kelly and Branch Advocacy Coordinator Gina Grant all attended on behalf of DSI, with Minister Anne Rabbitte being accompanied by several senior officials from the Department of Health and Department of 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.

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

Noel Byrne Special Adviser (Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth)