The Psychological Society of Ireland

Lobbying Organisation The Psychological Society of Ireland

Date published 11 Sep, 2025

Relevant Matter Legislation

Public Policy Area Health

Period 1 May, 2025 to 31 Aug, 2025

Specific Details Meeting with Deputy Sorca Clarke to discuss changes to the proposed Mental Health Bill 2024

Intended results The PSI presented its position on the Bill, highlighted key concerns, and suggested amendments. Relevant literature and evidence supporting the PSI’s stance on reform of the Mental Health Act, 2001, was shared to support informed decision-making. Collaboration with Deputy Clarke to ensure PSI’s input is considered during the committee stage of the Mental Health Bill 2024 and contribute to necessary reforms to the Mental Health Act, 2001.

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Dr Damien Lowry, PSI President & Kennedy Fiorella, Policy and Advocacy Manager

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)

Held a meeting with Deputy Sorca Clarke to present PSI’s position on the proposed Mental Health Bill 2024, highlight concerns, and propose amendments to ensure the PSI’s input is considered during the committee stage of the Bill and to collaborate on necessary reforms to the Mental Health Act, 2001.

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.

Sorca Clarke TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)