AONTAS

Lobbying Organisation AONTAS

Date published 18 Sep, 2026

Relevant Matter Matters involving public funds

Public Policy Area Education and Training

Period 1 May. 2026 to 31 Aug. 2026

Specific Details Meeting with Special Advisor to the Minister for DFHERIS

Intended results To influence the review of financial supports for learners by highlighting barriers to participation and advocating for more accessible, adequate and equitable financial supports across Further Education and Training (FET).

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Dearbháil Lawless

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 (2-5)

Two emails sent in preparation for the meeting with the Minister’s Special Adviser, covering the sharing of briefing materials and logistical arrangements for the meeting.

Meeting (1)

One meeting took place with the Minister’s Special Adviser on 17th of June to discuss the review of financial supports for learners and AONTAS’ position on improving the accessibility, adequacy and equity of learner supports. Date: Wednesday June 17th Time: 1:30pm Location: Peaches Brasserie, St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2

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.

Harry McCann Special Adviser (Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science)