Irish Episcopal Conference

Lobbying Organisation Irish Episcopal Conference

Date published 24 May, 2016

Relevant Matter Public policy or programme

Public Policy Area Justice and Equality

Period 1 Jan, 2016 to 30 Apr, 2016

Specific Details To hear about the Government's intentions regarding the reception and integration of refugees from camps surrounding Syria and European "hot spots" and enquiring how churches, faith communities and faith-based organisations can support these efforts

Intended results To request Government to speed up the process of bringing people to safety; To request that faith communities be informed of proposed destinations for refugees coming here, so that they can assess what supports they can provide in those areas; To request greater clarity re Government proposals so that momentum generated by initiatives, such as local parish audits, is not lost; To ensure that those seeking asylum who are already here and in the Direct Provision system will not be disadvantaged.

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Harry Casey and Nicola Brady

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)

The meeting (a briefing for faith representatives, organised by the Department of Justice and Equality and the Irish Red Cross) took place on 14 January 2016 in the Atrium of the Department of Justice and Equality, 51 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2 Agenda 1. Welcome and introductions 2. Update on Pledges data base and verification process 3. Review of accommodation needs of refugees 4. Review of services and coordination of same to be provided to refugees on arrival in communities.

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.

Frances Fitzgerald Minister of State (Department of Justice and Equality)