Simon Communities of Ireland (Simon Communities of Ireland)

Lobbying Organisation Simon Communities of Ireland

Date published 21 May, 2023

Relevant Matter Legislation

Public Policy Area Housing

Period 1 Jan, 2023 to 30 Apr, 2023

Specific Details Ending of the Temporary Ban on Evictions

Intended results Simon were concerned that not enough had been achieved during the period of the eviction ban and sought an extension of the ban

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Wayne Stanley

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.

Virtual Meeting (2-5)

There were a small number of meeting with Minsters advisor to share the experience of the time of the eviction ban and in these we did press the importance of extending the ban.

Phone call (6-10)

A number of opposition spokespersons on housing and members of the Oireachtas were called to outline concerns about the lifting of the eviction ban and to secure support for its extension.

Letter (1)

A joint letter sent on behalf of a number of organisation working with those experiencing homeless to the Minister for Housing. The letter sought further action in advance of the lifting of the moratorium on evictions and an extension of same with these actions are being implemented. Letter available here: https://www.simon.ie/e-publication/letter-to-minister-darragh-obrien-to-extend-moratorium-on-evictions/

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.

Darragh O'Brien Minister (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage)

Kevin Dillon Special Adviser (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage)

Gary Gannon TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Cian O'Callaghan TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Eoin Ó Broin TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Joe O'Brien Minister of State (Department of Rural and Community Development)

Richard Boyd Barrett TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)