Politician(s) lobbied: Marie Sherlock (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas
Intent: Support for Belong To's work on LGBTQ+ inclusion in youth services.
Methods: Event / Reception
Details by Method
Event / Reception
Informal conversations were held about the work of Belong To. 21/01/2026.
Politician(s) lobbied: Laura Harmon (Senator), Seanad
Intent: Priority issues are understood by public representatives with a view to engaging in future advocacy on these topics.
Methods: Informal communication
Details by Method
Informal communication
Belong To CEO Kieran O'Donovan spoke with Senator Harmon at an LGBTQ+ sector event, and discussed trans healthcare issues and the delay in updating incitement to hatred legislation. Senator Harmon was invited to the Belong To Pride Breakfast. 8/5/2026.
Politician(s) lobbied: Eoghan Kenny (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas
Intent: Regulation of online platforms is prioritised over a social-media ban for young people.
Methods: Virtual Meeting
Details by Method
Virtual Meeting
Belong To staff members met with Eoghan Kenny TD along with two members of our Youth Advisory Panel to discuss their experiences of social media and perspectives on a ban for young people.
Politician(s) lobbied: Laura Harmon (Senator), Seanad
Intent: Support for Belong To's work on LGBTQ+ inclusion in youth services.
Methods: Event / Reception
Details by Method
Event / Reception
Informal conversations were held about the work of Belong To. 21/01/2026.
Politician(s) lobbied: Mary Lou McDonald (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas; Thomas Gould (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas; Pearse Doherty (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas
Intent: Support for four policy priorities for LGBTQ+ youth: National LGBTQ+ inclusion guidance for primary and post-primary schools; Clear resourcing to implement the new model of care, and a pathway for under-17s; Stronger online regulation, moderation, and platform accountability — rather than age-based social-media bans; and Support in advocating for targeted investment across community, health, youth, education, and workplace inclusion.
Methods: Event / Reception
Details by Method
Event / Reception
Conversations held during the Sinn Féin Árd Fheis in Belfast, as part of Belong To's attendance as an exhibitor. 24/04/2026.
Politician(s) lobbied: Hildegarde Naughton (Minister), Department of Education
Intent: State support is demonstrated for the links between the programme and Bí Cineálta: Action Plan on Bullying.
Methods: Email
Details by Method
Email
Invitation to the Belong To LGBTQ+ Quality Mark Awards on Thursday, 26 March. 23/01/2026.
Politician(s) lobbied: Pat Casey (Senator), Seanad; Joanne Collins (Senator), Seanad; Aisling Dempsey (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas; Joe O'Reilly (Senator), Seanad
Intent: Ireland's PACE representatives vote in favour of the resolution.
Methods: Email
Details by Method
Email
Email to PACE representatives asking them to vote in favour of the resolution and against any amendments that seek to weaken trans and nonbinary rights. 26/01/2026.
Politician(s) lobbied: Helen McEntee (Minister), Department of Education
Intent: Inclusive education for LGBTQ+ youth, departmental support for Stand Up Awareness Week 2025.
Methods: Meeting
Details by Method
Meeting
In attendance from Belong To were Moninne Griffith, Sharon Heron, and Emily Bourke.
Politician(s) lobbied: Eoghan Kenny (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas; Jerry Buttimer (Minister of State), Department of Rural and Community Development; John Paul O'Shea (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas; Ken O'Flynn (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas; Laura Harmon (Senator), Seanad; Máire Devine (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas; Malcolm Byrne (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas; Pádraig Rice (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas; Roderic O'Gorman (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas
Intent: LGBTQ+ community priorities receive funding in Budget 2026.
Methods: Meeting
Details by Method
Meeting
Present were Emily Bourke (Belong To), Oisín O'Reilly (Outhouse), Anne Byrne and Tim Hanley (LGBT Ireland), Christina Fitzharris (Midlands LGBT+ Project), and Daire Dempsey (TENI).
Politician(s) lobbied: Barry Ward (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas
Intent: Civil society is engaged during Ireland's EU Presidency in 2026.
Methods: Meeting
