Current memberships may indicate policy relevance. They do not prove why a lobbying contact was made, and may not match membership at the time of older returns.
Intent: To advocate on behalf of the Occupational Therapy profession for amendments to the Disability Act 2005 that protect and strengthen the rights of disabled people and ensure Assessments of Need remain comprehensive, professionally informed and focused on identifying supports required for full and meaningful participation in society
Details: AOTI submission to the Joint Oireachas Committee on Disability consultation on pre-legislative scrutiny of the General Scheme of the Disability (Amendment) Bill 2025.
AOTI recommended that reforms to the Disability Act 2005 align with the social model of disability and the UNCRPD, protect the rights of disabled people, ensure Assessments of Need remain comprehensive and multidisciplinary, avoid additional barriers to accessing assessment, and be supported by investment in the HSCP workforce required to deliver timely assessments and services. AOTI also raised concerns regarding proposals that may create increased gatekeeping within the assessment process. - Submission
Intent: Support the work of the All Party Group on Autism::The full implementation of the Joint Oireachtas Committee Report on Autism and programme for government commitments on Autism
Details: Attended regular meetings of the All Party Group on Autism
Emails inviting and reminding public officials - EmailLiaised with Minister Foley's office on the detail of the event - EmailLiaised with Minister Foley's office on the detail of the event - Phone call
Intent: Implementation of the current strategy and an extension of its lifespan::A new Autism Innovation Strategy provided for in legislation
Details: Sought support for the full implementation of (and extension of the lifespan) of the current Autism Innovation Strategy and implementation of government commitment to place the strategy on a statutory footing
Discussed issue at meetings of the All Party Gruop on Autism - MeetingEngaged with Deputy Carrigy as Chair of the All Party Group on Autism - Phone callEngaged with Minister Higgins office - Email
Intent: To secure support for the recommendations of the Rehab Group's submission to Department of Social Protection on the cost of disability payment::To request the Committee to invite Rehab advocates to address a future meeting of the Committee on the Cost of Disability
Details: Submission to Cost of Disability Public Consultation and circulation to Members of the Disability Matters and Social Protection Committees
Members of the Oireachtas Social Protection Committee and Disability Matters Committee received a copy of Rehab's Submission on the Cost of Disability Consultation - Submission
In relation to programme and policy issues relevant to beef farmers - Informal communicationIn relation to programme and policy issues relevant to beef farmers - Phone callThe emails were in relation to programme and policy issues relevant to beef farmers - Email
Intent: To brief members of the Committee on the challenges facing people with disabilities in accessing independent living.::To highlight the policy changes required that would facilitate people with disabilities access independent living ::To highlight the policy changes required to support Section 39 organisations providing accommodation and residential services for people with disabilities.
Details: Appearance at the Disability Matters Committee Hearing by Grainne Fogarty and Jonna Goranson to discuss Independent living arrangements for people with disabilities. Follow-up meeting with some of the Committee members after the hearing.
Follow-up email providing additional information on foot of discussions after the Committee hearing. - EmailGrainne Fogarty & Jonna Goranson appeared at Oireachtas Disability Matters Committee - MeetingMeetings with members of the Committee following the hearing. Specifically, meetings held with Maurice Quinlivan, Ruairi O Murchu, Laura Harmon, and Conor Sheehan. - Meeting
Intent: To inform TDs and Senators of the improvements made to the equine passporting delivered by Horse Sport Ireland.::To outline the role of Horse Sport Ireland and the challenges facing the sport horse sector.
Details: Update on equine passporting delivered by Horse Sport Ireland.
Discussed passporting stats with TD and Senator who were in attendance when HSI were in Leinster House for the Oireachtas Agriculture Commmittee. - Informal communicationEmails sent to Agriculture committee members outlining passporting stats - EmailHorse Sport Ireland were before the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture and Food on 28th January 2026 - Meeting
