Intent: The correspondence referenced European analysis suggesting a substantial proportion of vaping products circulating within the EU may be entering through irregular or illegal channels. It warned that weak enforcement, cross-border purchasing and online sales create risks for youth access, tax compliance and consumer safety. The RRPA argued that further restrictions without stronger enforcement could expand black market activity and undermine legitimate retail trade.
Details: The Reduced Risk Products Association issued correspondence to all TDs and Senators highlighting concerns about enforcement capacity within Ireland’s vaping sector. The communication stressed that the effectiveness of any regulatory framework will depend not on legislative intent alone, but on robus, ...
The RRPA called for a strengthened enforcement package including increased inspection resources, annual enforcement reporting, tax-stamp or digital traceability systems, stronger controls on online and cross-border sales, and targeted sanctions against repeat offenders. The communication argued that youth protection and public health depend on controlling illegal supply chains and ensuring compliant retailers are supported rather than undermined. - Email
Intent: To raise awareness of Oireachtas members on a range of issues affecting people with dyslexia in Ireland including the continuing urgent need for extra time for students with dyslexia and other learning difficulties when sitting State Exams (Junior and Leaving Certificate) as part of the accommodations offered within the RACE (Reasonable Accommodations at the Certificate Examinations) scheme as administered by the State Examinations Commission (SEC).
Details: Dyslexia Awareness Month Presentation to Oireachtas Members for Dyslexia Awareness Month
Invitations to all Oireachas members before the event, and distribution of summary briefing to Oireachtas members after the event. - EmailMeeting for Oireachtas members on 9th October 2025 in the AV Room of Leinster House, an event sponsored by Pádraig Rice TD. - Meeting
Intent: In Budget 2025, it is essential that the Government commits to fully resourcing and implementing the Action Plan for Disability Services 2024-2026.
Details: Pre-Budget Communication to the Seanad, Ministers and TD's highlighting the issues facing people with intellectual disabilities and their families, and the critical sustainability issues that are facing the organisations providing supports for these individuals - this includes St Michael's House.
Intent: IASW asked for robust adult safeguarding legislation after the Brandon case. The Government failed to act. We asked for legislation after the Emily case. The government failed to act. We are asking for the Government to act now, in the wake of the Grace case
Details: IASW Response to the Farrelly Commission Report
Intent: Request for enough time to be allocated to the Report Stage to allow for proper scrutiny of the new amendments given the scale and complexity of the Bill and that the Bill undergo an independent assessment against Aarhus Convention requirements
Intent: To raise awareness of Oireachtas members on the urgent need for extra time for students with dyslexia and other learning difficulties when sitting State Exams (Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate) as part of the accommodations offered within the RACE (Reasonable Accommodations at the Certificate Examinations) scheme as administered by the State Examinations Commission (SEC).
Details: Dyslexia Awareness Month Presentation for Oireachtas Members on The Need for Extra Time in State Exams
Invitations to Oireachas members before the event, and distribution of PDF of briefing to Oireachtas members (after the event). - EmailMeeting for Oireachtas members on October 8th 2024 at Buswells Hotel, as part of Dyslexia Awareness Month. - Meeting
Intent: T.D.'s and Senators to have a copy of the NTMABS research report 'Financial Unwellness' and to have it's findings considered as part of the Financial Literacy Strategy currently being prepared.
Details: An copy of NTMABS research report into financial literacy in the Traveller community was sent via email to all T.D.'s and Senators
Intent: Inclusion of rare disease priorities in political party manifestos.::Inclusion of rare disease priorities in programme for government following next general election.
Intent: Increased knowledge and understanding of unmet needs of people living with rare diseases.::PQs to Minister to seek commitment to deliver expanded newborn bloodspot screening program.::Expansion of newborn bloodspot screening panel to bring us inline (at minimum) with average numbers across Europe.
Details: Get Rare Aware - Engaging with elected officials on Get Rare Aware campaign
Jun 25 meeting with TDs & Senators in AV Room to discuss importance of newborn bloodspot screening and the need to expand the system in Ireland. - MeetingOnline meetings (2x in May, 2x in June) detailing need for expanded newborn bloodspot screening panel in Ireland. - Virtual Meeting
Intent: Expansion of the programme to increase the number of conditions screened for, to be in line with the European average of 18 conditions. In 2022, the condition, ADIA-SCID was added to the NBS programme, however this hasn’t been fully implemented yet. In November 2023, Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) was endorsed to be included in the NBS programme with a commitment that screening for SMA would start before the end of 2024.
Details: This campaign is to place urgency on government to increase the number of conditions screened for, to be in line with the European average of 18 conditions. They are currently 34 conditions waiting to be assessed for inclusion by the National Screening Advisory Committee.
This campaign is led by Rare Diseases Ireland. MDI are one of the supporters of the campaign along with other patient organisations for rare diseases. A meeting at the Oireachtas was held on 25 June, chaired by John Lahart (TD). Rare disease patients, families and advocates were welcomed to the Dáil to discuss the need to expand Ireland’s newborn screening ‘heel prick test’. - Meeting
