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: 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
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
Email Sent to all members of the Oireachtas Committee for Children. The submission is publish on our website www.epiconline.ie - EmailMet with Elected representatives and the Minister for Children to discuss our amendments. - MeetingWrote to the Minister for Children Norma Foley to seek support for EPIC amendments - Letter
We contacted TDs and Senators to make them aware of our concerns over proposed amendments to International Protection Bill 2026 and made recommendations for new amendments - Email
Intent: To ensure AON reforms protect statutory rights, remain evidence-informed, and support timely access to services; to advocate for workforce planning, integration of children’s services, and consultation with psychologists and stakeholders; and to promote a person-centred, clinically sound, and rights-based approach in legislative and service reforms.
Details: Invited opening statement to the Joint Committee on Disability Matters, addressing reform of the Assessment of Need (AON) process and broader children’s services, including workforce, resourcing, and integration.
Delivered an opening statement on the Disability (Amendment) Bill 2025 to highlight unmet needs, workforce capacity, AON process integrity, and the need for integrated, evidence-informed, and child-centred services. - Meeting
Intent: To ensure that reforms to the Assessment of Need (AON) process remain evidence-informed, person-centred, and clinically sound; to advocate for adequate workforce resourcing, multidisciplinary input, and clear guidance for assessment officers; and to support legislation that protects rights, promotes timely access to services, and maintains high-quality disability assessment and intervention.
Details: Written submission to the Joint Committee on Disability Matters on pre-legislative scrutiny of the General Scheme of Disability (Amendment) Bill 2025.
Submission provided to the Joint Committee on Disability Matters in March 2026, outlining PSI’s evidence-based recommendations for the General Scheme of Disability (Amendment) Bill 2025, including workforce, resourcing, governance, and functional assessment considerations. - Submission
