Transgender Equality Network Ireland

Lobbying Organisation Transgender Equality Network Ireland

Date published 21 Sep, 2023

Relevant Matter Public policy or programme

Public Policy Area Justice and Equality

Period 1 May, 2023 to 31 Aug, 2023

Specific Details TENI advocates for equal rights and access to healthcare for trans people.

Intended results We intended to improve access to gender affirming care in Ireland. We also intended to raise awareness around the issues facing trans people in Ireland, and to educate elected officials in language and how to be respectful when speaking about trans people.

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Tara Hewitt

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.

Meeting (6-10)

10th May: Met Dept of Justice re the domestic, sexual and gender based violence agency bill. 15th May: met with Fianna Fail members to arrange later meeting with Parliamentary Party. 24th May: Met with Labour Party members to arrange later meeting with Parliamentary Party. 21st June: Attended Fianna Fail Parliamentary Party meeting to educate on trans issues. 22nd June: Met with People Before Profit. 13th July: Met with Labour Party to educate on trans issues and discuss healthcare.

Event / Reception (2-5)

16th May: Spoke at LGBT Hate Crime Ireland event with Simon Harris. 23rd June: Gave Pride talk to Oireachtas staff and members. Also attended reception for LGBT Pride at the US Ambassadors Residence. Also attended Pride Event with other LGBT Sector CEOs and leaders hosted by senior government officials.

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.

Annie Hoey Senator (Seanad)

Paul McAuliffe TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Leo Varadkar Taoiseach (Department of the Taoiseach)

Micheál Martin Tánaiste and Minister (Department of the Taoiseach)

Stephen Donnelly Minister (Department of Health)

Simon Harris Minister (Department of Justice)

Roderic O'Gorman Minister (Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth)

Helen McEntee Minister (Department of Justice and Equality)

Bríd Smith TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Mary Butler Minister of State (Department of Health)

Dara Calleary Minister of State (Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment)

Erin McGreehan Senator (Seanad)

Timmy Dooley Senator (Seanad)

Malcolm Byrne Senator (Seanad)

Pat Casey Senator (Seanad)

Catherine Ardagh Senator (Seanad)

Lisa Chambers Senator (Seanad)