Muscular Dystrophy Society of Ireland GLC (Muscular Dystrophy Ireland)

Lobbying Organisation Muscular Dystrophy Society of Ireland GLC

Date published 19 Jan, 2024

Relevant Matter Public policy or programme

Public Policy Area Education and Training

Period 1 Sep, 2023 to 31 Dec, 2023

Specific Details Implement measures to provide equity of access to FET and HE to enable all students with disabilities to have the opportunity to attain high levels of educational qualification and combat risk of systemic poverty and unemployment, fulfilling State's commitments to Article 24 of the UNCRPD, and UN SDGs. Address barriers to: affordable accessible transport; affordable accessible accommodation; physical access at colleges; requirement to reapply for state supports at each stage of education.

Intended results Barriers addressed re affordable accessible transport for students with disabilities. Barriers addressed re affordable accessible accommodation for students with disabilities. Barriers addressed re persistent physical access issues at colleges and universities. Barriers addressed re current requirement of students with disabilities to reapply for state supports at each stage of education. Transitional programme for students with a physical disability introduced so that students receive state supports that follow the person on their educational journey, rather than supports being fragmented as they are currently.

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Alan Breathnach

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.

Event / Reception (1)

Event to present Muscular Dystrophy Ireland - Dr John Roche Education Bursary to two students at MDI House, Dublin 20 on 12 October 2023. Presentation was made by Minister for Education, Norma Foley, TD.

Social Media (1)

Press release of the event was issued, including mention of CEO's recommendations to the State. Posted on MDI website and social media platforms.

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.

Norma Foley Minister (Department of Education)