Volunteering Ireland (Volunteer Ireland)

Lobbying Organisation Volunteering Ireland

Date published 21 May, 2025

Relevant Matter Public policy or programme

Public Policy Area Community

Period 1 Jan, 2025 to 30 Apr, 2025

Specific Details Post Election Engagement Letter 3

Intended results Wrote a letter to Dara Calleary TD Minister for Social Protection, Rural, Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Department of Rural and Community Development requesting a meeting to brief the Minister on volunteering and the power of volunteering to support sustainable and inclusive communities.

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Nina Arwitz

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.

Letter (1)

Volunteer Ireland highlighted the following: volunteering plays a critical role in strengthening communities, promoting social inclusion, and enhancing individual wellbeing. Volunteers are the backbone of many vital services, from sports clubs and environmental groups to social care initiatives and emergency responses. They also help people develop skills and social networks, which is particularly beneficial for those in unemployment.

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.

Dara Calleary Minister (Department of Social Protection)