SAFE Ireland National Social Change Agency CLG T/A SAFE Ireland

Lobbying Organisation SAFE Ireland National Social Change Agency CLG T/A SAFE Ireland

Date published 11 May, 2026

Relevant Matter Matters involving public funds

Public Policy Area Justice and Equality

Period 1 Jan. 2026 to 30 Apr. 2026

Specific Details Free travel Scheme for Victims/Survivors of Domestic Violence

Intended results Create meaningful pathways out of abuse for victims/survivors of domestic violence

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Dr. Blaithin O'Shea, Law and Policy Manager

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.

Email (1)

Email dated 6th February to Senator Stephenson to organise a call to discuss updates pertaining to the Domestic Violence (Free Travel Scheme) Bill 2025

Phone call (2-5)

Call with Senator Stephenson on 16th February where updates related to the Domestic Violence (Free Travel Scheme) Bill 2025 and wider challenges that continue to surface for DSGSBV survivors were discussed. Also provided updates recent updates from Department of Social Protection on transport issue. 27th April Senator Stephenson called to update on the DV Travel Supplement being introduced in the Oireachtas on 28th April 2026.

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.

Patricia Stephenson Senator (Seanad)