Down Syndrome Ireland

Lobbying Organisation Down Syndrome Ireland

Date published 15 May, 2026

Relevant Matter Public policy or programme

Public Policy Area Health

Period 1 Jan. 2026 to 30 Apr. 2026

Specific Details SLT support request

Intended results Funding or support in provision of SLT for people with Down syndrome.

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Ruth Hickey

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)

Request for meeting

Meeting (2-5)

Discuss Provision of Therapeutic Services and lack of representation for member supports across Government. Follow up engagement following submission of the evidence of need for SLT.

Event / Reception (1)

Attendance at Dublin zoo on World Down Syndrome Day to celebrate, meet members and discuss SLT therapy.

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.

Emer Higgins Minister of State (Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth)