Autism Spectrum Information, Advice and Meeting Point Ltd, Trading as AsIAm

Lobbying Organisation Autism Spectrum Information, Advice and Meeting Point Ltd, Trading as AsIAm

Date published 21 Sep, 2026

Relevant Matter Public policy or programme

Public Policy Area Education and Training

Period 1 May. 2026 to 31 Aug. 2026

Specific Details Engaged with Department of Education and Youth on concerns around Autism class / special school provision and proposed "Inclusive Special Classes"

Intended results Ensuring all Autistic children had access to an appropriate school place that met their needs and enabled them to thrive Ensuring Autistic people are appropriately consulted on proposals to reform Autism class / special school provision moving forward Ensure "Inclusive Special Classes" are appropriately piloted and evaluated and adapted to the needs of the Autistic community Ensure the role of Autism diagnosis continues to be understood, valued and protected in meeting the rights of Autistic children within the education system

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Adam Harris

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 (1)

Met with Minister Naughton and Moynihan

Email (2-5)

Corresponded with the Department on the issue

Phone call (2-5)

Engaged with the NCSE on the issue

Informal communication (2-5)

Engaged with the NCSE on the issue

Meeting (1)

Met John Kearney on the issue

Event / Reception (1)

Co-hosted a webinar on the topic of Inclusive Special Classes with the NCSE

Phone call (2-5)

Engaged with Minister Moynihan's special advisor

Email (2-5)

Corresponded with Minister Naughton and Moynihan on the issue

Meeting (1)

Held a meeting with Departmental officials on the issue of planning for autism class allocation and provision moving forward

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.

Martina Mannion Assistant Secretary (Department of Education)

John Kearney Chief Executive Officer (The National Council for Special Education)

Hildegarde Naughton Minister (Department of Education)

Michael Moynihan Minister of State (Department of Education)

Noel Byrne Adviser to Minister of State (Department of Education)

Paul Melia Special Advisor (Department of Education)

Bernie McNally Secretary General (Department of Education)