ParentStop CLG

Lobbying Organisation ParentStop CLG

Date published 31 Dec, 2019

Relevant Matter Matters involving public funds

Public Policy Area Children and Youth Affairs

Period 1 Sep, 2019 to 31 Dec, 2019

Specific Details Delays in funding payment caused the Charity ParentStop CLG to have a financial crisis. As a ‘going concern’ the trustees agreed at the AGM on July 9th 2019 to carry out a thorough review of the fiscal and governance position. It was agreed to hold an EGM on September 23rd 2019 to consider the result of the review to decide on the future of the Charity. At the EGM it was decided to close the Charity and the Manager was authorized to contact all relevant stakeholders including politicians.

Intended results To inform all relevant stakeholders of the closure of ParentStop CLG. All Co Donegal representatives were contacted and responded to. The a manager met with minister Joe Mc Hugh, Mr Charlie Mc Conalogue TD and briefed Senator Padraig McLochlainn and Leas Ceann. comhairle Pat Tbe Cope Gallagher and Mr Thomas Pringle TD. A delegation from Co Donegal including ParentStop, TUSLA and the above public representatives met with the DCYA Minister Katherine Zappone to secure appropriate funding. To save the five part-time employed posts and secure the service for the Families supported by ParentStop (400 in 2018).

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Patricia Lee 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

Mass communications

Email All Councillors All relevant stakeholders advised of decision to close. Emailed a range of common letters to clients, other services, funding agencies, general public including local representatives. Clients of the service contacted their local representatives also as did other services who referred to our service. Social media including Facebook and Twitter also used.

Lobbying activity

The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.

Meeting (2-5)

Minister Joe Mc Hugh - initiated by local legal firm who refer separating parents to ParentStop. Mr Charlie McConalogue TD briefing and advise Mr Albert Doherty Local Councilor- briefing and advice Minister Katherine Zappone met a delegation from Co Donegal

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.

Charlie McConalogue TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Pat the Cope Gallagher TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Joe McHugh Minister (Department of Education and Skills)

Thomas Pringle TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn Senator (Seanad)

Katherine Zappone Minister (Department of Children and Youth Affairs)

Albert Doherty Councillor (Donegal County Council)