An Cosan

Lobbying Organisation An Cosan

Date published 21 Sep, 2020

Relevant Matter Public policy or programme

Public Policy Area Education and Training

Period 1 May, 2020 to 31 Aug, 2020

Specific Details Introduction to An Cosán - early years education & care, family supports, adult education (Foundation, Further, Higher), counselling & other wrap around supports for learners. We presented the challenges faced by many learners as a result of the digital divide. An Cosán has the knowledge and skills and reach across Ireland to address this problem. This issue is increasingly important in this digitised world and most particularly during the pandemic.

Intended results The aim of our communication is to increase awareness & to advocate on behalf of those most marginalised and disadvantaged within our society. Our aim to advocate for the 52% of Irish people who don’t possess at least basic digital skills & who don't have access to technology. The need we wish to address: To equip educators, community workers and parents with the digital capacity to participate in a digitised society.

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Heydi Foster, CEO An Cosán

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 (2-5)

8th July - Meeting with Minister Simon Harris at Department of Education and Skills, Marlborough Street, Dublin and 15th July - A visit from Minister Simon Harris with Sarah Bardon at An Cosán, Jobstown, Dublin 24

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.

Sarah Bardon Special Adviser (Department of Further and Higher Education, Innovation and Science)

Simon Harris TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)