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 May, 2023

Relevant Matter Public policy or programme

Public Policy Area Health

Period 1 Jan, 2023 to 30 Apr, 2023

Specific Details Engaged with key decision makers in response to the RTE Investigates programme on the lack of regulation of psychology in Ireland and its impact on Autism assessments

Intended results Ensure no Autistic person or family was disadvantaged as a result of the implications of the programme. Call for robust regulation of both psychologists and autism assessments moving forward

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.

Virtual Meeting (1)

Met with Noel Byrne and senior officials in relation to support for families affected by the RTE Investigates programme. Minister Rabbitte was to host the meeting but was delayed on government business

Phone call (2-5)

Spoke to Minister's office on support for families affected by RTE investigates programme and the need for greater regulation moving forward

Email (2-5)

Engaged with Minister Rabbitte's office to secure a meeting

Phone call (1)

Spoke to Minister Humphrey's advisor to discuss the need to support families affected by the RTE Investigates programme and the need for appropriate levels of regulation moving forward

Phone call (2-5)

Engaged with John Kearney to discuss the need to support families affected by the RTE Investigates programme and the need for appropriate levels of regulation moving forward

Informal communication (2-5)

Engaged with John Kearney to discuss the need to support families affected by the RTE Investigates programme and the need for appropriate levels of regulation 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.

Noel Byrne Special Adviser (Department of Health)

Anne Rabbitte Minister of State (Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth)

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

Niall O’Connor Special Adviser (Department of Social Protection)