Bernie McNally

Intent: IASLT has identified several key actions to support members, including the continued provisionof education and resources related to DLD diagnostics. However, we believe that furtherdiscussion and collaborative action are necessary, and we would welcome the opportunity tomeet with the Dept of Education to explore and identify solutions to these identified concerns.

Details: IASLT wrote to highlight concerns in relation to: Circular 0024/2025 on Special Classes for Children with DLD or Speech Sound Disorder (SSD). Concerns relate to the implementability of the Circular, Capacity Concerns, NEPS Access and absence of guidance.

Intent: Provide budgetary objectives of importance to Guaranteed Irish members

Details: Pre-budget submission 2026

Intent: To provide AmCham views and recommendations ahead of Budget 2026::To discuss AmCham Budget 2026 priorities with the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation

Details: AmCham Budget 2026 submission

Intent: Secure a meeting with Minister for Education and Youth Minister McEntee to discuss youth work and priorities for the youth work sector::Secure a meeting with new Chair of Oireachtas Committee on Education and Youth to discuss youth work and priorities for the youth work sector & ensure the Committee gives sufficient time to youth::Meetings with TDs and Senators to discuss youth work and priorities for the youth work sector::Secure meeting with members of Oireachtas Committee on Education and Youth to discuss youth work and priorities for the youth work sector & ensure the Committee gives sufficient time to youth::Oral Parliamentary Questions to be raised on youth work::Share Parliamentary question responses::Ensure that Department of Education and Youth officials were aware of priority areas of importance for the youth work sector::Provide wording for a potential Seanad PMB on youth work

Details: Youth Work policy

Intent: To meet with the Secretary General and discuss possible funding for our charity which provides preventative wellbeing interventions for post-primary school students nationally.

Details: On July 23rd 2025, an email was sent to the Secretary General of the Department of Education requesting a meeting to discuss potential government funding for the Soar Foundation CLG.

Intent: Seeking their support in our ask to have the Back to School allowance made available to all Foster Carers and not to be means tested. We attached the letter we sent to Minister Foley also.

Details: Communication to Full Committee on Children, Disability and Equality

Intent: To secure an increase in capitation for primary schools and to secure an increase in funding for the Primary Management Bodies

Details: Increase in capitation and funding for primary mangagement bodies

Intent: To influence decision-making for Budget 2025 including raising the Child Support Payment; Increased investment in Equal Start the early years funding model to tackle disadvantage; to provide funding for a new DEIS plus model in education and provide increased resources for Tusla’s overall budget to support its core child protection and welfare system.

Details: To lobby for the introduction of specific measures to tackle child poverty in Budget 2026

Intent: Implementation of relevant Report Card 2025 recommendations including the implementation of the International Protection Child Payment, measures to reduce the number of homeless families, the need to improve access to CAMHS, increased investment in early years and request to meet to discuss the issues arising in Report Card.

Details: Advocacy on Children's Rights Alliance Report Card 2025

Intent: Increased awareness among decision makers in the areas of TUSLA Child & Family Services, Education, HSE Disability. Irish Youth Justice and Mental Health about the work that YAP Ireland does and the strong outcomes that we achieve with young people and families.

Details: YAP Ireland National Event 2025