Catherine Martin

Intent: To secure attendance to the Health Promotion Alliance Ireland event on the social determinants of health.

Details: Commercial Determinants of Health

Intent: Funding for disability measures in Budget 2027. Specific asks available at https://www.disability-federation.ie/publications/dfi-pre-budget-2027-the-least-we-can-expect-1/

Details: DFI Pre Budget Submission 2027

Intent: Have the government allocate ring-fenced funding for local authority swimming pools. ::For the government to introduce a tax credit for Gym and swim memberships.::Met with Minister Robert Troy with the Insurance Alliance in government buildings to discuss insurance reform.

Details: Pre Budget Submission for Swimming pool Fund and Gym tax Credit

Intent: The correspondence referenced European analysis suggesting a substantial proportion of vaping products circulating within the EU may be entering through irregular or illegal channels. It warned that weak enforcement, cross-border purchasing and online sales create risks for youth access, tax compliance and consumer safety. The RRPA argued that further restrictions without stronger enforcement could expand black market activity and undermine legitimate retail trade.

Details: The Reduced Risk Products Association issued correspondence to all TDs and Senators highlighting concerns about enforcement capacity within Ireland’s vaping sector. The communication stressed that the effectiveness of any regulatory framework will depend not on legislative intent alone, but on robus, ... Read more

Intent: For the relevant deregation to be applied to Sika deer, and the removal of Sika and Fallow deer from the list of invasive allien species, to avoid unintended consquences.

Details: Concern regarding designation of Fallow and Sika deer as Invasive Alien Species under Statutory Instrument No. 374/2024

Intent: To raise awareness of Oireachtas members on a range of issues affecting people with dyslexia in Ireland including the continuing urgent need for extra time for students with dyslexia and other learning difficulties when sitting State Exams (Junior and Leaving Certificate) as part of the accommodations offered within the RACE (Reasonable Accommodations at the Certificate Examinations) scheme as administered by the State Examinations Commission (SEC).

Details: Dyslexia Awareness Month Presentation to Oireachtas Members for Dyslexia Awareness Month

Intent: In Budget 2025, it is essential that the Government commits to fully resourcing and implementing the Action Plan for Disability Services 2024-2026.

Details: Pre-Budget Communication to the Seanad, Ministers and TD's highlighting the issues facing people with intellectual disabilities and their families, and the critical sustainability issues that are facing the organisations providing supports for these individuals - this includes St Michael's House.

Intent: Get TDs to attend our lobby day

Details: Lobby day email

Intent: Implementation of support scheme for independent broadcasting re news and current affairs; Necessary changes to other schemes to ensure they are accessible to radio stations in independent sector and that proportionate funding is available independent radio sector.::More support and greater understanding of the contribution of independent radio to essential communications during national or regional emergencies.::Securing and protecting prominence and visibility of independent radio on vehicle dashboards and on smart devices and platforms and access for stations to listeners without barriers.::Seeking speakers for industry conference and meetings with Minister and other stakeholders.

Details: Implementation of fair and proportionate support for news and current affairs independent radio sector including proposals announced in last budget; calling for level playing field for radio vis a vis other sectors in regulatory and legislative proposals; promoting engagement and regular interactio, ... Read more

Intent: To progress the reform of Ireland's defamation laws

Details: To urge progress of the Defamation Amendment Bill