Policy Forum for Ireland

This conference focused on next steps for online safety and regulation in Ireland.

It brought stakeholders and policymakers together to discuss priorities for effective implementation of the new Online Safety Code published by Coimisiún na Meán and recently approved by the European Commission, which requires video sharing platform services to protect users from harmful content.

Delegates examined provisions outlined in the code, with an updated draft version published in May, including the way forward for its practical application in protecting children online, requirements for parental controls, and obligations to prohibit the dissemination of harmful content in light of the Taoiseach’s recent commitments to ensure platform compliance in tackling online threats, bullying, and the spread of misinformation.

The agenda also focused on issues arising from consultation on the code, including the need for clarity and proportionality in its development, and next steps for minimising overlap with wider online safety legislation, following the recent High Court case regarding the designation of Reddit and Tumblr as platforms to be regulated by a new code.

Priorities for safeguarding children online were considered, looking at options for effective age verification measures, and addressing challenges posed by toxic AI recommender algorithms, with the Irish Council for Civil Liberties having expressed concern that these will not be covered by the code.

Further sessions explored areas of best practice in the development of online safety frameworks in Australia and how these can be applied to Ireland’s approach.

Delegates discussed coordination with wider EU law, in the context of the country of origin principle which means that the obligations and responsibilities of an online platform established in Ireland will be determined by Irish law. They discussed implementing and building on the Digital Services Act 2024, which requires online platforms to remove illegal content and introduces obligations regarding algorithmic transparency.

We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Niamh Hodnett, Online Safety Commissioner, Coimisiún na Meán; Rita Wezenbeek, Director, Platforms and Enforcement, DG Connect, European Commission; Julie Inman Grant, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner; and Simon McGarr, Solicitor, McGarr Solicitors.

Overall, areas for discussion included:

• Online Safety Code: priorities, provisions and key issues - structure and implementation - safety impact assessments - defining categories of harm - online education and digital literacy - options for age verification
• regulatory priorities: regulatory support and clarity of responsibility - ensuring proportionality - assessing harmful recommender algorithms - prospects for an individual complaints mechanism
• assessing best practice: learning from approaches elsewhere - options for cross-border collaboration - assessing merits of and challenges for prescriptive and descriptive approaches
• coordination with wider EU legislation: coordinating with regulatory bodies - minimising duplication of regulatory requirements - implementing the Digital Services Act 2024 - ensuring regulation is flexible
• protecting children: safeguarding against cyber-bullying and the promotion of self-harm, suicide or disordered eating - developing robust age verification technologies - measures for parental control systems
• tech industry priorities: platforms’ duty of care - implementation of new responsibilities - clarity of guidance and transparency on requirements of advertising policy - approaches for removal of harmful content
• addressing deep learning and AI algorithms: assessing the impact of recommender algorithms on children - potential for minimising the spread of disinformation
• complaints mechanisms: assessing how an individual complaints mechanism could work in practice - addressing resourcing challenges - options for a ‘super-complaints’ system to address systemic issues

All delegates were able to contribute, alongside key policy officials, to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates. Those that attended include officials from DCEDIY, ROI; DTCAGSM, ROI; DfC, NI; DfE; DSIT; Ofcom; ICO; Education Scotland; Home Office; Government of Jersey; and the Welsh Government.

This conference assessed next steps for climate change adaptation and resilience in Ireland.

It was a timely opportunity to discuss key issues with implementation of a new National Adaptation Framework (NAF), published by DECC in June, which requires government departments, infrastructure providers and local authorities to prepare a new cycle of Adaptation Plans for key sectors including agriculture, forestry, biodiversity, transport, flood risk management and tourism.

Sessions in the agenda brought out latest thinking on concerns raised, looking at challenges in Ireland’s approach to adaptation, including:

• sectoral priorities: identifying clear plans across sectors, and allocating support and resources effectively to implement adaptation measures
• financial support: long-term policy signals to enable substantial investment in sustainability and resilience, and key financial support mechanisms for industries already at risk climate change effects
• local-level strategies: next steps for driving community involvement and moving towards a whole-of-society approach with clear, achievable goals
• monitoring: integrating robust mechanisms for monitoring progress and evaluating the effectiveness of adaptation

There was discussion on what is needed to ensure that developing Ireland’s climate resilience and a just transition are both embedded in policy and planning processes, as emphasised in Ireland’s Climate Change Assessment (ICCA) commissioned by the Environmental Protection Agency, published in January.

Delegates also considered opportunities presented by the NAF in the delivery of new high quality jobs and the potential growth of new green sectors, as well as what is needed to enable and encourage cross-sectoral collaboration, including best practice for sharing knowledge and information, and priorities for strengthening institutional capacity.

Further sessions examined issues for Ireland within the wider European approach to climate adaptation and resilience, with the European Environment Agency’s recent Climate Risk Assessment finding that Europe is not prepared for rapidly growing climate risks.

We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Blaz Kurnik, Head, CET2, Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Group, European Environment Agency; Dr Stephen Flood, Resilience Team Lead, Irish Climate Change Advisory Council Secretariat; and Professor Conor Murphy, Professor, Department of Geography, Maynooth University; and Author, ICCA Volume Three: Being Prepared for Ireland’s Future Climate.

Overall, areas for discussion included:

• Ireland’s current ability to adapt: considering findings from ICCA - adaptation planning - risk management - assessing adaptation fitness - communicating benefits of transitioning to a low carbon economy
• immediate priorities: developing Ireland’s climate resilience - implementing local adaptation plans - flood risk management and responses to extreme weather events - key financial support mechanisms
• key sectors: developing adaptation plans across agriculture, health, urban dwellings, tourism and sport, and financial services - assessing opportunities for high quality jobs and growth of new green sectors
• just resilience and adaptation: ensuring equity and fairness in adaptation approaches - protecting flood-risk areas and coastal communities - consulting with vulnerable groups - guidance for policymakers
• data and evaluation: fostering and funding a whole-of-society approach to sharing knowledge and information - addressing gaps in data - ensuring effective evaluation of approaches to learn from best practice
• Biodiversity Net Gain: assessing long-term goals for nature restoration - utilising natural resources for carbon capture and flood defence - transitioning to restoration and heritage practices
• policy: priorities for a new NAF - clarity on long-term policy signals - meeting emissions ceilings - staying within carbon budgets - scaling up and resourcing systematic approaches to climate adaptation - assessing the EU’s approach and findings of Europe’s climate risk assessment - lessons learned from Ireland’s first adaptation plans

The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from DAFM; DoT; DPENDR; Met Éireann; DHLGH; NPWS; FCDO; Isle of Man Government; DAERA, NI; DfC, NI; DfE, NI; DESNZ; DfT; MMO; DLUHC; Ofwat; and Homes England.

This conference focused on next steps for the regulation and development of artificial intelligence in Ireland.

It was an opportunity for key stakeholders and policymakers to examine priorities for implementation of the EU AI Act, which reached parliamentary approval in March 2024 to enact the world's first binding AI law.

Delegates discussed what the EU legislation will mean for the actions and targets laid out in the National AI Strategy, drawing on the DETE’s AI - Here for Good: Progress Report on the National AI Strategy, published in August 2023.

Those attending also assessed implications of the EU AI Act for the development, adoption and implementation of new AI technology, looking at concerns over adopting a risk-based approach, key priorities for trust and AI ethics, how Ireland can best realise the benefits of trusted AI across sectors, and identifying how Irish and European AI technology can build and retain competitiveness in a global market.

Further sessions looked at priorities for businesses and innovators, including what support will be needed for tech companies, SMEs and spin-outs to make new AI tools compliant with EU law, options for the development of regulatory sandboxes, and how Ireland can best continue to attract FDI from large global tech companies.

We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Gabriele Mazzini, Senior Expert, AI Policy Development and Coordination, European Commission; Dr Barry O’Sullivan, Full Professor, School of Computer Science and IT, UCC; Member, AI Advisory Council; and former Vice Chair, High-Level Expert Group on AI, European Commission; and Professor Gregory O’Hare, Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Head, School of Computer Science and Statistics, Trinity College Dublin.

Overall, areas for discussion included:

• Ireland’s AI landscape: progress on the delivery of the National AI Strategy - next steps - assessing the emergence, development and use of generative AI - preparing for regulation - gauging trust
• EU AI Act: priorities post-agreement - adapting Irish law - benefits and challenges of a risk-based approach - support for business innovators - assessing the criteria for designating high-risk AI
• challenges: concerns over resource requirements for making new AI compliant - developing fair and effective standards - building trust - ensuring the ethical development and use of AI
• priorities for businesses and innovators: providing clarity and support, including for SMEs - developing fair and effective standards for AI - maximising benefits in AI use
• regulation: key legislative priorities for developing regulatory sandboxes to safely test AI innovations - assessing the role of regulators and how they can work together
• workforce: assessing the impact of AI on the workplace - safeguarding workers’ rights and employer interests - examining key skills priorities - securing the talent pipelines and attracting talent
• international cooperation: understanding differing approaches to AI regulation post-Brexit - options for developing an international approach
• policy: priorities for transposing the EU AI Act - assessing its place alongside existing legal frameworks, such as the DSA and GDPR law - facilitating a smooth transition

The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from DETE; AFBI, NI; CAFRE; DCEDIY; DSIT; Department for the Economy, NI; DBT; DESNZ; DfE; DfT; Education Scotland; GLD; HMRC; Home Office; IPO; NAO; Ofcom; OPSS; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government.

This conference focused on next steps for the transport sector in Ireland.

It was a timely opportunity to bring stakeholders and policymakers together to discuss strategies for connection, efficiency and sustainability with a focus on key policy developments, including the Climate Action Plan 2024 published in December 2023, which targets a 20% reduction in total vehicle kilometres travelled, a 50% reduction in fuel usage, and significant increases to sustainable transport trips and modal share.

Discussion also considered the ongoing review of Ireland’s National Ports Policy, the announcement of a National Demand Management Strategy for Ireland to tackle congestion in towns and cities, and proposed recommendations outlined in the draft All-Island Strategic Rail Review published in July 2023, with the final report expected to be published this spring.

Delegates assessed the current state of the transport sector and what support is needed to address key challenges, looking at:

• tackling deficiencies within rail services across the island, which include concerns surrounding inadequate coverage, low service frequencies and slow speeds compared tos other rail services
• the heavy reliance on private car usage
• rural isolation and congestion within towns and cities
• the move towards a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030

Sessions in the agenda discussed these challenges and what support sectors need to improve service provision and stimulate investment. Delegates also discussed opportunities for enhanced sustainable mobility to contribute to economic growth, and next steps towards meeting ambitions laid out in Project Ireland 2040.

We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Garret Doocey, Assistant Secretary, Land Transport Investment and Public Transport Policy, Department of Transport; Anne Graham, Chief Executive Officer, National Transport Authority; Professor Brian Caulfield, Professor of Transportation and Head of Discipline, Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, Trinity College Dublin; and Elisa Lanzi, Senior Economist and Climate Change Mitigation Team Lead, OECD.

Overall, areas for discussion included:

• Current state of transport in Ireland: assessing policy developments - stimulating investment in new infrastructure - improving connectivity
• Transport decarbonisation: investing in sustainable transport networks - incentivising behavioural change - planning for decarbonisation - latest thinking on system redesign for net zero targets
• Rural and urban connectivity: developing rural transport links - fostering cross-border collaboration - improving transport infrastructure - tackling congestion in towns and cities
• Ports: priorities for the review of National Ports Policy - maximising economic potential - considering consultation responses in developing future strategies for the efficient movement of people and goods
• Rail: considering recommendations outlined in the draft report of the Strategic Rail Review - options for electrifying the network - improving access to airports - improved North-South travel
• Policy: funding priorities for improving public transport - implementing actions from the Climate Action Plan - priorities for the planning system - futureproofing Ireland’s significant transport infrastructure projects

The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from DoT; DECC; Department for Infrastructure, NI; DAERA, NI; DAFM; Department for the Economy, NI; Department of Education; Department of Finance, NI; Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery & Reform; as well as pass-holders from both Houses of the Oireachtas.

This conference discussed the future for the offshore renewable energy (ORE) sector in Ireland.

Delegates assessed next steps for maximising growth and potential in the development of offshore wind energy following the recent ORESS 1 Offshore Auction, resulting in contracts with a combined capacity of 3.1 GW for four offshore wind projects.

It was also an opportunity to discuss priorities for the sector, with a focus on potential barriers to growth, looking at the planning system, growing investor confidence, and transitioning to the new maritime consenting regime.

Discussion considered how to maximise the economic potential of offshore wind energy development, including how Ireland can become a net exporter of clean renewable energy, and priorities for developing a National Industrial Strategy for Offshore Wind to stimulate sector growth. 

With publication of the DECC’s Climate Action Plan 2024 in December 2023, and the Irish Government committing to increase the share of renewable electricity up to 80% by 2030, delegates explored how the development of the ORE sector can contribute to the meeting of climate targets.

We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Conor McCabe, Principal Officer, International and Offshore Energy, Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications; Laura Brien, Chief Executive Officer, MARA; Eoin McPartland, Offshore Manager, Energia; and Kate Tuohy, Director, Energy, Structured Finance Office, EMEA MUFG.

Overall, areas for discussion included:

• Policy: next steps for development of ORESS 1 projects - priorities for future offshore wind auctions - assessing what sector growth means for the Energy Security in Ireland to 2030 strategy
• Enabling development of ORE: priorities for the planning system - stimulating investor confidence - implementing the new maritime consenting regime 
• Infrastructure:
  
  • next steps for funding and finance - what is needed to grow port infrastructure and to adapt to future needs - addressing concerns for energy storage
  • reviewing the National Ports Policy - implementing findings laid out in the Irish Ports Capacity Study
• Capitalising on Ireland’s potential: developing an Industrial Strategy for Offshore Wind - options for becoming a net energy exporter - contribution to the energy mix - ensuring projects equate to local community development 
• Supply chain: developing a robust and sustainable supply chain for offshore projects - addressing rising costs for materials - logistics challenges for equipment transportation and installation
• Skills and training: establishing effective programmes and initiatives - collaboration between industry and educational institutions to plug knowledge gaps and adequately staff projects 
• Environmental issues: protecting maritime biodiversity and nature - balancing priorities and ensuring ORE development does not hinder environmental protection strategies - developing a fair and effective consenting process

The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from DAERA, NI; DAFM; DECC; Department for the Economy, NI; Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery & Reform; DfE, UK; DfI, NI; DoE; DoE, NI; FCDO, UK; the Welsh Government - and pass-holders from both Houses of the Oireachtas.

This conference focused on priorities for improving cancer service provision, prevention, diagnosis and innovation in Ireland.

It took place approaching the later phase of the Department of Health’s National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026, and was an opportunity to discuss progress and implementation, areas for further improvement and to consider priorities beyond the strategy.

In light of ongoing Sláintecare reform, delegates discussed priorities for cancer services, accessibility to cancer care, and the impact on elective care of the development of health regions.

Sessions looked at next steps for care and service provision, including tackling high waiting lists and improving timely access to care, reconfiguring patient pathways and personalising care, as well as key issues for the cancer workforce.

It was also an opportunity to discuss the future outlook for achieving earlier diagnosis, including options for screening, innovation in diagnostics, managing risk, inequalities, comorbidities and developing approaches for prevention.

Further sessions assessed priorities for developing innovative cancer treatments, the role of AI in cancer going forward, building the evidence-base for new and innovative care models, and options for improving north-south collaboration.

We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Professor Juliette Hussey, Professor in Physiotherapy, Trinity College Dublin; Professor Mark Lawler, Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor, Professor of Digital Health and Chair in Translational Cancer Genomics, Queen’s University Belfast; Averil Power, Chief Executive, Irish Cancer Society; Dr Nicolò Matteo Luca Battisti, President of SIOG; and Co-Chair of ECO’s Inequalities Network; and Professor Ronan Cahill, Professor of Surgery, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital.

Overall, areas for discussion included:

• assessing cancer care: next steps for developing policy - assessing cancer survivorship and the state of supportive care - effective patient pathways - personalised care
• improving provision: addressing inequalities in service provision - funding priorities for cancer services and options for bringing expenditure in line with other EU states
• stakeholder priorities: improving awareness and access to testing - enhancing screening - the role of advocacy services - addressing stigma
• tackling waiting lists: improving early intervention - ensuring timely access to treatment and diagnostics - options for developing community diagnostics hubs
• Sláintecare reform:
  
  
  
  • priorities for cancer services within ongoing health reform programmes
  • configuring the patient pathway for an increased focus on early intervention and efficient follow-up care - enhancing community-based care
• innovation: the role of AI - increasing collaborative working and knowledge exchange - priorities for R&I funding - developing and adopting new treatments - priorities for drug discovery and development
• prevention: aligning cancer strategies with public health missions, such as the Healthy Ireland initiative - addressing alcohol misuse - improving public health testing and referrals 
• cancer care post-COVID: addressing legacy waiting lists and uptake of screening services - tackling medicines, products and equipment shortages

The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from the Department of Health, ROI; Department of Health, NI; The Scottish Government; and both Houses of the Oireachtas.

This conference was focused on next steps for addressing the biodiversity crisis declared by the Dáil Éireann in 2019.

It ibrought together stakeholders with policymakers to examine the path forward for policy, including priorities for the next National Biodiversity Action Plan due for publication in 2024 and the published Climate Action Plan for 2024.

Delegates discussed immediate priorities for tackling biodiversity loss and its coordination with wider climate action, including strategies for maximising the impact of a richer and more fortified natural environment to meet wider climate and net zero targets.

The agenda also examined the way forward following recommendations by the Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss in its 2023 final report, including improving leadership and increasing the ambition of the State in response to the biodiversity crisis, as well as its call for a referendum on amending the constitution with a view to protecting biodiversity.

We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Malcolm Noonan TD, Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage; Dr Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin, Chair, Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss; Lorna Slater MSP, Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity, The Scottish Government; and Hans Stielstra, Deputy Head of Unit for Biodiversity, DG Environment, the European Commission.

Overall, areas for discussion included:

• policy: assessing proposals for the fourth National Biodiversity Action Plan - preparing for the 2024 Climate Action Plan - insights from the Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss
• current priorities: assessing immediate measures for halting biodiversity loss and facilitating conservation efforts - championing the social and cultural value of biodiversity on society
• developing an all-island approach:
  
  • sharing knowledge across the border - developing research partnerships
  • incentivising and supporting the agriculture sector - engaging local communities in local biodiversity action - the role of local authorities
• long-term goals: resourcing a whole-of-government, long-term approach to biodiversity conservation and net gain - coordinating approaches with wider climate action - protecting food security
• technology: utilising innovation to support conservation initiatives - the potential for AI-assisted conservation
• wider EU policy:
  
  • assessing the impact of Europe-wide policy on biodiversity conservation in Ireland - Ireland’s role in global approaches to biodiversity
  • learning from best practice, especially in rural green development - balancing the protection of biodiversity with food security

The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from DAERA; DAFM, NI; DECC; Defra; DESNZ; DHLGH; DoF NI; Northern Ireland Assembly; Northern Ireland Environment Agency; OEP; Irish Government; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government.

This conference discussed next steps for research and innovation policy and funding.

It brought stakeholders together with policymakers to examine key issues for sectors and organisations involved in R&I, including the progress of Ireland’s national R&I strategy Impact 2030, and what recent proposed changes might mean for key stakeholders.

As it took place following the publication of the draft Research and Innovation Bill in April 2023, which seeks to combine the two national funding bodies for R&I in Ireland into one unified funding agency, Taighde Éireann-Research Ireland, delegates assessed the potential benefits and challenges of a joined-up funding agency and what will be needed from the agency to support R&I across disciplines in Ireland.

Areas for discussion included clarity in the definition of research terms within the new Bill, improving diversity and developing parity of esteem across sectors of research, and positioning R&I as a driver of regional economic and social development.

Further sessions examined best practice within R&I ecosystems from other jurisdictions, as well as key priorities for the research workforce and achieving a robust and joined-up R&I network, considering the role that clusters can play in this.

We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Professor Ellen Hazelkorn, Joint Managing Partner, BH Associates, Dublin; and Professor Emeritus, Technological University Dublin; Dr Joseph Ryan, Chief Executive Officer, THEA; and Dr Lisa Keating, Director of Research and Innovation, Irish Universities Association.

Overall, areas for discussion included:

• policy: priorities for the Research and Innovation Bill - progress of Impact 2030 - the role of Taighde Éireann-Research Ireland
• finance: investment priorities and addressing funding shortfalls
• international standing: options for restoring Ireland’s high-standing position as an innovation leader amongst EU member states
• R&I workforce: addressing skills shortages in key innovation areas - tackling instances of precarious employment - improving researcher retention - addressing brain drain concerns
• technical universities: developing the R&I capacity in new TUs - understanding how success can boost regional development 
• Ireland’s R&I ecosystem: fostering and developing clustering and networks - promoting knowledge transfer and exchange - capitalising on the value of national and international cooperation

The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from the DFHERIS; DoH; DAERA, NI; Department for the Economy, NI; and The Oireachtas.

This conference focused on next steps for the delivery of Sláintecare reform, including the implementation of new health regions and a shift to more community-based care.

It was an opportunity for policymakers and stakeholders to discuss:

• the Department of Health’s Sláintecare Action Plan 2023 - the third and final instalment of the first multi-year Sláintecare Implementation Strategy and Action Plan 2021-2023
• the new multi-annual strategy currently being formulated, which will carry through to 2027

Delegates examined progress so far in delivering reform, in the context of the overall aim of achieving universal healthcare in Ireland.

They also assessed implementation of new health regions, which look to deliver care closer to home and support the rollout of integrated care, with discussion on addressing barriers to delivering care in the community. It follows approval of HSE’s Health Regions Implementation Plan with the commencement of the new regions due in February 2024.

Further sessions examined the way forward for addressing waiting lists in elective care, looking at key workforce challenges such as the recruitment and retention of staff, and the implementation of the new disputed Public Only Consultant Contract.

The conference was also a timely opportunity to discuss the eHealth programme and options for further implementation of electronic health records, which have been delayed until after completion of the new children’s hospital.

We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with Muiris O’Connor, Assistant Secretary, Research & Development and Health Analytics Division, Department of Health; Dr John Cuddihy, National Director of Public Health, Health Service Executive; Rachel Mullen, General Manager, Informatics Directorate, St James’s Hospital; and Sinead Kelly, Pharmacy Informatics Lead, St James’s Hospital.

Overall, sessions in the agenda will looked at:

• policy: assessing progress in key deliverables laid out in the Sláintecare Action Plan 2023 - developing the second multi-annual implementation strategy and looking at reform beyond 2023
• new health regions: integrating care and strengthening local decision-making - improving governance and accountability within care delivery
• shifting care left:
  
  • next steps for care in the community and support for transition to universal care - extending universal GP services
  • funding - place-based approaches to addressing health inequalities
• eHealth programme:
  
  • assessing the pathway to delivery of an effective patient records system
  • enhancing innovation within the life sciences and public hospitals - bringing new health tech solutions to market
• education and training: options for streamlining the length and complexity of medical education and training - reducing over-specialisation and reliance on foreign-educated doctors
• workforce: strategies for improving staff recruitment and retention for public-only hospitals - addressing workload and burnout issues - implementing a consultant-delivered health service

The conference was an opportunity for the stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from CBI; DCEDIY; DoH; DoH, NI; DoH, ROI; HPRA, UK; HSE; and HSE, UK - as well as members of both Houses of the Oireachtas.

This conference discussed next steps for online safety and media regulation in Ireland.

It was a timely opportunity to examine key issues and concerns, and the way forward for implementation of the Online Safety and Media Regulation (OSMR) Act, which amends the Broadcasting Act 2009 and provides a major overhaul of media and content regulation in Ireland.

Stakeholders and policymakers considered key priorities for platforms in tackling and removing harmful content, including the role of platforms in policing content, the impact of legislation, implications for the tech industry, and options for safeguarding children online.

Attendees also discussed priorities for Coimisiún na Meán, the new media Commission currently tasked with regulating online and broadcast media in Ireland, the shape and scope of binding new safety codes, the extent of their powers, and priorities for enforcement.

We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Niamh Hodnett, Online Safety Commissioner, Coimisiún na Meán; Una Fitzpatrick, Director, Technology Ireland; Ronan Lupton, Senior Counsel, Bar of Ireland; and Chair, ALTO; John Church, Chief Executive Officer, ISPCC; Anna Herold, Head of Unit, Audiovisual and Media Policy, European Commission; Carlos Aguilar Paredes, Vice Chair, ERGA; and Kerryann Walsh, Professor, School of Early Childhood and Inclusive Education, Creative Industries, Education and Social Justice, Queensland University of Technology.

Further sessions looked at areas of best practice in online safety and media regulation, as well as priorities for transposing the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) into Irish law.

Delegates assessed development of an individual complaints mechanism for reporting online harms and the issues around this, including who will be responsible for the mechanism, how the complaints process will function, and appropriate sanctions for non-compliance.

Overall, sessions in the agenda included discussion on:

• legislation: assessing impact - enhancing accountability - priorities for providing safe online spaces - protecting consumer rights
• Coimisiún na Meán: developing a new regulatory framework - online safety codes - engaging stakeholders in regulatory development 
• stakeholder perspectives: understanding new obligations - controlling and monitoring content - engaging consumers in online safety
• safeguarding children online:
  
  • protection from harmful and inappropriate content - options for age restrictions
  • addressing cyber-bullying and offensive content - engaging parents and guardians in online safety 
• learning from best practice: reviewing international approaches to online safety - understanding what works - opportunities for knowledge sharing
• priorities for the tech industry: clarity on transposition of the AVMSD - accounting for implications of the new framework - options for flexibility and further development of legislation and regulation

The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from the Coimisiún na Meán; DCEDIY; DCMS, UK; Department for Communities, NI; DfE, UK; DSIT, UK; HMRC, UK; Home Office, UK; ICO, UK; Ofcom, UK; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government.

This conference discussed priorities for climate policy and action in Ireland.

It was a timely opportunity to discuss next steps for taking forward Ireland’s third Climate Action Plan (CAP), published shortly after COP27, which provides for a system change in Ireland’s approach to climate policy.

Areas for discussion included the development of renewable energy, including offshore wind farms and expansion of the solar sector, as well as the retrofitting of homes and businesses.

Delegates examined the targets outlined in the CAP, which are underpinned by legislation outlined in the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021, with legally-binding sectoral emissions ceilings and carbon budgets, the first being to 2025.

Key stakeholders came together to assess what support is needed for key sectors to stay within the emissions ceilings, looking at funding priorities, R&D and key infrastructure development, as well as what is needed to stay within the maximum emissions outlined in the carbon budget, as Ireland is currently not on course to meet targets.

It was also an opportunity for delegates to discuss wider EU policy, such as Just Transition and the European Green Deal, and the implications for Irish business and industry, including enabling knowledge sharing in the meeting of shared goals, specifically Ireland’s roadmap to halving emissions by 2030, and becoming carbon neutral by 2050.

Further sessions assessed the way forward for nature-based solutions to the climate crisis, looking at developing and investing in technological and innovative solutions, as well as key priorities for mitigating and addressing biodiversity loss in light of the Citizens' Assembly report, which emphasised the need for urgent government action on biodiversity restoration.

We are pleased to have been able to include a keynote session with Marie Donnelly, Chair, Climate Change Advisory Council.

Overall, sessions in the agenda discussed:

• meeting key targets: maintaining the carbon budget - supporting business and industry in adopting more sustainable approaches - improving climate education and advocacy
• facilitating a Just Transition: diversifying local economies - delivering an inclusive approach to climate action - options for circular economy development - adopting more sustainable economic approaches
• engaging citizens: engaging the public in climate action and advocacy - raising awareness of the potential benefits and necessities of climate action - developing a joined-up approach to meeting targets
• key sectors: support across sectors in working within emissions ceilings - building sustainable practice - opportunities for decarbonising transport - priorities for scaling up renewable energy infrastructure
• wider EU policy: implementing targets laid out in the European Green Deal - priorities for a Just Transition - implementing a worker-friendly shift to a low carbon economy
• policy priorities: taking forward the CAP - developing effective governance of climate action to meet targets - assessing the pathway to halving emissions by 2030

The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from DAERA, NI; DAFM; DECC; Department for Communities, NI; Department for Infrastructure, NI; Department for the Economy, NI; Department of Finance, NI; DETE; FCDO, UK; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government.

This conference focused on next steps for skills and apprenticeship provision in Ireland.

It was timed to follow the publication of the OECD’s Skills Strategy Ireland: Assessment and Recommendations, and we are pleased to have been able to include a keynote session with the project leader, Bart Staats, Policy Analyst, OECD.

The report highlighted that Ireland lags behind EU leaders in lifelong learning participation, and also raised concerns over labour and skills gaps.

Key stakeholders and policymakers assessed key priorities for taking forward the DFHERIS National Skills Strategy 2025 - Ireland’s Future, in light of the OECD’s recommendations.

They discussed the way forward for skills development and apprenticeships, and how key challenges for delivery can be addressed in areas including:

• tackling skills shortages and diversifying skills supply
• increasing the appeal and uptake of apprenticeships and lifelong learning, and improving inclusivity
• effectively utilising skills to strengthen business performance
• developing effective governance of skills systems in Ireland

Delegates examined next steps for apprenticeship provision in Ireland in light of the DFHERIS’s Action Plan for Apprenticeships, looking at the way forward for increasing their appeal and uptake, both for employers and employees, and improving accessibility to apprenticeships at all ages.

Further sessions assessed the work of the National Skills Council’s Regional Skills Fora, and how businesses, employers, education providers and wider stakeholders can further engage with strategies to better address skills imbalances and shortages, reflect Ireland’s current labour market, and contribute to sustainable economic growth.

Sessions in the agenda included:

• OECD recommendations: taking forward the findings of the OECD skills project for Ireland - translating findings into policy development and implementation
• priorities for key sectors: key areas for future skills growth in Ireland - priorities for the digital sector, advanced manufacturing, and creative industries
• Regional Skills Fora: how stakeholder voices can best be used to inform future policy direction
• a joined-up skills ecosystem: links between FE, HE, and business - employer engagement in skills development - addressing skills shortages - inclusivity in skills development
• a culture of ongoing skills development: upskilling and re-skilling - the appeal and funding of apprenticeships - involving stakeholders in a lifelong approach that extends beyond the workplace
• policy: developing the governance of skills systems - looking ahead to skills strategy beyond 2025                              

The conference was an opportunity for the stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from the Department for the Economy, NI; Department of Education, NI; DFHERIS; Department of Health, NI; Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform; Department of Social Protection; Department for Transport; and HSE.

This conference assessed the priorities for mental health provision in Ireland - and next steps for the Government’s national mental health policy strategy, Sharing the Vision.

It took place following the Mental Health Commission’s interim report on its Independent Review of the Provision of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), which highlighted what the Commission described as a serious risk to the safety and wellbeing of children accessing CAMHS. The full report is expected soon.

The conference was a timely opportunity to consider the way forward for CAMHS services, assessing options for improving service provision, key priorities for the CAMHS workforce, and addressing waiting times for access to services following last year’s missed waiting list targets.

With the subsequent publication of the 2023 Waiting List Action Plan, which includes over €7m in funding for mental health support, further sessions discussed priorities for adult services with a focus on funding, improving quality, and options for developing more community-based, holistic services.

Delegates examined how Ireland can grow its research portfolio in mental health following the publication of the country’s first National Population Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research and Evaluation Strategy, which aims to align research with Sharing the Vision, and develop service provision and access to early intervention.

We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with Mary Butler TD, Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People; Dr Susan Finnerty, Inspector of Mental Health Services, Mental Health Commission; and Dr Camille Boostrom, Programme Manager, Mental Health, Health Research Board.

Overall, sessions in the agenda looked at:

• mental health policy in Ireland: next steps for government strategy - planning for implementation beyond 2024
• priorities for the provision of CAMHS:
  
  • taking forward findings of the Mental Health Commission’s interim report and addressing concerns
  • integrating with future policy developments to improve standards of care and develop service provision
  • addressing waiting lists and ensuring effective guidelines for follow-up appointments
• the CAMHS workforce: recruitment and retention priorities - support for physical and mental wellbeing of staff - putting effective workplace support and guidance in place to improve services
• adult mental health services:
  
  • funding priorities
  • developing the Quality Framework, in conjunction with research and evaluation to enhance service provision
  • improving the use of and access to community mental health resources to deliver care outside hospitals and improve early intervention

The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from the DCEDIY; Department for the Economy, NI; Department of Education; Department of Health, NI; Department of Social Protection; HSE; and the Houses of the Oireachtas.

This conference focused on priorities for the early childhood education and care sector across the island of Ireland.

It brought together stakeholders and policymakers to examine policy developments and their implementation on both sides of the border, including:

• the Republic of Ireland’s First 5: Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families
• the NI Executive’s Review of Childcare Services in Northern Ireland, which aims to inform development of an Early Learning and Childcare Strategy, with calls for it to be a priority for the new Executive
• the recently published State of the Nation’s Children report by Minister O’Gorman TD 
• the recent announcement from Minister O’Gorman TD of a €45m Capital Grant for the early learning and childcare sector

It was also an opportune time to discuss the outcomes from the Independent Review of Education in NI, which made a number of recommendations related to early years, including an expansion of early years education, increased training and professional development for early years practitioners, a focus on disadvantaged children, and the joining up of different services between health and education.

We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Paul Brush, Director of Early Years, Children and Youth, Department of Education, NI; Dr Glenda Walsh, Head of Early Years Education and Assistant Director, Centre for Research in Educational Underachievement, Stranmillis University College; and Dr Leah O’Toole, Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education, Maynooth University; and Principal Investigator, Aistear Consultation with Babies and Young Children, The Early Childhood Curriculum Framework (NCCA 2009).

The conference was also an opportunity to examine key issues, including next steps for addressing inequalities in accessing provision, affordability and workforce concerns.

Further sessions discussed prospects for developing an all-island approach to tackling educational underachievement, following calls from former Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD for a joined-up approach to addressing the sector’s shared challenges.

The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from DCEDIY, ROI; DoE, ROI; DoE, NI; DAERA, NI; DoH, NI; Department of Finance, NI; ETI; HSE; as well as parliamentary pass-holders from the Northern Ireland Assembly.