Webinar: The Trans Controversy and Irish Govt practice of funding NGOs to lobby itself

27.01.2026

Alan Whelan in conversation with Paddy Manning

About the webinar
The recent trans-schools guidance controversy has sparked fresh debate over the role of non-governmental organisations in public life — especially when those organisations receive state funding while advocating policy positions. In a recent article in the Sunday Independent, commentator Eoin O’Malley argued that this episode highlights how the State’s practice of funding NGOs has blurred the lines between independent civil-liberties work and political advocacy, raising serious questions about accountability, democracy, and how rights are defined. 

Drawing on his personal experience and on the themes raised by the O’Malley article, Alan discusses the rise of tax-funded NGO activism, the politicisation of civil liberties, and what this shift means for democratic discourse and the future of rights in Ireland.

The webinar will be held on Wednesday February 4th at 7pm. PLaces are limited so register your place by clicking the following link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2a3WiZ5-RGG3b6b5jl0Wbg

Read the article by Eoin O’Malley here:
Sunday Independent: “Trans advice row shows the State should cut out the NGO middlemen and just talk to itself” — https://www.independent.ie/opinion/comment/eoin-omalley-trans-advice-row-shows-the-state-should-cut-out-the-ngo-middlemen-and-just-talk-to-itself/a431280479.html