Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2015
593. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if consideration has been given to implementing a system of direct democracy here, similar to that in Switzerland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5977/15]
View answerThe Fourth Report of the Convention on the Constitution included a recommendation in relation to direct democracy or citizens’ initiatives. The recommendation was that there should be a right for citizens to petition on influencing the legislative agenda and to petition for referendums. In response, the Government has pointed to the fact that constitutional referendums are already common in Ireland and there is nothing to prevent citizens from presenting petitions. In addition, Article 27 of the Constitution already provides a facility for a Bill to be put to the people if it contains a matter of such public importance that the will of the people ought to be ascertained on it.
The Government has substantially opened up the legislative process through a number of initiatives. These include the work of the Constitutional Convention itself as well as significant packages of Dáil reform put in place since 2011. These reforms include the setting up of the Public Service Oversight and Petitions Committee. As part of its remit, the Committee receives and considers public petitions submitted to the Houses of the Oireachtas. It also engages regularly with the Ombudsman and other oversight bodies.
In 2011 the Government introduced a system of pre-legislative review before Oireachtas Committees. In 2013 this was expanded to become a pre-legislative stage before the relevant Oireachtas Committee, as a requirement for all non-emergency legislation. This system now allows for an extensive engagement by the public, civic society and other interested groups and academics in the law-making process.
The Government has indicated that it will bear in mind the particular Constitutional Convention recommendation on direct democracy when the latest package of Dáil reform measures and its success in opening up the legislative process is being reviewed.
