Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 November 2018
1161. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he has given further consideration to the Convention on the Constitution recommendations regarding citizens' initiatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44761/18]
View answerThe Fourth Report of the Convention on the Constitution, published in August 2013, included a recommendation that there should be a right for citizens to petition on influencing the legislative agenda and to petition for referendums.
In response, the Government pointed to the fact that constitutional referendums are already common in Ireland and that there is nothing to prevent citizens from presenting petitions. Article 27 of the Constitution also 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. In addition, as part of its remit, the Public Service Oversight and Petitions Committee receives and considers public petitions submitted to the Houses of the Oireachtas. It also engages regularly with the Ombudsman and other oversight bodies.
