20 Feb 2012, 16:31
Leading experts in the fields of political science and market research will outline the findings behind voter behaviour in the recent Referendum on Oireachtas Inquiries to the Joint Committee on Investigations, Oversight and Petitions. The meeting takes place on Wednesday afternoon, 22 February.
Briefing the Committee will be Professor Michael Marsh, Trinity College Dublin; Dr Jane Suiter and Dr Theresa Reidy of University College Cork; and Richard Colwell of the Red C research and marketing company. The research, commissioned by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, analysed voter behaviour in the October vote so that in future referenda voters are appropriately informed and aware of the relevant issues.
Cathaoirleach of the Committee, Peadar Tóibín TD, said: “The Committee looks forward to meeting the political scientists and market researchers on the specific issues and concerns which influenced public debate during the Referendum campaign.
“On the back of the result, our Committee might not have the statutory oversight that was envisaged. However, the proposed new Orders of Reference would grant the Committee considerable new powers, which will examine public services through the experience of our citizens, placing them at the heart of the Oireachtas system.
“In this context, Committee Members are eager to hear the expert findings on public attitudes to political reform initiatives in general.”
Following the meeting, the research will be available on the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform website: http://per.gov.ie/
This meeting will take place on Wednesday 22 February, in Committee Room 3 Leinster House 2000 at 4 p.m.
Committee proceedings can be followed live at: http://bit.ly/xMg2nJ