3 DFómh 2012, 09:30
The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Public Service Oversight and Petitions will today consider a range of petitions received by the public. The petitions system was launched on 13 September and so far 21 petitions were received on a wide range of issues.
3 October 2012
Chairman of the Committee Peadar Tóibín TD says: “The petitions system for the first time provides for members of the public to set the parliamentary agenda. This is good for our democratic society. Though the system is still in its early stages, Committee Members have been encouraged by the level on interest in the petitions system. Tomorrow, we will have the opportunity to consider a series of petitions brought before the Committee.
“So far there are two types of petition we have received, those on issues which raise a matter personal to the individual or group concerned and those which suggest broader changes to public policy. The petitions raise important issues and tomorrow’s meeting will allow us examine the public service not from the perspective of the policy maker or senior civil servant but through the experience of citizens and users of public services.
“Following consideration of the petitions tomorrow, the Committee may invite the petitioner to appear before it to speak on the matter. The Committee may also seek oral or written evidence from relevant organisations such as Government Departments, other appropriate bodies or stakeholders.”
Access petitions system and view petitions received so far.
The meeting takes place in Committee Room 3, LH 2000 at 4:30 pm today Wednesday 3 October. Committee proceedings can be viewed online via this link.
For further information please contact:
Paul Hand,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +3531 618 4484
M: +353 87 694 9926
F: +3531 618 4551
Committee Membership
Deputies:
Richard Boyd Barrett, People Before Profit Alliance
Dara Calleary, Fianna Fáil
Joan Collins, People Before Profit Alliance
Michael Conaghan, Labour
Alan Farrell, Fine Gael
Charles Flanagan, Fine Gael
Michael Healy-Rae, Independent
Peter Mathews, Fine Gael
Michael McCarthy, Labour (Leas-Chathaoirleach)
Charlie McConalogue, Fianna Fáil
Michelle Mulherin, Fine Gael
Derek Nolan, Labour
Aengus Ó Snodaigh, Sinn Féin
John Paul Phelan, Fine Gael
Peadar Tóibín, Sinn Féin (Cathaoirleach)
Senators:
Thomas Byrne
Trevor Ó Clochartaigh
Jimmy Harte
Tony Mulcahy
Susan O’Keeffe