Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I presume the particular case would be deemed inadmissible, but we can refer the policy matter on to the president of the Law Society and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and the Minister for Justice and Equality for their comments. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Petition P00059/12 is from Mr. Gerard Linehan, regarding male discrimination and exploitation. The petitioner has made various complaints and allegations against the Judiciary, the legal profession, the Courts Service, the Land Registry and the Department of Justice and Equality in respect of how his family law case was handled. We have had a chance to deliberate on this. Are there any proposals? No. My understanding is that as this matter has been adjudicated by the courts, the courts are independent of the Oireachtas and it is not our role to second-guess their decisions. On that basis, it would be inadmissible. It is certainly not admissible under our Standing Orders, so we have to rule that out. We can bring to the petitioner's attention the fact that legislation is forthcoming on the judicial council and that there may be a chance to make representations on policy to Oireachtas Members at that time.

Petition P00060/12 is from Mr. Ross Quinn of Vasco corporate body, regarding the independence of the consultant appointed to draw up the Burren signage plan, as well as issues with the impartiality of Clare County Council. The petitioner considers it places the council in a conflict of interest situation, as it can use its special position to direct visitor traffic to its own facility at the Cliffs of Moher and away from tourist facilities in the adjoining villages. The omission of the R477 coast road from the Burren signage plan has caused particular difficulties for the petitioner and his business. Is there any recommendation on this?