Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 26 March 2014

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Public Service Oversight and Petitions

Decisions on Public Petitions Received

4:15 pm

Photo of Derek NolanDerek Nolan (Galway West, Labour)
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The first petition for consideration today is P0008/13 from Mr. Hugh Rance in relation to the State's failure to provide for a statutory process of appeal under section 16 of the Protection of Employees (Fixed Term Work) Act 2003. I understand Deputy Noel Harrington wishes to comment on it.

Photo of Noel HarringtonNoel Harrington (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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I am familiar with the case. I am also aware that this is one of two petitions that, while separate, may be linked. I propose that the recommendation, as outlined, be accepted, with a slight amendment, that in the reply to Mr. Rance reference be made to P0009/13, stating that in closing P0008/13 we are essentially ensuring greater clarity in dealing with P0009/13, a more substantial petition, when it comes before the joint committee.

Photo of Derek NolanDerek Nolan (Galway West, Labour)
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Is that agreed? Agreed.

The next petition is P00024/13 from Mr. Kevin Sharkey regarding recruitment policy in RTE. Members will be aware that the joint committee has considered this petition on a number of occasions and agreed at its meeting on 5 February 2014 to write to RTE to seek further specific information on its recruitment policy on the employment of people from different ethnic and racial groups. It appears from the response received that RTE is trying to actively promote itself as an employer that embraces diversity and proactively creates a learning environment. It is proposed that a copy of the response from RTE be forwarded to the petitioner. I understand Senator Susan O'Keeffe wishes to comment.

Photo of Susan O'KeeffeSusan O'Keeffe (Labour)
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The response from RTE is thorough and sets out the position not only on the people whom it employs on-screen who may come from an ethnic background but also the content of programmes and what it is hoping and planning to do. RTE makes the point that because of its constrained circumstances it is not enagaged in much recruitment at this time. However, I would like to seek Mr. Sharkey's response because, clearly, he is concerned about the number of on-screen presenters and the shortage of non-Irish people in that regard. Given that this is the window to our society which RTE is reflecting to the world, it is important that it reflect a multicultural society. I would be grateful, therefore, if the response received from RTE could be forwarded to Mr. Sharkey. We should await his reply before proceeding further.

Photo of Derek NolanDerek Nolan (Galway West, Labour)
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Is that agreed? Agreed.

The next petition is P00032/13 from Mr. Richard Daly, calling for the introduction of a supplementary primary education tax payable by non-EU nationals on working visas in Ireland. The petitioner is of the view that as a result of the current financial situation in the country, the Government should study the system adopted by Australia, whereby working visa holders, subclass 457, with children attending government funded primary schools, must now, in addition to the income tax they pay, pay an additional fee per child attending school. I understand Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh wishes to comment?

Photo of Trevor Ó ClochartaighTrevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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As this is primarily a taxation issue, I do not believe it is necessarily relevant to this committee. I suggest it be noted and the petition forwarded to the Department of Finance for consideration.

Photo of Susan O'KeeffeSusan O'Keeffe (Labour)
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It is good to receive petitions from members of the public which are positive. Many of the petitions we receive concern dilemmas and difficulties being experienced by people. This petition is refreshing and I am grateful to the petitioner for sending it to us.

Photo of Derek NolanDerek Nolan (Galway West, Labour)
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Is that agreed? Agreed.

The final petition for consideration today is P0002/14 from Mr. Marcus Grey. The petitioner has changed his name through the courts by deed poll and wishes to obtain a passport in his new name. However, he is claiming that the Passport Office is not willing to issue him with a passport in his new name. The joint committee notes that the Passport Office is working with the petitioner to resolve the issue; it is proposed, therefore, that a copy of the response from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade be sent to the petitioner and that he be informed that his petition is now closed. Is that agreed? Agreed.

The joint committee adjourned at 5 p.m. sine die.