Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 25 September 2019

Committee on Public Petitions

Decisions on Public Petitions Received

Photo of Seán SherlockSeán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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The first petition for consideration is Petition No. P00045/18. It is recommended that the committee will correspond with the National Disability Authority to request its observations on the petition and the responses received, and communicate with the petitioner what action has been taken. Is that agreed? Agreed.

The next petition for consideration is Petition No. P00019/19. It is proposed that the committee forwards a copy of the response from the Department of Justice and Equality to the petitioner, and then close the petition. Is that agreed? Agreed.

The next petition for consideration is Petition No. 00021/19. It is proposed that the committee would keep the petition open and refer it to the appropriate committee for its consideration. Is that agreed? Agreed.

The next petition for consideration is Petition No. 00029/19. It is proposed to keep this petition open, but in doing so we will refer it to the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence, with this committee's agreement. Is that agreed?

Photo of Eugene MurphyEugene Murphy (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail)
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Given that we have an issue with the number of people leaving the Defence Forces, this petition should certainly be kept open and discussed further. Perhaps the proposed extension would be a way of enticing people back in. I agree with what members are stating in this petition.

Photo of Seán SherlockSeán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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I thank the Deputy.

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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I concur with Deputy Eugene Murphy and agree that there should not be an age limit. There is merit in what the petitioner is trying to do in keeping the age profile open. I also concur with the Chairman that it is important for the line committee to examine this issue and come back to us on it. The upper age limit for joining the Garda and the Reserve Defence Force is 35 years. It is more an issue of health, fitness and well-being, rather than age which should not be a barrier. As we got rid of the height requirement for joining An Garda Síochána, I do not see why age should be a factor either. I hope to see the petition escalated to the relevant committee.

Photo of Seán SherlockSeán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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I thank the Senator. It is agreed that we will keep the petition open.

The next petition for consideration is Petition No. 00031/19. It is proposed that we forward a copy of the response received from the Department of Defence to the petitioner and close the petition. Is that agreed? Agreed.

The next petition for consideration is Petition No. 00032/19. It is proposed that we forward a copy of the response received from the Department of Health to the petitioner and close the petition. Is that agreed? Agreed.

In respect of Petition No. 00033/19, it is proposed that we forward a copy of the response received from the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment to the petitioner and close the petition. Is that agreed?

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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I will make one comment. As we are trying to move towards having a paperless society, there is merit in not issuing receipts. I understand some business people might need to keep receipts of transactions, but many shops, petrol stations and other outlets now ask customers whether they want a receipt and many people do not because it is surplus to their needs. We should encourage the Department to look at this issue and perhaps refer the petition to the line committee in order to learn how we can support measures that will reduce both paper and litter. I think there is merit in that suggestion.

Photo of Seán SherlockSeán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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The Senator has proposed referring the petition to the line committee.

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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I apologise for not raising the issue privately.

Photo of Seán SherlockSeán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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That is no problem. Is the Senator making a formal proposal?

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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If the Chairman thinks it would be merited.

Photo of Seán SherlockSeán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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I will be guided by members of the committee. I see Deputy Buckley nodding his assent.

Photo of Pat BuckleyPat Buckley (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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It is a valid point on the basis of proof and so on. I agree with Senator Buttimer.

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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I apologise again because I should have raised the matter in private session. I did not tune in properly at the time.

Photo of Seán SherlockSeán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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It is proposed that the petition be referred to the line committee for further consideration and kept open. That is agreed.

The next petition for consideration is Petition No. 00037/19. It is proposed that we forward a copy of the response received from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to the petitioner and deem the petition to be inadmissable as per the Standing Orders of the committee. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Photo of Pat BuckleyPat Buckley (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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I am disappointed that this issue did not get as far as the Dáil or the Seanad, but I respect the rules of the committee.

Photo of Seán SherlockSeán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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One has empathy and sympathy for the circumstances-----

Photo of Pat BuckleyPat Buckley (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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We have democratic rules and regulations which must be acknowledged.

Photo of Seán SherlockSeán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Indeed.

The next petition for consideration is Petition No. 00043/19. It is proposed that we forward a copy of the response received from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport to the petitioner and close the petition. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Photo of Pat BuckleyPat Buckley (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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I thank Cork County Council for progressing this issue and preparing some traffic calming measures. I hope it will be successful in getting Government funding for them in 2020.

Photo of Seán SherlockSeán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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I concur with the Deputy, as this concerns a main route of national significance which ensures security of supply of energy resources. This is something we will be watching very closely.

Photo of Pat BuckleyPat Buckley (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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We may have to revisit the issue.

Photo of Seán SherlockSeán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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It may have to be revisited by the petitioner at some future date. Is it agreed to close the petition? Agreed.

I thank members and the secretariat for the haste with which we expedited matters today.

The joint committee adjourned at 1.45 p.m. until 1.30 p.m. on Wednesday, 23 October 2019.