A PETITION TO have cannabis legalised in Ireland will be considered by a panel of TDs and senators today.
It’s one of four entreaties up for discussion by the Joint Committee on Public Service Oversight and Petitions — also on the agenda today is a document on the US Military’s use of Shannon, one on superannuation issues, and a petition on road signage in Clare.
Launched in 2012, the petitions system is designed to allow members of the public to bring their concerns about policy directly to Oireachtas members.
Anyone can submit one online, and if the committee wants to know more about a subject it can take a number of measures — including calling the petitioner and other relevant parties in to give evidence, and holding an investigation on the issue.
However, considering the fact that Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan’s Private Member’s Bill on the issue was rejected only last November, it seems unlikely that the cross-party group of TDs will choose today to put the issue back on the political agenda.
Elsewhere — the petition concerning road signage has been submitted by a restaurant and adventure centre in Doolin, which claims Clare County Council is unfairly favouring Council-run tourist attractions in the area, to the detriment of competing private businesses.
Former army officer and peace activist Edward Horgan’s petition calls for an investigation into US military and CIA use of Shannon Airport and Irish airspace.
The fourth entreaty — on the issue of superannnuation — was submitted by a private citizen, Rossa O’Brien, in August of last year. No further details of its contents are given on the petitions section of the Oireachtas website.
The panel of Oireachtas members meets at 4pm today in Committee Room 3 of Leinster House, and proceedings can be viewed live here. Anyone who wants to submit a petition for consideration by the members can fill out a standard form online.
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