DOCSLIB.ORG

An Ceathrú Tuarascáil

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
An Ceathrú Tuarascáil Tithe an Oireachtais An Comhchoiste um Airgeadas & an tSeirbhis Phoibli An Ceathrú Tuarascáil Tuarascáil ar Bheartas Micreacnamaíoch agus Rialachas Éifeachtach Fioscach agus Eacnamaíoch Samhain 2010 _______________________________ Houses of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Finance and the Public Service Fourth Report Report on Macroeconomic Policy and Effective Fiscal and Economic Governance November 2010 0 Tithe an Oireachtais An Comhchoiste um Airgeadas & an tSeirbhis Phoibli An Ceathrú Tuarascáil Tuarascáil ar Bheartas Micreacnamaíoch agus Rialachas Éifeachtach Fioscach agus Eacnamaíoch Samhain 2010 _______________________________ Houses of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Finance and the Public Service Fourth Report Report on Macroeconomic Policy and Effective Fiscal and Economic Governance November 2010 0 Contents Page No 2. Chairman’s preface. 4. Acknowledgments. 6. Summary of Recommendations 13. Report of the Joint Committee. Appendices Page No. Appendix 1 Members of the Joint Committee. 40 Appendix 2 Terms of reference setting up the Joint Committee. 41 Appendix 3 Report of Professor Philip Lane. 45 1 Chairman’s Preface I welcome this report of the Joint Committee. Since the breaking of the economic and banking crisis certain structural issues regarding membership of the Euro have come to light. The most important matter is that Ireland no longer has sovereign access to two key monetary policy instruments; exchange rate instruments [the ability to devalue the sovereign currency] and fix interest rates In the past a Government was able to affect an across the board pay cut by devaluing the sovereign currency; the amount of money a worker took home in their pay-packet stayed the same after devaluation but what did change was the amount of goods and services that could be purchased. In the current economic climate the monetary policy instrument of currency devaluation is no longer an option. In considering this report it was a salutary exercise to understand that in bad times, when a country is in recession it is necessary to run fiscal policy in a particular way whereas the objective of this report is to chart a path so that in good times we run fiscal policy in a new way. This report makes a number of recommendations which it is considered should be adopted by Government as soon as possible; two particular areas spring to mind. Firstly, that the way Ireland operates its budgetary process is no longer optimal and secondly, that the macroeconomic data, models and analysis needs to be reviewed and changed. I would like to extend my appreciations to the members of the Joint Committee Deputies Noel Ahern, Chris Andrews, Joan Burton, Thomas Byrne, Damien English, Frank Fahey, Terence Flanagan, Brian Hayes, Michael McGrath (vice-Chairman) and Michael Noonan together with Senators Dan Boyle, Marc MacSharry, Feargal Quinn and Liam Twomey for their co-operation and work in dealing with this complex issue. 2 I would like on behalf of the Joint Committee to pay a special thanks to the staff of the Houses of the Oireachtas, the Head of the Oireachtas Library & Research Service, Ms. Madelaine Dennison, Dr. Gráinne Collins, Mr. Niall OCléirigh, Mr. Barry Comerford and the staff of the Economic and Environmental Science Team, The Committee Secretariat Director Mr. Art O’Leary, Deputy Director Mr. Ciaran Smith, the Clerk of the Joint Committee, Mr. Ronan Lenihan the staff, Mr. Eoin Hartnett and Mr. David Edwards, for all their hard work and assistance to the Members in bringing this report to finality. In conclusion, I wish to pay a special word of thanks to Professor Philip Lane, Head of the Economics Department of Trinity College Dublin (TCD) for his very comprehensive report and guidance to the Committee on the complex matter of macroeconomic policy. Michael Ahern T.D. Chairman of the Joint Committee on Finance and the Public Service 10 November 2010 3 Acknowledgments The Joint Committee wishes to expresses its gratitude for the work and effort by the staff in the Oireachtas Committee Secretariat, in particular Mr. Ronan Lenihan, Clerk to the Committee, the Library & Research Service in particular Dr. Grainne Collins and Professor Philip Lane for producing his comprehensive report within very tight time- lines. 4 5 Summary of Recommendations 1. DATA SETS, MODELS AND ANALYSIS 1.1 In the delivery of a new budgetary process, in terms of recommendation 4 below, a move to EU budget semester model; the Committee recommend the Government publish annually, by way of laying a report before the Houses of the Oireachtas, its macroeconomic data and both short-term and long-term projections. This report forms the basis of the recommended budgetary time- line as set out in Table 1 on page 29. 1.2 The Committee notes that there has not been enough investment in economic modelling and we have only one extensive model of the economy (the Economic & Social Research (ESRI) HERMES model) that is regularly used for macroeconomic policy analysis. There may be other models (for instance in the Department of Finance) but it is unclear how good these other models are, or how good their assumptions are because the Government and the Department of Finance do not explain or justify the data used, the conclusions drawn or the assumptions made. However, the Committee have two concerns; firstly in relation to the lack of information regarding the modelling used by the Department of Finance; and secondly, that Ireland does not have the range of models it needs to support policy making. The Committee notes that the HERMES model used by the ESRI is limited by its dependence on historically- estimated relations across key macroeconomic variables. Therefore, the Committee recommends that there should be a suite of models for the Irish economy maintained by the ESRI, the Department of Finance and the Central Bank. In the case of each model, the dataset, assumptions and analysis should be fully transparent with regular reporting by way of reports laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas and detailed briefing of the Joint Committee on Finance and the Public Service. Further, the Committee notes that while it is the norm for forecasting to put emphasis on the central scenarios; the Committee recommends that greater weight be placed on the distribution of risk with explicit discussion of the impact of negative scenarios. 6 1.3 The Committee recommends an independent group, including international specialists be established immediately to scope Ireland’s macro-modelling requirements and how these models should be developed and maintained by the relevant bodies: the ESRI, the Department of Finance and the Central Bank of Ireland. The results of the scoping exercise and its recommendations should be published and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas. The Committee further recommends a Dáil debate of the exercise. The Committee recommends that this exercise should not delay other proposals. 2. FISCAL, BUDGETARY AND TAXATION POLICY 2.1 The Committee recommends that macroeconomic policy must plan for shocks by the creation of ‘fiscal space’. Fiscal Space relates to the Sovereign State’s ability to react to economic shocks in a sector, such as a spike in unemployment, and borrow at acceptable interest rates because government debt levels are low. If government debt levels are high and an economic shock occurs the sovereign state may be forced, by the bond markets, to borrow at rates that are punitive (as Ireland has experienced since the summer of 2010) or default on debt. 2.2 In terms of future macroeconomic policy the Committee recommends that if a government inherits a public spending level not on the trend level then it must be required to announce the time-scale it will take to get back onto the trend level. The Committee believes that an explicit transition plan builds confidence. 2.3 The Committee recommends, assuming that factors such as asset prices, inflation, the level of private spending and the sectoral composition of output are at their sustainable trend level, then, tax revenues should be set at a level that covers the desired level of public spending and the cost of servicing that level of public debt across the economic cycle. 2.4 The Committee recommends that if a Government inherits a tax level that is not at the sustainable level then it needs to announce a plan to achieve the sustainable level. This provides certainty about future taxes 2.5 The Committee recommends, in periods of deflation, that clauses on downward flexibility in wages may have to be introduced to national pay agreements. 7 3 THE FISCAL FRAMEWORK 3.1 The Committee notes international trends towards the establishment of formal fiscal frameworks. A fiscal framework is characterised by some combination of the following: 1) reform to the budget process; 2) a medium-term budgetary framework; 3) numerical fiscal rules; and 4) a formal policy role for independent fiscal institutions. The setting of formal fiscal frameworks forces Government policy to avoid short-termism or ‘capture by elites’. The Committee recommends the establishment of formal fiscal frameworks with binding fiscal rules to ensure that the long-term level of public spending is matched with the long-term level of revenues. 4. THE BUDGETARY PROCESS 4.1 The Committee considers that the traditional budgetary process of Votes, Sub- heads and Sub-subheads should be changed. Further, the Annual Output Statement (AOS) does not deliver. The Committee recommends that, with effect from budget 2011, a new budgetary process must be introduced. Further the method for presenting the Departmental Estimates must be changed and the new system must clearly link all expenditure, no matter how disparate, to all projects so that all activity including costs, current, capital, administrative etc. are fully captured and recorded against a project. This will be easier achieved in regard to certain capital expenditures; however, social spending can also be recorded against costs of providing such social spending even where the delivery costs of such social spending is across several programmes.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • PUBLIC AFFAIRS IRELAND NEWSLETTER Your Essential Weekly Guide to Legislative, Regulatory and Public Affairs in Ireland Issue 287 October 14 2013
    PUBLIC AFFAIRS IRELAND NEWSLETTER Your essential weekly guide to legislative, regulatory and public affairs in Ireland Issue 287 October 14 2013 Oireachtas Update This week, discusssions in the Dáil will focus on this years annual Budget 2014 while the Seanad will debate the County Enterprise Boards (Dissolution) Bill 2013 in its final stages. Among the Committee Hearings this week, the Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation will hear submissions on the Companies Bill 2012 from the Consultative Committee of Accountancy Bodies in Ireland and the Irish Social Enterprise Network. News Updates Minister Howlin recommends Peter Tyndall for the post of Ombudsman and Information Commissioner The Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform, Brendan Howlin TD, has announced Peter Tyndall as the Government’s nominee, for appointment by the President, for the role of Ombudsman and Information Commissioner. Mr Tyndall, who has held the position of Public Services Ombudsman for Wales since 2008, will replace Emily O’Reilly, who recently left the office to take up the position of European Ombudsman. His appointment is subject to a resolution of the Dáil and Seanad. It is not yet known when Mr Tyndall will take up his role. Pending his appointment the Office of the Ombudsman will be vacant. Mr Tyndall, who is originally from Dublin, acted as chief executive of the Arts Council of Wales before becoming Public Services Ombudsman for Wales. A total of 35 expressions of interest were received for the position from individuals with a wide range of experience spanning both the public and private sector. Recruitment underway for Chief Economist in the Department of Finance The shortlisting process for Chief Economist in the Department of Finance is currently underway and a number of candidates will shortly proceed to interview in the next level of the TLAC process.
    [Show full text]
  • Sunday Independent
    gjj Dan O'Brien The Irish are becoming EXCLUSIVE ‘I was hoping he’d die,’ Jill / ungovernable. This Section, Page 18Meagher’s husband on her murderer. Page 20 9 6 2 ,0 0 0 READERS Vol. 109 No. 17 CITY FINAL April 27,2014 €2.90 (£1.50 in Northern Ireland) lMELDA¥ 1 1 P 1 g§%g k ■MAY ■ H l f PRINCE PHILIP WAS CHECKING OUT MY ASS LIFE MAGAZINE ALL IS CHANGING, CHANGING UTTERLY. GRAINNE'SJOY ■ Voters w a n t a n ew political p arty Poll: FG gets MICHAEL McDOWELL, Page 24 ■ Public demands more powers for PAC SHANE ROSS, Page 24 it in the neck; ■ Ireland wants Universal Health Insurance -but doesn'tbelieve the Governmentcan deliver BRENDAN O'CONNOR, Page 25 ■ We are deeply suspicious SF rampant; of thecharity sector MAEVE SHEEHAN, Page 25 ■ Royal family are welcome to 1916 celebrations EILISH O'HANLON, Page 25 new partycall LOVE IS IN THE AIR: TV presenter Grainne Seoige and former ■ ie s s a Childers is rugbycoach turned businessman Leon Jordaan celebrating iittn of the capital their engagement yesterday. Grainne's dress is from Havana EOGHAN HARRIS, Page 19 in Donnybrookr Dublin 4. Photo: Gerry Mooney. Hayesfaces defeat in Dublin; Nessa to top Full Story, Page 5 & Living, Page 2 poll; SF set to take seat in each constituency da n ie l Mc Connell former minister Eamon Ryan and JOHN DRENNAN (11 per cent). MillwardBrown Our poll also asked for peo­ FINE Gael Junior Minister ple’s second preference in Brian Hayes is facing a humil­ FULL POLL DETAILS AND ANALYSIS: ‘ terms of candidate.
    [Show full text]
  • YOUGHAL A4.Qxd
    FREE YoughalYoughal NewsNews FREE Vol. 8 Issue 20 Aug 18th 2011 Tel 024 93358 Fax 024 93852 NEXT ISSUE Email: [email protected] SEPT 1ST Website: www.youghalnews.ie CLASSIFIEDS COLLINS TOWN & COUNTRY SUPPLIES OMPUTER ERVICES Unit 3 Yawl Business Park, Foxhole, Youghal C S GARDENING, HARDWARE, AGRI SUPPLIES, SOLID FUEL, GAS, Computer & Laptop Repairs, Virus & Pop-up BARK MULCH 3 BAGS FOR €20 Removal, Training & Data - Recovery, Qualified CUTTING DISC BUY 5 GET 1 FREE Engineer - 20 years exp. Reasonable Rates For all enquiries Phone 024 20655 - AMPLE FREE PARKING Shane Deevy (087) 987 2006 KENNEALLY ROCHFORD & ASSOCIATES LTD. Engineering Services & Planning Consultants. Main Street, Killeagh, Co. Cork. FIRE ALARMS & EXTINGUISHERS – SALES & SERVICE Planning Applications, Project & Site Supervision, House BUSINESS - SAFEGUARD YOUR INVESTMENT AND COMPLY WITH LEGISLATION! DOMESTIC – PROTECT YOUR FAMILY WITH HOME FIRE SAFETY EQUIPMENT Surveys & Snag Lists. BER Certs and EPA Assessments NEW! VISIT OUR ONLINE STORE WWW.FIREHAZE.IE [email protected] 086 8928126 Contact Anthony on: 024-95857. Fax: 024-95856 L Gene’s School of Motoring L Youghal Bouncing Castles & Slides Doing your driving test in Dungarvan? Covering East Cork/West Waterford Area | Reasonable Rates Learning to drive in Youghal or Dungarvan? Book now to avoid disappointment | Various sizes to choose from Contact Eugene Kenneally, Ex-Tester. Car Available for test €30 per lesson Tel: 086 - 1793785 Tel: 086 - 1562104 FREE SATELLITE TV LIAM HEALY BBC, HTV, CH4, E4, FILM 4 etc. Painter & Deocrator - Interior & Exterior No Monthly Fees - Installed Wallpapering, Powerwashing RTE/TV3 Aerials & Sky Repairs from €190 Tel: 087 - 9834155 Call Emmett on 087 2835286 HOUSE TO LET PERFECT 3 bedroomed bungalow | Oil Fired Central Heating | Park, Youghal Area.
    [Show full text]
  • 24.06.16 – 30.06.16
    KASPress Ireland 24.06.16 – 30.06.16 Welcome to KASPress Ireland, our weekly summary of relevant and interesting news from the Irish press. Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung News Summary London Office Top Story Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan has ruled out a Border poll following the Brexit referendum. He told the Seanad that although he understood the motivations of those who called for a referendum, for such a poll to be held, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland must determine that a majority of the electorate would opt for a united Ireland. At present, there was no evidence to suggest that would be the case. To read more on this story, click here. Politics Taoiseach Enda Kenny has landed himself in a Brexit row after telling EU leaders that Scotland shouldn't be "dragged out" of the European Union. Mr Kenny made the unprecedented intervention in front of British Prime Minister David Cameron at the European Council "on behalf" of Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. To read more on this story, click here. Brexit will not affect Budget 2017 but its longer term effects on Ireland could be serious depending on what deal the UK agrees with the EU, Minister for Finance Michael Noonan has said. To read more on this story, click here. Enda Kenny yesterday clashed with members of the Independent Alliance, who are demanding a free vote on a bill that allows for terminations in cases of fatal foetal abnormality. The Taoiseach was forced to adjourn yesterday's Cabinet meeting without agreement after ministers Shane Ross and Finian McGrath had insisted that TDs should be allowed to vote with their consciences.
    [Show full text]
  • Independent Alliance
    Independent Alliance Breda Burke Committee on Procedure and Privileges Standing sub-Committee on Dail Reform Dail Eireann Leinster House Dublin 2 1 16 h March 2016 Dear Breda, As instructed, please now find below the submissions for Dail reform, as proposed by the members of the Independent Alliance. Dail Reform The Independent Alliance is committed to fundamental Dail Reform. We are seeking that power be decentralised. Following the election, we believe there is a unique opportunity to return power to the Dail and reduce the power of the government. We believe the following measures are imperative for true Dail reform; a. The Independent Alliance will not be imposing any party whip, except on votes of confidence. This automatically rebalances power in favour of the Dail, against the cabinet. We would welcome a reciprocal gesture from other parties. If this is not possible for them on all aspects of Dail votes, perhaps parties might commit to removing the whip for certain topics? b. We believe the Taoiseach's prerogative on when to call a general election can be abused and manipulated to suit the Taoiseach of the day and their party, as opposed to acting in the country's best interest. For that reason, we want to remove this unique power and create stability and certainty for the lifetime of a government, thus increasing the work rate. For that reason we propose that Ireland follow the example of many other countries and introduce fixed terms for the Dail. There would of course be provision for an impromptu election if the Taoiseach fails to retain the support or confidence of a majority of the Dail.
    [Show full text]
  • CULTURAL and EDUCATIONAL PANEL (A) Provisional Nominating Bodies Sub-Panel
    SEANAD GENERAL ELECTION _________________ APRIL, 2016 _________________ PANELS OF CANDIDATES PREPARED BY THE SEANAD RETURNING OFFICER ACT, 1947, AS AMENDED BY THE SEANAD ELECTORAL (PANEL MEMBERS) ACT, 1954. CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL PANEL (a) Provisional Nominating Bodies Sub-Panel Name Address Description Qualifications of candidate for inclusion in the Name of body by whom Candidate was Panel as determined by the Seanad nominated Returning Officer Brabazon, Tom 75 Lóiste Mhic Reachtain, Baile Comhairleoir Cathrach, Conradh Na Gaeilge Átha Cliath 13 Aturnae Burke, Deirdre Orchard House, Templelyon, Solicitor The Law Society of Ireland Redcross, Co. Wicklow Carey, Declan 116 The Strand, Donabate, Co. Mental Health Social Worker Dental Council Dublin Collins, Michael Ballinvallig, Newcastle West, Public Representative, Theatre Forum Limited Co. Limerick Musician, Comhaltas Ceoltoirí Eireann Connolly, John 12 Gort na Bró, Millers Lane, Primary School Teacher Irish National Teachers’ Organisation Rahoon, Galway Conway, Joe ‘An Druimín’, Roselawn, College Tutor, Public Aontas Múinteoirí Éireann/Teachers’ Union of Tramore, Co. Waterford Representative Ireland Crowley, Liam Killorglin, Co. Kerry Solicitor The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland D’Arcy, Jim 12 Sandygrove Close, Senator Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Blackrock, Dundalk, Co. Louth Finucane, Jim 3 Cloondara, Tralee, Co. Kerry Member of Kerry ETB Education and Training Boards Ireland Howard, Mary Claureen House, Ennis, Co. Member of Clare County The Drama League of Ireland Clare
    [Show full text]
  • Guide to the 30 Dáil for Anti-Poverty Groups
    European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN) Ireland Guide to the 30th Dáil for Anti-Poverty Groups ‘EAPN Ireland is a network of groups and individuals working against poverty and social exclusion. Our objective is to put the fight against poverty at the top of the European and Irish agendas’ Contents Page Acknowledgements 2 Introduction 2 The Parties 4 Dáil Session Guide 5 A Brief Guide to Legislation 7 Dáil Committees 9 The TD in the Dáil 9 Contacting a TD 12 APPENDICES 1: List of Committees and Spokespersons 2: Government Ministers and Party Spokespersons 1 Introduction This Guide has been produced by the European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN) Ireland. It is intended as a short briefing on the functioning of the Dáil and a simple explanation of specific areas that may be of interest to people operating in the community/NGO sector in attempting to make the best use of the Dáil. This briefing document is produced as a result of the EAPN Focus on Poverty in Ireland project, which started in December 2006. This project aimed to raise awareness of poverty and put poverty reduction at the top of the political agenda, while also promoting understanding and involvement in the social inclusion process among people experiencing poverty. This Guide is intended as an accompanying document to the EAPN Guide to Understanding and Engaging with the European Union. The overall aim in producing these two guides is to inform people working in the community and voluntary sector of how to engage with the Irish Parliament and the European Union in influencing policy and voicing their concerns about poverty and social inclusion issues.
    [Show full text]
  • Multi-Culturalism in Ireland: Examining the Context of and Debates Surrounding the Citizenship Referendum Melanie Todman SIT Study Abroad
    SIT Graduate Institute/SIT Study Abroad SIT Digital Collections Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection SIT Study Abroad Fall 2004 Multi-Culturalism in Ireland: Examining the Context of and Debates Surrounding the Citizenship Referendum Melanie Todman SIT Study Abroad Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcollections.sit.edu/isp_collection Part of the Demography, Population, and Ecology Commons, and the Public Policy Commons Recommended Citation Todman, Melanie, "Multi-Culturalism in Ireland: Examining the Context of and Debates Surrounding the Citizenship Referendum" (2004). Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection. 509. https://digitalcollections.sit.edu/isp_collection/509 This Unpublished Paper is brought to you for free and open access by the SIT Study Abroad at SIT Digital Collections. It has been accepted for inclusion in Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection by an authorized administrator of SIT Digital Collections. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Multi-Culturalism in Ireland: Examining the Context of and Debates Surrounding the Citizenship Referendum Melanie Todman Carleton College Northfield, Minnesota, USA School for International Training Ireland: Peace and Conflict Studies Tanya Ward–Advisor Aeveen Kerisk–Director December 4th 2004 Introduction Presently, one of the most interesting phenomena in the world is the massive population shift that is occurring on a global level. People are moving across borders in an unprecedented way. There are a number of factors contributing to this widespread movement. First, travel has become less of a burden and less of an expense. In addition, the world is tied together economically as globalization becomes more widespread. The United States and western EU affiliated countries are mainly on the receiving end of this mass migration; the United States has been experiencing this immigration for decades however, many European countries are experiencing heavy immigration for the first time.
    [Show full text]
  • 10Th Annual Report, 2005
    BRITISH-IRISH INTER-PARLIAMENTARY BODY COMHLACHT IDIR-PHARLAIMINTEACH NA BREATAINE AGUS NA hÉIREANN TENTH ANNUAL REPORT No. 118 — March 2005 THE WORK OF THE BRITISH-IRISH INTER-PARLIAMENTARY BODY Introduction 1. This is the Tenth Annual Report of the Body since it was decided at the 11th Plenary Session in May 1996 that such a Report should be made. This Report summarises the work of the Body during 2005. Membership of the Body 2. The General Election in the United Kingdom in May resulted in a number of changes to the British delegation, the most significant of which was the replacement of Mr David Winnick, MP as Co-Chair by Mr Paul Murphy, MP. Mr Winnick had announced at the Bundoran Plenary session that he would leave the Body, although he was not standing down from the House of Commons. Lord Dubs replaced Mr Kevin McNamara (who left the House of Commons) on the Steering Committee. Mr John Hume of the SDLP also retired from the Commons at the General Election and his presence is much missed. Other notable departures were those of Mr Harry Barnes and Mr William O'Brien. The other changes to the British Delegation can be found in Appendix 1. Hon Tony Brown MHK succeeded Mr Donald Gelling, who has again become Chief Minister of the Isle of Man. The Body expressed its congratulations to Mr Gelling. Political Developments 3. The Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly remained suspended throughout 2005. During the year, the two Governments continued their efforts to move the process forward and to restore the devolved power- sharing institutions.
    [Show full text]
  • Lost at Sea Scheme
    Special Report by the Ombudsman LOST AT SEA SCHEME December 2009 LOST AT SEA SCHEME | Special Report by the Ombudsman Contents THIS REPORT 3 Part One SPECIAL Report TO each HOuSE Of THE Oireachtas - 6 THE REASOnS wHy. Appendices (A) Response of the Department of Agriculture, fisheries and food (the Department) to the Investigation Report -11 february 2009 10 (B) Response of the Ombudsman to the Department’s letter of 11 february 2009 - 13 March 2009 13 (C) Response of the Department to the Ombudsman’s letter of 13 March 2009 - 23 April 2009 15 (D) Response of the Ombudsman to the Department’s letter of 23 April 2009 - 5 June 2009 17 (E) Further Letter to the Ombudsman from the Department - 30 July 2009 20 Part Two InvESTIgation Report (nOvEMBER 2008) Introduction 25 1. The Complaint 25 2. Background 26 3. Preliminary Examination 27 4. Investigation Interviews 38 5. The Department’s files and Key Records 39 6. Evidence gathered During Interviews 47 7. Analysis of the Main Issues 58 1 LOST AT SEA SCHEME | Special Report by the Ombudsman 8. The Byrne family and the Lost at Sea Scheme 74 9. Findings 76 10. Recommendations 82 Appendices Appendix 1: The Lost at Sea Scheme 85 Appendix 2: Response of the Department of Communications, 87 Marine and natural Resources to the Statement of Complaint -31 July 2006 Appendix 3: Undated and unsigned file Memo 89 Appendix 4: Submission of the Department of Agriculture, 90 Fisheries and food in response to the Draft Investigation Report -3 July 2008 Appendix 5: Submissions of the former Minister for the Marine and 96 Natural Resources, frank fahey TD, in response to the Draft Investigation Report -14 May 2008 and 19 June 2008 2 LOST AT SEA SCHEME | Special Report by the Ombudsman This Report This Report describes one family’s (the Byrnes’) unsuccess- ful attempt for assistance under the Lost at Sea Scheme.
    [Show full text]
  • State Involvement in the Magdalene Laundries
    This redacted version is being made available for public circulation with permission from those who submitted their testimonies State involvement in the Magdalene Laundries JFM’s principal submissions to the Inter-departmental Committee to establish the facts of State involvement with the Magdalene Laundries Compiled by1: Dr James M. Smith, Boston College & JFM Advisory Committee Member Maeve O’Rourke, JFM Advisory Committee Member 2 Raymond Hill, Barrister Claire McGettrick, JFM Co-ordinating Committee Member With Additional Input From: Dr Katherine O’Donnell, UCD & JFM Advisory Committee Member Mari Steed, JFM Co-ordinating Committee Member 16th February 2013 (originally circulated to TDs on 18th September 2012) 1. Justice for Magdalenes (JFM) is a non-profit, all-volunteer organisation which seeks to respectfully promote equality and advocate for justice and support for the women formerly incarcerated in Ireland’s Magdalene Laundries. Many of JFM’s members are women who were in Magdalene Laundries, and its core coordinating committee, which has been working on this issue in an advocacy capacity for over twelve years, includes several daughters of women who were in Magdalene Laundries, some of whom are also adoption rights activists. JFM also has a very active advisory committee, comprised of academics, legal scholars, politicians, and survivors of child abuse. 1 The named compilers assert their right to be considered authors for the purposes of the Copyright and Related Rights Act 2000. Please do not reproduce without permission from JFM (e-mail: [email protected]). 2 Of the Bar of England and Wales © JFM 2012 Acknowledgements Justice for Magdalenes (JFM) gratefully acknowledges The Ireland Fund of Great Britain for its recent grant.
    [Show full text]
  • An Exploration of Parliamentary Speeches in the Irish Parliament Using Topic Modeling
    Technological University Dublin ARROW@TU Dublin Dissertations School of Computer Sciences 2018 An Exploration of Parliamentary Speeches in the Irish Parliament Using Topic Modeling Fiona Leheny Technological University Dublin Follow this and additional works at: https://arrow.tudublin.ie/scschcomdis Part of the Computer Sciences Commons Recommended Citation Leheny, Fiona (2018). An exploration of parliamentary speeches in the Irish parliament using topic modeling. Masters dissertation, DIT, 2018. This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the School of Computer Sciences at ARROW@TU Dublin. It has been accepted for inclusion in Dissertations by an authorized administrator of ARROW@TU Dublin. For more information, please contact [email protected], [email protected]. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 License An Exploration of Parliamentary Speeches in the Irish Parliament using Topic Modeling Fiona Leheny A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of Dublin Institute of Technology for the degree of M.Sc. in Computing (Data Analytics) September 2017 Declaration I certify that this dissertation which I now submit for examination for the award of MSc in Computing (Data Analytics), is entirely my own work and has not been taken from the work of others save and to the extent that such work has been cited and acknowledged within the text of my work. This dissertation was prepared according to the regulations for postgraduate study of the Dublin Institute of Technology and has not been submitted in whole or part for an award in any other Institute or University.
    [Show full text]