Launch of JCFJ’s Oireachtas Watch

July 15, 2008 in General, News

Oireachtas Watch launchOn Wednesday 9 July, in Buswells Hotel, An Ceann Comhairle John O’Donoghue TD formally launched the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice’s ‘Oireachtas Watch’ website. (www.jcfj.ie/pqs) This initiative contains a database of Written Parliamentary Questions asked of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform in the 30th Dáil. JCFJ Communications Intern, Lena Jacobs, who has developed the site gave a demonstration to the TDs, civil servants and representatives of NGOs and many Jesuits who attended the launch. An Ceann Comhairle commended the Centre for its work and said the website would become a valuable resource for those interested in Department of Justice related matters. Also speaking at the event was Ms Ann Maxwell, Deputy from the Debates Offices in Leinster House, and Dr Muiris MacCarthaigh of the Institute of Public Administration, who gave a thoroughly enlightening presentation on the appropriateness and effectiveness of the PQ process as a means of holding the Government to account.