Citizens who wish to raise a subject matter in the Oireachtas can now do so through a new petitions system.
The petitions system allows any individual to fill in a form on the Oireachtas website and submit it to the Joint Committee on Public Service and Petitions for consideration.
Petitions must concern matters of general public interest or concern and petitioners must show they have already taken steps to resolve the issue.
If a petition is in order the committee may then ask petitioners to speak to them.
It may seek evidence from relevant organisations and government departments and even invite ministers to answer questions about the matter.
