The Universities eConsultation Research Group (ECRG) found that the eConsultation process, in relation to the draft Heads of the proposed Broadcasting Bill, had improved the transparency of the workings of parliament, was efficient and had facilitated public participation.

On the negative side, it found that the technical design of the web site used should be improved, the timetable for the process was rushed and the technical language used in the draft Bill made it hard to follow.

The ECRG’s findings followed its evaluation of the Pilot eConsultation on the draft Heads of the proposed Broadcasting Bill conducted by the Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources during the latter stages of the 29th Dáíl. The Office of the Houses of the Oireachtas has decided to publish the report by placing it on the websites www.oireachtas.ie and eConsultation.ie

This pilot project, although experimental, aimed to revolutionise the manner in which Parliament, Government and the citizen interact. It was intended to be a genuine consultation that would test the readiness of Parliament and the Joint Committee in particular to work more closely with the general public using new technologies and interactive communication. It was also designed to facilitate a wide range of groups and individuals to contribute to the work of the Joint Committee by having efficient, genuine and transparent dialogue between them.

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