Will you be one in 2,500? Appearing before an Oireachtas Committee

In 2021 (the last year for which numbers are published) Oireachtas Committees held 1,170 meetings, calling 2,596 witnesses. Despite much of the year being disrupted by Covid, this represented a dramatic increase in the number of meetings (623) and witnesses (1986) called in 2019 before the pandemic.

These numbers suggest that once the impact of the pandemic abated the members of 33rd Dáil and 26th Seanad were much busier than their predecessors when it comes to Committee work.

If this rate of work continues (and it may well have increased), it could be that you are one of the 2,500 witnesses called.

Whether you are called because you sought a hearing from a Committee or were invited to appear, it is well worth thinking about how you should prepare for your appearance.

Leaving it to the last minute or making it up as you go along are bad ideas. For a few reasons.?

You are on live TV and anyone, anywhere in the world can be watching. You are on the permanent public record - both on video and on paper when the transcripts are published.

Finally, and importantly, the standing and reputation of your organisation can be significantly enhanced or damaged by the quality of your evidence.

So, what are the key points of preparation?

First, decide what you want to achieve by your appearance. This can vary. You may want to influence the provisions of a Bill. You may want to persuade a Committee to recommend a policy direction. You may want to defend your organisation against what you see as unfair media coverage which led to the hearing.

If you are in a State agency or Department, you want to give the best account of your activities. You will be asked to provide a written submission and, most likely, asked to make a short opening statement. Draft these with an eye to what you want to achieve, to what success would look like.

Second, research the Committee members. What do they have an interest in? Have they spoken about your organisation or sector recently? What relevant Dáil questions have they asked lately? Has another organisation in your sector appeared before the Committee recently - what were they asked about? The answers are no guarantee that you will get the same questions, but they are a good guide.

Finally, practice. Put yourself (and colleagues appearing with you) through at least one rigorous question and answer session. This will allow you to stress test how your answers work, how the dynamic of your delegation works in practice. Best practice is to do a first practice session a week or so ahead and use it to fine tune in a second session a day or two out.?

Ideally, use people with experience of the workings of the Dáil but remember there is no way of anticipating all of the questions you may be asked.?

Remember that TDs and Senators are not experts in your field. Some will be better informed than others. Some will be more constructive and supportive than others. Some will ask incisive, probing questions, some might “grandstand” in search of a media headline. But the business of the Committee will be conducted fairly and in line with clear rules presided over by a Chairman, assisted by a Clerk.

Oireachtas Committees are an important part of our democratic process. Comprising members from all parties and none, they play an important role in examining legislation, scrutinising the work of Government Departments, and advising on policy decisions.

If you get the opportunity to appear - take it, prepare well, and use it well to further your agenda.

If you are seeking support in advance of a Committee appearance contact Drury: [email protected]