Comments for The Story

Comment on Analysis and visualisation of tax default list 2009 by Holbrook Fields

Holbrook Fields — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 21:06:14 +0000

Great work. well done.

Comment on Department’s expenses database by steve white

steve white — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:52:58 +0000

do you have any plans to display this data the expanded kildarestreet like site, hesitant to do anything to with it if you have better plans,
the sunlight socrata database system is ok
http://www.socrata.com/government/Arts-Sports-Tourism-Expenses/qv34-922n?

the files big to big for google docs, you could split it by gov or minister or edit it on socrata but you have to invite people (unlike google docs) maybe create a thestory version and then people could mail you get access to add info like actual job title and other context

Comment on Department’s expenses database by steve white

steve white — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:20:52 +0000

find it strange that justification isn’t released, surely that would put the info in a better light for the gov, as would be releasing the purpose of the meetings trips along side this data

Comment on Tim Berners-Lee on open data by Cillian O'Brien

Cillian O'Brien — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:39:09 +0000

Nice video. I had to do an essay on the semantic web and open data for college recently. This really ties is all together and shows the potential. Cheers for uploading it.

Comment on Department’s expenses database by barry

barry — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 12:33:30 +0000

I love the one that says ‘null’ against Mr Conroy – is that his status or his ability??

Comment on Department’s expenses database by Frightened Voter

Frightened Voter — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 00:03:03 +0000

My greatest respect and support: why not run for office? I’d vote for you!

Comment on Terrence Wheelock by Gerard Cunningham

Gerard Cunningham — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 13:47:32 +0000

The combination of policing and intelligence/security with An Garda Siochana is one of the major problems in the force. Most of the problems in Donegal, for example, can all be traced back to the tendency to get confused between intelligence gathering and policing. The messes (not just the McBreartys, but the other cases too) could pretty much have been avoided if the Gardai hadn’t confused intelligence (ie rumour and unsubstantiated claims) with evidence.
It’s worth reading the Canadian experience on this. They realised about 30 years ago that they needed to separate intelligence gathering from the RCMP’s policing function. The royal commission reports on the issue are still worthwhile reading in laying out the problems that arise. Patton did the same thing in his report on the RUC, though it got lost in the noise there because of other issues.
None of that will help Trevor Wheelock’s family though.

Comment on Terrence Wheelock by Vicky Conway

Vicky Conway — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 11:10:14 +0000

It is really shocking that the Guards are protected this way. Presumably the government response is that the Guards are unique in having security within the police force, and not in a seperate body. I am beginning to wonder if there is any benefit to that situation – with every effort to make the Guards more accountable it rears its head.

Comment on FOI and the Gardai by Terrence Wheelock – The Story

Terrence Wheelock – The Story — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 23:46:41 +0000

[...] is entirely exempt from opening its files to the public: The Republic of Ireland. Gavin also noted the publication of the report on the day. All that is needed for An Garda Síochána to come under FOI is the signature of Finance Minister [...]

Comment on Department’s expenses database by Terry the Langer

Terry the Langer — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 23:43:32 +0000

I’m delighted, well done Gavin! The fact that you’ll shortly (hopefully) be getting some data from two of my former employers (I was a PS) that will reveal that I received some T&S over the years worries me not one whit!