The 2014 Inter-Parliamentary Research and Information Network (IPRIN) conference has been hailed a success.
Organised by the Tynwald Chamber and Information Service the two-day conference brought together parliamentary research and information officers from the House of Commons Library, the House of Lords Library, the National Assembly for Wales Research Service, the Northern Ireland Assembly Research and Information Service, the Oireachtas Library and Research Service, the Scottish Parliament Information Centre and the Tynwald Information Service, along with a delegate from the States of Jersey and another from the Westminster Foundation for Democracy.
The conference, opened by the President of Tynwald the Hon Clare Christian, provided opportunities for delegates to share experience and information and strengthen ties between legislatures. Topics for discussion included advances in technology, the use of social media, adoption of open data and development of the IPRIN website.
Tynwald deputy head of Chamber and Information Service Trudi Thompson said: ‘The annual Inter-Parliamentary Research and Information Network conference always proves a valuable forum for exchanging ideas, discussing common issues and working towards delivering greater efficiency, effectiveness and quality of service to Members. This year was no exception and we have been encouraged by the positive feedback received.’
Thomas McCullough, from the Northern Ireland Assembly’s research and information service support unit said: ‘A big well done to the team for making this a successful conference. The hospitality was first class, the tours very interesting and the whole experience would want to make people return.’
Mr McCullough’s sentiments were echoed by Westminster Foundation for Democracy’s programme officer Henry Richards: ‘Many thanks for organising the conference which I felt was a great success. I really enjoyed my time on the Isle of Man and the engaging sessions. It’s very useful for WFD to gain insights into how research services are working and for me to address some key questions we have had.’
Established in its present form at the 2005 the Inter-Parliamentary Researchers’ Network conference in Scotland the annual event is held in one of the member legislatures in turn.
Photo - Delegates attending the 2014 IPRIN conference gather outside the Legislative Buildings. Picture Lottie Ray, Hansard editor.
