First Phase of Dáil Reform Takes Shape

A package of Dáil Reforms designed to make the Dáil Chamber more efficient and effective has been introduced Government Chief Whip, Minister Paul Kehoe.

This is the first phase in a programme of Dáil Reform to be introduced over the lifetime of the Government.

Speaking during the debate on the Dail Reform Minister Kehoe stated: "Dáil Reform is the shared responsibility of every member of this House. In just over four months since the change of Government the Deputy Government Whip, Emmet Stagg, and I have worked closely with the three Opposition Whips to progress the Dáil Reform agenda.”

He added: "When TDs return to the Dáil on the 14th September, after a reduced summer recess, they will return to a different Dáil, with new rules and improved procedures. They will return to a Dáil where TDs can play a more active and meaningful role in the legislative process and where the members of this House will have more opportunity to raise issues with Ministers in a more effective manner. They will return to a Dáil better equipped to hold the executive to account."

Deputy Labour Whip John Lyons speaking in the Debate on behalf of the Labour Party stated:

"There is a long history of work done on Dáil Reform with no firm outcome. This time it is different. This time we have real positive proposals for change in how we do business in this house."

This first phase of the Dáil Reform Programme, to take effect from September, will include: The introduction of Topical Issue Debates to replace the current Adjournment Debates; Extra Dáil sitting days, on the first Friday of every month, to provide time for TDs to introduce their own Bills; Providing for Leaders Questions to be taken by the Tánaiste on Thursdays; and a procedure to allow Dáil Deputies to raise issues regarding replies to Parliamentary Questions.

(BMcN)