A Dáil reform package introduced by the Government was described as "essentially a set of commonsense measures'' by Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore.
He said the way the Dáil did business was based on ideas and systems that had evolved since the 19th century, and the process of evolution must be taken another step forward.
“Parliament is different from other workplaces, and the work done by Deputies extends well beyond the formal sitting times for the House. Nevertheless, the Dáil can no longer work in a way that is so far removed from the experience of fellow citizens.’’
Mr Gilmore said the reforms would include longer sitting hours, with the House meeting on Wednesday and Thursday at 9.30am rather than 10.30am, and a sitting every second Friday to consider legislation put forward by TDs and committee reports.
Consideration
All non-emergency legislation would be required to be sent to the relevant Oireachtas committee for examination, debate and consideration, with an input from relevant experts if there was a wish to do so. He knew from ministerial colleagues they had often found this type of scrutiny of legislation, before proceeding to drafting, to be useful.
He added that in future a Minister or Minister of State from the relevant department must take topical issues to ensure TDs could get an effective answer to questions.
Mr Gilmore said over the past decade the resources available to TDs had been significantly increased, adding that staffing in research and library facilities had improved enormously since he was elected to the Dáil in 1989.
Joanna Tuffy (Labour) said TDs like herself had been excluded from the Dáil reform debate, which was totally inappropriate. "These decisions have been made by leaders and they have never really consulted with people like me. I object to that.''
Opposition TDs criticised the Government’s lack of consultation on reform and rushing the measures through.
Government Chief Whip Paul Kehoe said there had been a full day's debate on Dáil reform last July.
Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said what was happening was a disgrace, adding that the Government had promised discussion but none had taken place. Next Tuesday the Dáil would be asked to guillotine the Social Welfare Bill, without allowing any amendments relating to the abolition of household benefits.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh (SF) said TDs had dual roles as legislators and working with constituents and their organisations. “Some of the pressure coming from the media is aimed at trying to get us to sit here from 9am until midnight.’’
Independent Catherine Murphy said sitting on the second Friday of each month would not be meaningful.
The House agreed the measures by 76 votes to 46.
