Ceann Comhairle John O'Donoghue has taken steps to encourage significant reform in the daily operation of the Dáil, including changes that would give TDs greater freedom to raise emergency issues.
Under the rules of the Houses of the Oireachtas, the Ceann Comhairle does not have the power to propose changes, though he has chaired a recent meeting of party whips on the issue.
The involvement of Mr O'Donoghue is unusual, compared with the practice adopted by his predecessors, though Opposition parties have already privately offered compliments for his role in the job to date.
Government Chief Whip Tom Kitt, Labour's whip and long-time advocate of Dáil reform Emmet Stagg and Fine Gael deputy whip David Stanton met recently to discuss possible changes.
Responding to Dáil questions yesterday, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said he was "aware" of the Ceann Comhairle's efforts to act as "a facilitator" to help the talks.
"I support and I appreciate his personal interest," said Mr Ahern.
Under changes being mooted, Dáil adjournment debates, which deal with current problems in constituencies and which often take place too late for daily newspapers, would be moved to an earlier slot in the day.
Mr Ahern strongly supported calls for a dedicated TV channel to carry Oireachtas proceedings, arguing that it would "be much better that much of the stuff that gets TAM ratings now".
The new Dáil Administrative Committee, chaired by Fianna Fáil Dún Laoghaire TD Barry Andrews, has been asked by Mr Ahern to examine the possibilities for the digital service.
"Although they may not sit down and watch us all day, the channel would be available to the public as required to enable them see what happens here and in the committees," he said.
However, he told Labour's Mr Stagg that the Opposition will have to compromise as well.
" will be aware that if the Opposition makes requests but gives nothing in return, there will be no balance and nothing will happen."
Holding adjournment debates earlier in the day "would make the House more relevant", he said, though some hours' notice would be required to give Ministers the opportunity to prepare.
Fine Gael's Mr Stanton is currently canvassing party colleagues before drafting a report on his party's key demands. "People feel very strongly that the host of quangos set up must be made accountable to the Dáil," he said.
But Mr Ahern rejected calls that the Dáil should sit from Monday to Friday, on the grounds that TDs had to have time for their constituencies.
"Every time we try to do that, the first thing said by Opposition parties - I have been on both sides of this - is that they will not do that unless there are Questions, including Leaders' Questions, everybody is here and there are pairs etc.
"That ends the debate. They are not going to get that."
Mr Ahern continued: "That is never going to work. It is poppycock. I heard it 30 years ago and if I am still alive I will hear it in 30 years from afar. If we want real reform we can do it, but if it is reform whereby the whole Dáil in its entire structure has to meet from Monday until Friday, I can tell the Deputy not until the cows come in here and sit in the chairs will he see that."
