Alan M. Dukes
Question:2 Mr. Dukes asked the Taoiseach if the Government have any proposals for the reform of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Oireachtas Reforms.
The Committee on Procedure and Privileges have been asked to submit a report to the House, by next Christmas, with proposals for a general programme of reform of Dáil procedures.
The Committee have asked a Working Group — comprising representatives of all the parties in the House — to conduct a thorough investigation of this matter and to submit their recommendations.
Will the Taoiseach accept that he has now effectively deferred by one year the Government's intention to bring forward proposals? Does the Taoiseach remember that the Programme for Government promised proposals on Oireachtas reform by the end of 1989 covering such areas as procedure, the committee system, Question Time, the sub judice rule and rights of audience for MEPs? Would the Taoiseach not agree that it is very worrying that up to now it has taken 18 months rather than six months to produce these reforms?
I am gratified by the Deputy's interest in the Programme for Government.
It is a work of fiction. It deserves a prize.
Ceist a trí.
Arising from the Taoiseach's rather facile reply, I would ask him in the context of the proposals that the Government will make to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, will the Government proposals include a proposal that they established a foreign affairs committee and an environment committee of this House, as has been sought on countless occasions——
That would seem to be a separate matter, Deputy Shatter.
It relates to Dáil reform.
Maybe so, but it is a particular matter worthy of a separate question.
One of the best pieces of Dáil reform we could have would be if Deputies on all sides would conform to the rules of order and procedure and particularly if they obeyed the Chair.
It could be a good piece of Dáil reform if the Taoiseach would take the Dáil seriously and not treat it in the arrogant and flippant way in which he is treating it now.
(Interruptions.)
We are the only European parliament without a foreign affairs committee and without an environment committee. It is a disgrace.
There is no Deputy in this House more committed to the dignity and interests of this House than I.