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Programme for Government Implementation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 April 2014

Tuesday, 8 April 2014

Questions (46, 47)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

46. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Taoiseach if he will introduce a Dáil reform that would allow any Deputy to ask questions of local, regional, national or international importance of him following Leaders' Questions for a maximum of 30 seconds per question-answer using the system of indication used currently during the Order of Business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15970/14]

View answer

Brendan Griffin

Question:

47. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Taoiseach if he will introduce a Dáil reform that would allow at least two more additional Topical Issues slots per day, in view of the constant demand for speaking time that exists under Topical Issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15971/14]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 46 and 47 together.

The Programme for Government outlines an ambitious agenda for Oireachtas Reform to be introduced in a phased process over the lifetime of this Government.

The reforms introduced by this Government, to date, have significantly enhanced the role of the TD.

No parliament is perfect and the process of parliamentary reform is always an ongoing one. The Oireachtas Reforms announced last autumn are currently being implemented but work is already underway on the next phase of Dáil Reform.

The suggestions outlined by the Deputy will be considered for inclusion in the next phase of Oireachtas Reform. The areas concerned have been reformed since 2011 and are kept under review with a view to introducing further improvements.

Since 2011 Topical Issues Debates have replaced Adjournment Debates and changes introduced in the second phase of reform require a Minister or a Minister of State from the relevant Department to be present in the chamber for a Topical Issue debate or the TD can defer the matter until a Minister from that Department is available when it will be given priority. The number of Dáil sitting days per year has been increased and individual Dáil sitting days lengthened, giving TDs more opportunity to raise issues through Questions to Ministers, Taoiseach's Questions and Topical Issue Debates.

Providing time for legislative debate and the continued reduction in the use of the guillotine will continue to be the priority for Dáil business.

Any Member of the House who has Dáil reform proposals can contact the Government Chief Whip to discuss those proposals in detail and they will be considered as part of the ongoing process of Dáil reform.

The next phase of Dáil and Oireachtas Reform will build on the changes introduced since the Government took office in 2011.

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