Programme for Government Implementation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 October 2018

Tuesday, 23 October 2018

Questions (235)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

235. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the progress made to date in implementing the commitment in the programme for partnership Government (details supplied) regarding the provision of external experts for Oireachtas committees; the name of the officials or the section in his Department taking the lead on the implementation of this commitment; the number of meetings held to discuss this commitment; if engagement or consultation has taken place with committee chairpersons or officials in the Houses of the Oireachtas on the way in which this commitment will be delivered and the level of expertise that will be required; if funds or a budget has been allocated for the implementation of the commitment; if a tender process has been considered or undertaken regarding this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43538/18]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

The Programme for a Partnership Government was agreed in May 2016 during the formation of the Government. This is a five year programme of work being undertaken for the duration of the present Dáil. The relevant commitment in the Programme which focuses on the Oireachtas Committee Structure, Resources and Responsibilities, sets out a number of commitments in this area, including Panels of outside experts being made available to assist committees in their work.

Since 2016 significant progress has been made in reforming how business is done in the Oireachtas.  The Houses of the Oireachtas and the Department of the Taoiseach have been key players in driving the reform agenda. However, the engagement of experts by a committee is, in the first instance, a matter for the committees and similarly the allocation of resources is a matter for the Houses of the Oireachtas Service.