Sub-Committee on Dáil Reform holds inaugural meeting

The Sub-Committee considered a number of initial proposals, including:

•    The establishment of a business committee responsible for the scheduling and timetabling of Dáil business, in particular the provision of additional time to opposition Members;
•    Rules governing technical groups allowing for more than one technical group and fewer members to form a technical group;
•    Provision for dedicated Committee time to avoid crossover with Dáil time;
•    Reform of the parliamentary question system; and
•    Votes to be taken at a fixed time instead of at various times throughout the day and provision to allow for formal abstentions in votes.

The Sub-Committee will finalise its discussions on these matters at its next meeting on 5th April 2016 and has agreed a programme of work until the end of April.

The Sub-Committee agreed to submit an interim report to the Dáil on 6th April in time for the debate on Dáil reform.

Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl, Chairman of the Sub-Committee, said: “Today the Sub-Committee made significant progress on a number of initial measures to improve and strengthen our parliamentary procedures and give more powers to the parliament and Members.

“There is a duty on us as parliamentarians to re-order this Dáil in a manner that more accurately reflects the real needs of a modern Ireland. Each Member also has a part to play in this process of reform and I’d like to thank all of those involved in our meeting today which was carried out in a constructive and positive manner and which reflected the commitment and dedication of members to meaningfully reform how our parliament does its business.

“I would like to see the changed approach to the election of Ceann Comhairle as the first step in reforming how our parliament does its business. As Ceann Comhairle and Chair of this Sub-Committee on Dáil Reform, I personally am fully committed to overseeing that crucial task.”