asked the Taoiseach if he has given consideration to the proposals for the reform of the Dáil; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dáil Reform.
3.
This is a matter which should first be considered by the Committee on Procedure and Privileges.
Would the Taoiseach be in favour of the reforms himself and would he not think these should be acted on very soon now in view of the fact that the Dáil has become bogged down in so much business?
I have already indicated to the House that I am in favour of some reforms to expedite the business of the House. I mentioned that there was a memorandum before the former Committee on Procedure and Privileges which I suggested might be revived before the present Committee. I do not know what the position is with the present Committee but I should be quite interested to see that memorandum revived.
Would the Taoiseach not consider that it would be far more expeditious to have the matter discussed with representatives of the three parties at party leader level rather than wait for the Committee on Procedure and Privileges because they became bogged down or did not seem to get anywhere in the previous case and they did not revive the memorandum when the new Procedure and Privileges Committee was formed? Would the Taoiseach not consider that?
The only matters that leaders of the parties considered before was the question of eliminating the Vote on Account and providing for the present system whereby departmental estimates need not be finally debated until the end of the calendar year. Unfortuntely, that has not worked out as well as they had anticipated. Perhaps the Committee on Procedure and Privileges would do a better job.
What would the Taoiseach think of longer sittings of the Dáil.
I think one of the most important reforms would be if Deputies would try to say what they have to say in 30 or 40 minutes instead of four or five hours.
The Taoiseach would be in favour of shortening the time? That is what he has implied.
No, I have not.