asked the Taoiseach if he will establish a small all-Party Committee of members of the Dáil to consider and recommend reforms in Dáil procedure and practice so as to improve the efficiency of conducting Dáil business.
9.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dáil Procedure.
8.
asked the Taoiseach if he will consider, as a matter of urgency, the formation of an all-Party Committee to examine and report on reforms in Dáil procedure.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 and 9 together.
I referred to reforms in Dáil procedure in my closing speech in the debate on the adjournment of the Dáil for the Christmas recess. Shortly after the Christmas holiday, I instructed my Parliamentary Secretary to make arrangements whereby the question of establishing a special committee to deal with the matter would be discussed with the Opposition parties. He will communicate with the other Party Whips on the subject early in this session.
Would the Taoiseach not consider this a matter of urgent importance and instruct his Parliamentary Secretary, the Chief Whip of the Government, to contact the other two parties? I do not think any of us could impress upon him too strongly or at too great length the importance of the revision of machinery here. The evidence is in the unfinished business that we have listed here, a list that has been there for six or seven months.
I am sure the Deputy will remember that in the letter I wrote to him last week I indicated that the Parliamentary Secretary will be in touch with the Whips, probably this week.
The Taoiseach said "early this session" in his reply.
Yes, but the Deputy knows that in the letter I wrote to him I said it would be done this week and this week is early in the session.
I accept that as long as it is done this week.
Why——
What is wrong with the Deputy?
Why give one answer to Mr. Corish and another vaguer one to the House?
It is the same answer. Deputy Corish asked a supplementary on the basis of the answer he was given notwithstanding that I have written to him specifically on the matter.
Why did you not tell the House what you told him?
Ah, for goodness' sake, do not be pin-pricking all the time.
That is an unreasonable request, that the House should be informed?