asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism the proposals he has for a fairer allocation of Private Members' time; and if he intends to discuss these proposals with all parties and independent Members in the Dáil.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Private Members' Time.
16.
The time allocated to Private Members is governed by the Dáil Standing Orders Nos. 82 to 86. However, the Government are considering the matter carefully as indicated in paragraph 3.90 of Building on Reality.
The question specifically asks the Minister what proposals he has for a fairer allocation of Private Members' Time. I understand he is the Minister responsible for Dáil reform. Does the Minister intend to discuss the question of a fairer allocation of Private Members' Time with Deputies other than Fianna Fáil Deputies?
I have been considering this matter in some detail. I have proposals which are before the Government at the moment for discussion and decision by the Government. It would be premature for me to give details of those proposals until such time as decisions have been taken.
Assuming the Government agree to the proposals, does the Minister propose to discuss them with Deputies including Independent Deputies and Deputies of The Workers' Party?
In the normal course, proposals of a procedural nature from the Government would be discussed in the first instance with the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. If the Deputy has views on this subject — and I appreciate that he is not a member of the Committee on Procedures and Privileges, as is the case with many other Deputies — I suggest that he should make his views known to the committee at the appropriate time. I have received submissions from the Deputy and I have discussed them with him already. I am aware of his views on this matter.
As the Minister stated, I am not a member of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges nor is any Independent Deputy so far as I am aware. It seems likely from the Minister's reply that the committee will decide on any reform of Private Members' Time. As Independent Deputies and Deputies of The Workers' Party are excluded from moving Private Members' motions, would the Minister not accept that he should discuss these proposals with these Deputies and with the Committee on Procedure and Privileges?
This is tied up with the question of forming a group. As the Deputy knows, a number of privileges attach to a group of seven members or more. I understand that at one stage Independent Members formed a group in conjunction with some smaller parties. That arrangement no longer obtains by, I understand, the decision of the people concerned, and not the decision of other parties in the House. Naturally I would not exclude discussions with anyone which I thought would be useful. I am sure the Deputy will acknowledge that I have been prepared to have discussions with him and with any other Member of the House who has views to express to me on this or any other matter relating to procedure. That continues to be the case. If the proposals are agreed by the Government in whatever form they are agreed by the Government, they will be made to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges who are the appropriate committee to deal with recommendations of this kind.