31 Márta 2011, 17:28
Michael Kitt, Teachta Dala for Galway East has today been appointed to the position of Leas Cheann Comhairle for the 31st Dáil.
Deputy Kitt will be responsible for presiding impartially and with authority over the business and proceedings of Dáil Éireann in the absence of the Ceann Comhairle, Seán Barrett TD.
Speaking on his election, Deputy Kitt said:
“I am hugely honoured and grateful to be chosen for this significant position. The Leas- Cheann Comhairle is charged with the responsibility of protecting, on behalf of the House, the right of individual Members and to ensure that the business of Parliament is progressed in an orderly and dignified way. This is an important task, and one which I hope to carry out in a fair and transparent manner.
I also hope to play a role alongside the Ceann Comhairle in reforming the way our parliament works. There is a great desire to modernise the way the Dáil does its business and I am looking forward to making a meaningful contribution to this process.
I hope that the 31st Dáil will be remembered as one where open and productive debate took place in a progressive and modern setting and that I will have helped to contribute to this legacy.”
ENDS
Daniel English
Oireachtas Communications Office
01 618 4484
087 6949926
Role and Function of Leas CC
The Leas-Cheann Conhairle holds office as the Deputy Chairman of Dáil Éireann under Article 15.9.1 of the Constitution. The expression “Leas-Cheann Comhairle” is defined by Standing Order 5 as the member elected by Dáil Éireann to be Deputy Chairman of Dáil Éireann. In the absence of the Ceann Comhairle the Leas-Cheann Comhairle deputises and performs the duties and exercises the authority of the Ceann Comhairle in Dáil Éireann.
Political Record of Leas-Cheann Comhairle
First elected to the Dáil in 1975 at by-election caused by the death of his father
Member Galway County Council 1975-91 (Chairman 1985-86).
Member of Seanad Eireann between 1977-91 and 2002-07
Minister for State at the Department of the Taoiseach, 1991-2
Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, June 2007-May 2008.
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government May 2008-April 2009.