Fine Gael TD For Limerick, Patrick O’Donovan, has welcomed the announcement by An Taoiseach and Government Chief Whip, Paul Kehoe TD, of measures to reform and improve Dáil Eireann.
“I welcome these common sense measures which will result in our national parliament working harder and better. After these reforms have been introduced, Dáil Eireann will work longer hours and will scrutinise legislation and national budgets far more effectively.
“Legislation has a huge impact on all our lives and I believe that these very practical measures will lead to better quality legislation.
“The role of Oireachtas Committees in creating legislation and reviewing budgetary measures will be greatly enhanced. Significantly there will be a much increased involvement of expert members of the public and civic groups to advise Oireachtas Committees at the early stage of legislation. This will be a requirement for all pieces of legislation.
“With the budget having been moved to October, Committees will, under these proposals, have the time from October to January to scrutinise the budgetary measures before a single cent is spent. This means that your local TD will have the opportunity to assess budgetary measures and, if necessary, push for changes before the budget is implemented.
“More time in the Dáil means more time examining legislation which is surely the primary role of an elected legislator. These reforms will see our Oireachtas Members spending an increased amount of time in the parliament, debating legislation. Tuesday sittings have been moved forward to 12.30pm (from 2.30pm) and Wednesday sittings have been brought forward to 9.30pm. Furthermore, Friday sittings will now take place every second Friday to discuss Private Member’s Bills and Committee Reports.
“This is about making our parliament and its members work better. I want to commend Paul Kehoe for his role in bringing forward these measures and I look forward to partaking in a much improved Dáil as a result of these reforms.”