With September, comes and new and improved Dáil

Regina Doherty TD today (21st July) welcomes the motion before the Dáil to reform the way in which business is carried out. The reforms introduced aim to make the Dáil chamber more efficient and effective.

“This is the first phase in a programme of Dáil Reform to be introduced over the lifetime of this Government” says Doherty.

Today, the last day of sitting before the summer recess, a motion was put before the house by Fine Gael Chief Whip, Minister Paul Kehoe TD who stated that when TD’s return on September 14th 2011, they will return to a different Dáil, with different rules and improved procedures.

Key changes that will be implemented, which are warmly welcomed by Deputy Regina Doherty TD are the more active role Ministers will take in answering questions put to them and the introduction of Topical Issue Debates in place of the current Adjournment Debates.  

Deputy Doherty believes “the introduction of a procedure to allow Dáil Deputies to raise issues regarding replies to Parliamentary Questions will give TD’s greater opportunity to engage with Ministers in a more effective manner.”

Deputy Doherty goes on to say “These reforms, especially the introduction of the Topical Issue debates earlier in the day will encourage greater public engagement. Reforms introduced will also mean that there will be a greater onus on the Ministers concerned to be present in order to answer the issues raised in these debates.”

Further reforms introduced today involve The Dáil commencing earlier on a Tuesday at 2pm. Perhaps the most significant change in the schedule of the Dáil is the introduction of an extra sitting day. The Dáil, when it returns in September, will sit for an extra day on the first Friday of every month to allow TD’s to introduce their own Bills.

“For 14 years of Fianna Fail led governments, we have been promised reform in how we conduct our business. After 4 months of Fine Gael, we deliver .This is a real change and is a very positive move that is in line with our programme for Government.”