Chatroom voters have greater say on Dáil committees

VOTERS will soon be able to discuss proposed legislation with Dáil committees via online Government chatrooms as part of sweeping reforms to give the electorate betterinput into parliamentary business.

The proposed discussion forums will be piloted in early 2006 to allow interest groups to discuss the Broadcasting Bill with the all-party Oireachtas Communications Committee.

It is planned that people will be able to log online and read the draft text of the bill and then make suggestions or comments which will be read and noted by the committee.

Government Chief Whip Tom Kitt said the forums are designed to help the general public connect with their TDs and senators.

“I want to create a system where constructive suggestions and submissions from the public will create better legislation,” he said.

“People will be getting involved at a critical point in the process, at the second stage of bills.”

The initiative is designed to speed up the consultation stage of legislation which usually involves interest groups sending letters to departments or securing face-to-face representations with a minister or his officials.

He will also be meeting opposition whips in early September to discuss the initiative and other Oireachtas reforms like increasing Dáil sitting times.

“I’ve had initial talks with the opposition on the discussion forums and they have been very supportive,” said Mr Kitt, who is also Minister of State with responsibility for the Information Society.

He studied a number of parliaments, including the British House of Commons, before developing his idea. He said the proposal also fits in with the overall eGovernment initiative of harnessing information and communication technology.

“Irish people have proved to be very enthusiastic about internet access and mobile phone technology and I’m confident they will embrace this new idea.”