Fine Gael promises cheaper, more relevant Oireachtas if elected

FINE GAEL has promised a cheaper and more relevant Dáil and Seanad if it wins the next election.

Yesterday, the party published a set of proposals to counter suggestions presently being worked on by a Government group, chaired by Chief Whip Pat Carey.

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said his colleagues had worked out its own platform first and these were approved by its TDs and senators on Tuesday.

And he denied it was his party that had stymied previous attempts to make the Oireachtas more efficient because of demands to oblige taoisigh to be in the Dáil every day it sat.

“We have not held up Dáil reform because former taoiseach [Bertie] Ahern did not show up on Thursdays... I reject that in any way we were holding it up,” he said.

Mr Kenny said it was Fine Gael policy to reform the Oireachtas and the proposals prepared by deputies Billy Timmins and Phil Hogan were in line with this. These called for:

nThe Dáil to sit for four days instead of three.

nDirect elections for 20 seats in the Seanad.

nReduce the number of junior ministers’ posts by eight.

nCut the amount of Oireachtas committees from 19 to nine.

nAppoint parliamentary inspectors to the committees to minimise the need for tribunals.

Environment spokesman Phil Hogan said cutting the committees and junior ministries would save e35-40million during a five-year Dáil term.

The document did not include estimates on the expense of an extra day’s Dáil sitting or the direct Seanad elections.

Similarly the reform proposals did not outline:

*Specific measures to change how the Dáil discusses businesses and handles standing orders.

*Means to reform how legislation is debated and pushed through the Oireachtas.

*Suggestions on how to make semi-state agencies, such as the HSE, answerable to parliament.

Last night, Mr Carey’s office said the Government was committed to improving the system.

“The Taoiseach has indicated on a number of occasions that he is committed to reducing the overall cost of Government. This work is ongoing.

“In tandem with this process, the Taoiseach has also tasked me with chairing a Working Group on Dáil Reform. That group has been considering a range of proposals and arising from those deliberations my officials are now preparing a draft paper. I will bring this paper to Government at the earliest possible date,” he said.