Ceann Comhairle had ‘quiet word’ with rowdy TDs
Mr Barrett said that while the Dáil was a debating chamber, meaning there would be “to and fro”, he had become concerned the problem was escalating.
“I was a bit concerned of late that it was growing and I did try and put a stop to it,” he said.
The Ceann Comhairle, who chairs proceedings in the Dáil, said Leinster House authorities had received about 5,000 queries from the public this year and a “large number” of these were complaints.
“I don’t mind a bit of banter — it’s a debating chamber, and as a debating chamber, you’re going to get to and fro,” he said.
“This Dáil is only there for the last eight or nine months. As people settle down, they’ll understand after a while that you’re not really getting anywhere by shouting across [the floor at rival TDs],” he told RTÉ Radio.
“But it is a parliament… And when people take the trouble to phone my office or to write in or to email in, it means that it’s having an effect. And therefore it’s time that we did cop ourselves on. You’re not gaining any political kudos out of this.”
He said he felt strongly that Oireachtas proceedings should be televised. UPC is televising proceedings on a pilot basis and Mr Barrett said he would like to see RTÉ and Sky follow suit.
Meanwhile, a new guide to explain how the Oireachtas works has been awarded the plain English mark by the National Adult Literacy Agency.
Mr Barrett and Seanad Cathaoirleach Paddy Burke launched the guide yesterday. Both acknowledged that language used in the Dáil could appear confusing and “jargon filled.”
Mr Barrett added: “The language used should help, not hinder, the public in understanding the work and relevance of parliament to our everyday lives.”
The Dáil rose yesterday until January 11 for the Christmas recess.
Example of complaints received from the public during the year:
* “I was absolutely dumbfounded during the week when a minister got up to answer questions and before she could say anything she was viciously verbally savaged by opposition person. She was stunned at his vicious outburst, as was I. Male TDs seem to think they are entitled to savagely and rudely shout down women TDs. You should not permit this kind of behaviour. Carrying on like this, it is just outrageous. I do not know whether it was you or your deputy who was in the chair.”
* “There is nothing but a pack of school kids in the Dáil. Their shouting and roaring and carry on is a disgrace to our national parliament.”
Examples from the guide:
* Amendment: A change to the detail of a proposed law.
* Bill: A draft of a new law not yet been passed by the Oireachtas.
* Ceann Comhairle: The chairperson of Dáil Éireann who makes sure all TDs are treated fairly and that the rules of the house are followed.
* Comptroller and Auditor General: The person selected by Dáil Eireann to provide independent assurance that public money is properly managed and spent to good effect.
* Green paper: A discussion document which sets out the Government’s ideas and invites comment and views from individuals and relevant organisations.
* Joint committee: A select committee from the Dáil and Seanad who meet together.
* Leaders’ questions: At the start of business on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, the Ceann Comhairle allows each Opposition party to ask the Taoiseach a question about a matter of public importance. On Thursdays, the Tánaiste can be asked questions.
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