Backbench push for further Dáil reform

A package of measures on Dáil reform, announced by the Taoiseach last week, does not go far enough according to Fine Gael backbenchers who plan to raise the issue with Enda Kenny at his party’s annual think-in, which begins today.

Fine Gael, Labour and Fianna Fáil all begin their pre-Dáil gatherings of TDs, senators and MEPs, with next month’s budget and the referendum to abolish the Seanad the main focus of discussion.

Jobs Minister Richard Bruton, who is leading the Fine Gael referendum campaign, is expected to urge his parliamentary party colleagues to ramp up efforts in their constituencies. But backbenchers are hoping to use the discussion on Seanad abolition to call for further measures to reform the Dáil.