Divided Dáil: TDs claim spirit of reform ignored as family-friendly Dáil hours proposed

Angry TDs have claimed the spirit of reform is already being ignored before a single change is even implemented.

Introducing “family friendly” sitting hours and allowing for more technical groups are among the proposals put forward in an interim report on Dáil reform.

The report published by the sub-committee on Dáil reform was debated by TDs last night.

However, during the debate, Fianna Fáil TD Thomas Byrne and Labour’s Brendan Howlin, who are both members of the committee, were among a number of TDs who took issue with the fact that Enda Kenny had spoken first on the issue.

They claimed it had been previously agreed that members of the committee would speak first and in alphabetical order in the spirit of Dáil reform.

“It’s a pity we stumbled in this debate,” Mr Howlin told the Dáil.

“The problem here has been caused yet again by Enda Kenny, standing there telling us what Dáil reform is about,” Mr Byrne said.

Clare Daly claimed the afternoon’s proceedings had turned into a “complete mess”.

Clare Daly

Allowing TDs to formally abstain from votes, providing for more than one technical group, and reducing the threshold to form such a group from seven to five, as well as introducing more family-friendly Dáil hours are among the first proposals made.

Welcoming the interim report, the Taoiseach said some of the changes put forward will require “a much greater level of engagement, much greater level of responsibility” especially at committee level.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said a more “dynamic parliament” where all deputies have a “realistic opportunity” to contribute is needed.

The committee will now meet throughout April before a final report is brought before the Dáil.

The proposals submitted to the Dáil yesterday seek to establish a business committee responsible for the scheduling and timetabling of Dáil business. This would divide the available Dáil time between government and opposition on a 60/40 basis.

Votes would be taken at a fixed time instead of at various times throughout the day and there would be a provision to allow for formal abstentions in votes.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin

TDs would also be allowed appeal to the Ceann Comhairle if they feel they have not received a proper reply from a minister to parliamentary or topical issues.

Separately, Fine Gael have suggested that both government and opposition TDs would have a greater a say on what the tax cuts and spending in budgets as part of proposed reforms.

Fine Gael have suggested major reforms to the annual budget in a document sent to Independent TDs earlier this week. This would include the establishment of a budget committee and a new system which would set out budget targets and spending throughout the year.