TD calls for changes in outdated Dáil procedures
As the Dáil resumes after its 11-week summer break today, one TD called for a national conversation to plot a roadmap for the parliament in the 21st Century.
Fine Gael deputy David Stanton claims the current rules and regulations in Leinster House are outdated and the chamber needs to become more relevant to an increasingly cynical public.
The East Cork TD called for a roundtable discussion on the Dáil's role in the 21st Century featuring academics, businesspeople, the voluntary sector and the media.
An Oireachtas Sub-Committee on Dáil reform has not held a single meeting since the 2007 general Election more than 16 months ago.
"It's time for a national conversation involving all sectors of society on the role of the Dáil in the 21st Century," Mr Stanton explained.
"The Dáil is set to be televised in 2012, but the way it is run now, nobody will be tuning in."
The former teacher said Oireachtas Committees should be given more power and should not be interrupted when members have to vote in the Dáil.
There should be ample time for TDs to raise important constituency issues in the presence of the relevant minister, Mr Stanton added.
"The Government is currently controlling the Dáil. The Cabinet should not be allowed to meet during the recess when there is no Dáil to debate and scrutinise the decisions it makes," he added.
The Dail will resume at 10.30am with Leaders Questions - the first opportunity for opposition TDs to question the Taoiseach since July on issues like the economy, flooding, cancer care services and the Lisbon Treaty aftermath.
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny has said his party will withdraw 'vote pairing' arrangements with Government parties after the Coalition rejected its plans for a two-day debate on the economy.
Normally, one Opposition TD does not vote for each Government minister who is away on official business and unable to vote.
Mr Stanton said the Government needs to show a real commitment to enforce reform across all aspects of the Dáil's workings.
"TDs are gagged by the restrictions around the Standing Orders, which belong to a bygone era," he claimed.
Mr Stanton also criticised the number of quangos who, he claimed, can help ministers dodge tough parliamentary questions.
He called for more powers for local authorities to operate public services in their jurisdictions.
Ceann Comhairle John Donoghue has recently helped pilot an outreach programme by opening up Leinster House for a Family Day and Culture Night and hosting an information stand at the National Ploughing Championships for the first time.
The deputy Opposition whip, who has responsibility within Fine Gael for Dail reform, said of the parliament: "It's a fairly frustrating place at the moment to be honest."
