Oireachtas group issues recommendations on Dáil reform

An Oireachtas group set up to examine Dáil reform has issued a set of recommendations ahead of the Dáil sitting tomorrow.

An Oireachtas group set up to examine Dáil reform has issued a set of recommendations ahead of the it sitting tomorrow.

The proposals include votes to be taken at fixed times, instead of various times during the day, as well as provisions for formal abstentions.

It is also suggesting a committee to schedule and timetable Dáil business, allowing for available time to be split 60/40 between the Government and the opposition.

There is also provision for an appeal to the Ceann Comhairle where a TD feels they have received an inadequate Ministerial reply to parliamentary or topical issues.

The changes agreed by the all-party committee will also make it easier for independent TDs and smaller TDs to get speaking time.