The Dáil we have isn’t perfect — but it’s better than what we had before

This Dáil, with input from senators, is driving debate and to some degree actual decisions to an unprecedented degree, writes Gerard Howlin.

TODAY at noon the joint committee on the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution publishes its report.

The Government will consider its recommendations in the new year. It will propose the text of a constitutional amendment to the Oireachtas, which will then legislate for a referendum. We, the people, ultimately decide. What is happening is important in itself, but illustrative at year-end of a very different and enhanced role for the Dáil especially.