The Dáil is largely redundant and should be given a real job to do

The ultimate downgrade has been dealt by deputies themselves. The psyche of your average TD is focused on the overriding key priority to get re-elected. Sitting and speaking in the Dáil chamber or attendance at Oireachtas committees represents the poorest return on investment of their time

TOMORROW the Dáil rises for the summer recess. There will be the annual media derision of politicians vacating their place of work. The opposition will indulge in the usual hand-wringing recrimination. This familiar routine masks a deeper analysis of the ineffectiveness of our national parliament.

Dáil Éireann has been severely marginalised for years. Governments always want the minimal level of parliamentary accountability. For ministers, Dáil sessions are a pain in the backside.