We need root-and-branch reform of irrelevant Dáil

THE irrelevance of the Dáil when it comes to matters of critical national importance is obvious to all who take more than a passing interest in Irish politics.

For many years now, it has served as nothing but a rubber stamp for whatever is presented to it by the Government. The respect that a national parliament deserves has been continuously eroded by those who have served in government for the past 15 years, starting with the infamous declaration by former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern that he would not be able to take parliamentary questions on Thursdays – a ‘tradition’ faithfully maintained by his successor Brian Cowen.

The recent debacle with the Tánaiste only serves to highlight yet again the lack of respect for parliamentary institutions inherent in the Irish political psyche. However, this does not mean the Oireachtas is totally blameless. The composition and function of the Dáil is something that needs serious attention and it should behold us, as Irish citizens, to debate in a constructive manner how best to reform the parliamentary system in order to take account of the changes that have swept the nation during the past 15 years.