Dáil committees are not the real thing
I know that committees play an important part in the parliamentary process. But a part is all they are; they are not a replacement for the Dáil. If the Dáil is in recess, then it is not sitting, even if its committees are in session.
In my letter I made the comparison between the sitting days of Dáil Eireann and the House of Commons.
The Commons also has many committees which sit when the House is in recess - yet the Commons sits for 40 days more than the Dáil, even though MPs have further to travel and have a higher average number of constituents to represent.
Ms Ní Bhroinn says that TDs are obliged to divide their time between parliament and constituency. But TDs are not unique in having this obligation? Members of every parliament in the world must divide their time between their constituents and parliament.
The functions of the Dáil are to enact laws, supervise the Government and control the finances of the state.
They can only carry out these duties when the Dáil is sitting.
If it is in recess, how can deputies perform their parliamentary duties? TDs claim they must have a Dáil seat fully to represent our interests - but if the Dáil is in recess, how can they be representing us? When I see candidates scramble and stab colleagues in the back to get a Dáil seat, and then don’t sit in it, I am entitled to question their commitment to serve us.
Jason FitzHarris
Rivervalley
Swords
Co Dublin.
