Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Many people got very frightened when he announced it. In her capacity as Chief Whip, the Minister of State has witnessed the guillotining of Bills, the ramming through of legislation and instances such as the rushing through of the Immigration Bill last week to cover up for the embarrassment caused by legislation being flawed because it was rushed through in the first place and insufficient debate was given to it. In addition, Ministers have retired to Cheltenham when their Bills were being discussed in the House. All these examples highlight the lack of important treatment of the work of the House and the democratic process.

The Minister of State has responsibility for bringing forward proposals for the more effective operation of this House. Although she may well argue that the Opposition will attempt to stymie or disagree with what is proposed, for too long it has been said that the Chamber is empty, that Members will not turn up and that there is no real debate, only palaver.

Today's business was a concession from Government and a recognition of the pressure from those outside the Houses that a matter of national and public importance be discussed. That is why it was important the Government conceded there should be questions, answers and statements about an issue to allow it to be dealt with. Increasingly, if there is no fear among politicians to deal with such matters, elements which are dragged out ad nauseam at tribunals could be dealt with here in a much shorter time at very little expense. Truth is the common denominator of the answers.

I want to formally move the motion. I had discussions with the other Opposition parties and we will look at what we consider to be a range of common denominator views to improve the workings of the House. This motion is one such attempt and I hope it adds impetus to the work of the Minister of State in this regard. The Taoiseach should be in the House on Thursday mornings and should answer Leaders' Questions, which would add to the decorum and importance of the House.

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