Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

For example, the introduction of Leaders' Questions on the proposal of the then Chief Whip was the first major change since 1919, in that the Head of Government agreed to answer questions on any topic without notice. This Fianna Fáil initiative was taken to make the Dáil more responsive to the issues of the day and to give the leaders of the Opposition parties recognition and a significant platform at the most important points in our daily schedule. Nothing in today's proposals approaches the significance of this initiative. My party introduced another major structural reform, that being the development of a major research facility in the Houses to aid Members and enable them to get expert assistance on all matters before the Oireachtas.

Last week, the Tánaiste claimed that sitting past the first week of July was a major reform, but he chose to forget or not to mention that we have sat past the first week of July in each of the past three years. When in Opposition, many members of the Government got into the habit of being hyper-political in everything. This is understandable and it was reflected in their willingness to make promises they had no ability or intention to implement. Hence, the level of disappointment with this initiative felt by many Members.

The need for reform of the Dáil is clear. Most of our business is decided for us on Tuesday mornings around the Cabinet table. Members' contributions are generally brushed aside by Ministers. This is true in terms of general policy debates, the consideration of legislation and even direct questions. Important reforms were proposed last year and the only positive changes in today's package originate from the work of Mr. Curran and the last Dáil's Whips. What has changed since then is that the demand for reform has increased and the need for it has become more urgent.

The Government has an unprecedented majority and is clearly intent on using it to push aside controversial matters. No Government in recent decades would have refused to acknowledge there was a serious problem with a Minister withholding vital information while guillotining a measure to restrict the work of a tribunal, which happened in recent weeks. Equally, no Government has refused to provide even a single piece of background information when imposing a €1.8 billion charge on the public. Attempts by the Opposition to seek reasonable information on matters before the Houses are routinely brushed aside by Ministers. After many years in government, Fianna Fáil was accused of being arrogant, but Members on this side of the House can conclude that Ministers not long in office are quite arrogant in the way they deal with questions.

See this speech in context