Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Will the Taoiseach bring forward legislation to provide for any constitutional changes in the remainder of the current Dáil? For instance, in the area of Seanad reform, many reports have been presented recommending specific changes in the arrangements for the election to and operation of the House within the Oireachtas. Will the Government bring forward a package of constitutional changes? Will the Taoiseach consider the introduction of a list system for Seanad elections, thus providing access for the electorate throughout the island of Ireland and the Irish diaspora, both of which have been argued for by a variety of sources through the years? What is his view on those matters?

The Government's White Paper on Regulatory Reform contains a list of actions relating to the legislative process. I have raised this with the Taoiseach on a number of occasions and, recently, during the Order of Business on a question regarding the heads of a Bill he encouraged me to table a parliamentary question. I did so and, lo and behold, I was contacted and clarification was requested regarding what the question meant. I still have not received a reply to it and I wonder whether the Taoiseach can give me the information now. This has been flagged by him on many occasions. How many times have the draft heads been circulated in advance of a Bill's publication? I accept it can only be done where it is feasible and appropriate but how many times has that facility, which the Taoiseach heralded, been availed of and provided?

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