Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

I will say a word in support of the Taoiseach's nomination of my colleague, Deputy Brendan Howlin, for the position of Leas-Cheann Comhairle. Deputy Kenny has quite rightly said there are a number of people in the House who could discharge the functions of Leas-Cheann Comhairle with distinction. I am bound to say I can think of no Member of the House, however, who is more suited to the position of Leas-Cheann Comhairle than Deputy Brendan Howlin. He has served with distinction in this House for 20 years, in different positions in and out of Government. He is a skilled parliamentarian with a detailed knowledge of parliamentary procedure. He is dedicated to enhancing the institutions of the Oireachtas. I am very pleased to have the opportunity to second his nomination for Leas-Cheann Comhairle.

On the last day I made certain remarks on the election of the Ceann Comhairle about the departure of what is now becoming ancient practice, namely, a Member from the Opposition benches being installed as Ceann Comhairle. These remarks preceded the election of Deputy O'Donoghue and in no way impute any motives to him, partisan or otherwise. I do not do that but rather affirm the argument I made on the last day to the effect that it is important the practice of drawing the Ceann Comhairle from the Opposition side of the House should be reverted to. I acknowledge that the Taoiseach's approach to Deputy Howlin goes some way to redress the imbalance. However, all of us need to be concerned about both the relevance and perceived relevance of Dáil Éireann as regards its ability to respond to issues that preoccupy the public at any given time and about its agility in responding to issues of topical concern. More and more nowadays we live in a political environment where the winner takes all. I do not believe this is good for politics nor for the institutions of these Houses.

In addition to some 35 positions of office holders in the last Administration, out of 21 chairmen, 18 were drawn from the Government benches. I do not believe that is a sustainable position. It is an honourable tradition in this House that there ought to be a vigorous Opposition. The fact that positions predominantly go to the Government side of the House is not in keeping with that objective, however. In conclusion, I do not believe it is adequate for the Ceann Comhairle, his immediate predecessor or any holder of that office to say, in effect, "If you don't like the rules, change them". The truth is that unless the Government goes along with any proposed rule change, it will not happen. Frequently in the bartering that goes on, Government will naturally seek to protect its position. We therefore have to live within the rules as they exist. It is not just a question of the fair and impartial application of those rules, but a matter of their fair, impartial and commonsense application. Otherwise this side of the House is greatly constrained in its primary task of holding the Government to account.

Having said that, I am delighted to second the nomination of Deputy Brendan Howlin. It is an important gesture that there is somebody in the position of Leas-Cheann Comhairle who is respected on all sides of the House, who has that knowledge of parliamentary procedure and who is dedicated to fairness. On my behalf and that of my party colleagues I wish him well in the discharge of the functions of that office.

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