Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

The record of committee engagements needs to be speeded up and, if possible, its publication brought into line with the Official Report of the Dáil. This aspect of committee work does not serve the appreciation by the media and public of the importance of committees. If an increase in staff is necessary to speed up the preparation of the transcripts of all committee meetings I encourage that. Committee transcripts should be in line with the speedy availability of those of the Dáil and Seanad and committee reports should not be relegated to a later time. All reports should be done within the same time arrangements. If additional staff are required that must be addressed. I express my appreciation of the work of staff who compile the reports of all such engagements.

There is value in committees hearing evidence from delegations. In my experience it is often valuable to invite representatives of State agencies, non-governmental organisations and civic society to committees. The Houses will better address their work by continual contact and engagement with these voices. This work is important and underscores the importance of Parliament to people. In that regard, the work of committees should be expanded. I am not averse to specific time being allocated for it.

We must be aware of resource issues. The Select Committee on Finance and the Public Service has had to curtail meetings because of the unavailability of rooms.

See this speech in context