Seán Ardagh (Dublin South Central, Fianna Fail)

The committee system presents an opportunity for individual Members to delve into areas of particular interest to them. This has been used by members of the Opposition. I refer to excellent reports on restorative justice, child care and community policing that were prepared by Opposition Members. They gave rise to excellent reviews in the media and highlighted and improved the profile of the rapporteurs in those matters.

The Disability Bill was improved because of the committees. All the interested parties who were affected or who represented people who would be directly affected by the Bill appeared before the committee and said their piece in the presence of senior civil servants and the Minister. They were listened to, the Bill was amended and improvements came about as a result. It had a very positive effect. A number of committees have similar results that could be enunciated and I commend the establishment of all the committees outlined. I look forward to them being very successful for the benefit not only of this House, but also of all citizens.

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