Darragh O'Brien (Dublin North, Fianna Fail)

I very much welcome the proposals brought forward by the Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach and Government Chief Whip, Deputy Tom Kitt, in regard to the operation of the committee system in the 30th Dáil. As a new Deputy who has not previously been involved in Oireachtas committees, I am very much looking forward to working on whatever committees I am selected to serve on.

I firmly believe the committee system allows Members to be involved in a very real way in formatting and amending legislation. The system allows me as a Dáil Deputy for Dublin North to ensure that the views and feedback of my constituents in regard to proposed legislation are brought to each relevant committee. In this way, the public's views form a central role in drafting and amending legislation. My previous experience of committees was at local authority level on Fingal County Council, which was the first local authority in Ireland to broadcast meetings live on the Internet. This is very effective in allowing people to view how their politicians are working on their behalf. Most importantly, it allows each citizen easy access to debates on issues that matter to them.

It is with this in mind that I welcome the e-consultation programme outlined by the Minister of State. This will allow the public to access information on-line. It will lead to greater understanding and engagement with the parliamentary process and enable the public to contribute to policy consultation and policy formation on-line by making submissions on matters before Parliament and its committees in a structured fashion. I would, however, like to see enhancement of the live web casting of Dáil committees and Dáil debates which will allow the public see the work that takes place on their behalf. I was interested in the debate among Members about the possibility of a dedicated television channel for the Oireachtas. This works for the Westminster Parliament and the Welsh Assembly. The more the public can see how this House operates, the better. It will improve transparency for the public. The Minister of State should examine the possibility of having a dedicated television service for the Houses of the Oireachtas not just in regard to the Dáil and Seanad, but in regard to committee debates.

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