Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy has made many suggestions. I am not averse to these issues being discussed between the Whips and in the committees which are examining new arrangements which may be agreed on Dáil reform.

Deputy Ó Caoláin would have to acknowledge that the rules of the House have achieved a fair balance regarding Question Time and questions to the Taoiseach. I have been present in the distinguished visitors' galleries of other parliaments and I note those members are not given the same amount of time as the Deputy is given.

I refer the Deputy to the practice in the previous Dáil. Equal time was given to Deputy Kenny and to the leader of the Labour Party and to former Deputy Joe Higgins who was given time nearly every sitting day. It could be said that this did not reflect a democratic position either.

By using the committee system and in discussion with the Chief Whip I have tried to strike a fair balance. Many Deputies do not receive a fair share of time——

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