Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

I do not wish to go over the ground I went over before, but I reiterate that it is with increasing concern that I note a gradual and inexorable drift towards a lack of accountability in the matter of legislation which confers or transfers new powers to different authorities. Ministers wish to hear or see no more about it after the day the Bill is passed in the House. It makes life extremely difficult for members of the Opposition in terms of accountability. One of the strengths or weaknesses of any Government is the degree to which it can be held accountable by the Opposition. While Ministers may feel this is to their disadvantage, it is actually to their advantage. The more accountable a Government, Minister or Department is to the Houses of the Oireachtas, the greater the chance of the Minister being a successful and authoritative one.

The Minister for Transport, Deputy Dempsey, will be glad to know I was congratulating him on his handbrake turn a few minutes ago before he arrived back in the House — in an oblique way, needless to say. It did at least assure everybody that the Minister was in control and responsible for what was going on and that he and nobody else was to decide on policy. In this he is correct. However, I would also like to see the Minister being accountable when we ask a question in the House about such a matter. This also applies to all other Ministers and Departments. Inevitably, everyone in this House has a period in Opposition and it is only when in Opposition that people really begin to understand how important it is to ensure that true democracy applies at all times and that every Department, Minister and Minister of State is accountable to the House. I hope I and my colleagues do not have to revisit this subject, but I will enjoy doing so every time there is an opportunity. Even when opportunities are limited I will still be prepared to raise it.

See this speech in context