Dáil debates

Tuesday, 26 February 2008

3:00 pm

Photo of David StantonDavid Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)

While I thank the Minister of State for getting so involved in this debate, has there been a wider Government debate on it? Has he brought any of these points to his Government colleagues recently? Earlier on Deputy Ó Caoláin asked about timescales. When does the Minister expect some of these proposed, and almost agreed, changes will be implemented? Does he see it happening when the Dáil returns in the autumn?

Does the Minister of State agree a wider public debate on the role of the Oireachtas is needed? Will he give some thought on establishing a forum for such a debate, so the people, of whom we are their representatives, can get involved in what we do? There is a certain negativity in public debates on the importance of the work we do in the Oireachtas. That is dangerous for any democracy.

What does the Minister of State think of the suggestion that important Government announcements be made in the House prior to being made to the press or others? They should be made first in the people's Parliament. A Minister should attend the House, make an announcement on X, Y or Z and then attend a press conference, rather than the other way around. Will he consider that as a change in the way business is done? This would reassert the primacy of Parliament.

Important committee reports should be debated in the House. Does the Minister of State agree a facility, even a mandate, should be put in place to allow a chairman of an Oireachtas committee to present a report to the Dáil for debate?

It is important a limited number of written parliamentary questions be allowed to all Deputies during each week of recesses. This would mean people are not disenfranchised and can get information quickly.

The Freedom of Information Act has been affected by the introduction of charges for requests. This has led to an increase in the number of parliamentary questions being tabled. Will the Minister of State examine the suggestion that Deputies would not have to pay for freedom of information requests? This might cut down on the number of parliamentary questions being tabled. It would make it easier for the people's representatives to get information on behalf of the people.

Some State agencies accept questions from Members. Is it correct that if the Minister or the Department accepts the question, then the agency is obliged to provide the information to the Minister who can then supply it to the House? Is it correct the blockage of such information is not with State agencies but with Ministers? Is the thinking among Ministers that they will do everything they can not to answer a question?

Last week when I raised this matter on the Order of Business, the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance accused me of playing games. We are not playing games with it. We are serious and would like the Government to engage seriously in the debate.

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