Tom Kitt (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

I accept Deputy Stanton that it is a serious matter on which we can make progress.

The Deputy referred to a timescale in the autumn, a realistic timetable for all of us to work to. We should all work to achieve success in this area by the autumn.

I have raised the matter concerning State agencies and replies to parliamentary questions, as requested by the Deputy and others, with the Government and the Taoiseach. The Taoiseach formally asked all his Ministers to approach those agencies under their remits with regard to better communications and speedier responses to requests by Members. This was done some time ago and I can only hope some improvements were made.

I have spoken informally with several of my colleagues and the Taoiseach on these issues from time to time. Formally, however, I have not put a package to the Government. I envisage we continue our discussions, get to a stage where we can agree a package and then I can put it to the Government.

Concerning a wider debate, I acknowledge the Ceann Comhairle is involved in speaking engagements about the work of the Oireachtas with the public. It is crucial that we do something in this regard. As I said, e-consultation and the use of the Internet to communicate what we are doing is a step in the right direction and I know the Deputies opposite support this. I hope we can find a Bill that is more relevant to young people than the Broadcasting Bill and get a committee working on it. Webcasting of committees is another innovation that we have brought in. If we could get such a system going with, for example, transition year students in schools, it would be a great opportunity for young people to realise the important work that is going on here. However, we must find an appropriate Bill. This can be done, although we would need a Minister who would back such a proposal. The key thing is not to delay legislation but to let members of the public see all the various stages of legislation and how the system works. I support a wider debate in this area.

A system of committee reports would be an important development if we could introduce it in a formal way. Again, it is up to the chairman of committees, working closely with the Ceann Comhairle and ourselves. Part of our proposal is to consider the workings of committees. We could add to our proposals a requirement for some committee reports to be sent back to the Chamber, with a selection process involving the chairpersons of the different committees. It is a good suggestion.

With regard to written replies during the session, I mentioned earlier that there may be staff issues in this regard. The Deputy mentioned July and September——

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