David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)

What has happened to the commitment in the programme of Government to pursue the issue of Oireachtas procedures and strengthen the role of committees? Is any progress being made and when will the Government bring forward any proposals of any shape, size or form in this area? Does the Taoiseach agree that reform is badly needed in this area and that probably part of the reason we are in the present mess is that this House is very weak vis À vis the Executive? For example, does he agree that reform is needed in respect of the various quangos and State agencies that are not directly accountable to this House, such as FÁS, the NRA, RSA, HSE and RPA? Does he agree that we need to make these agencies accountable to this House. How soon will he bring forward proposals from Government that we can discuss here?

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