Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)

When does the Government plan to bring forward proposals for Oireachtas reform? There has been much rhetoric from the Government for many years and we have been promised, at least in theory, that legislation will be brought forward and concrete proposals will be brought before the Houses.

It is telling that at the end of the Order of Business today there are 12 Deputies in the Chamber. The public perception is that Deputies are not working when not present in the Chamber but the reality is that approximately five committees meet at the same time as the plenary sitting of the Houses. That perception is wrong and it is a serious indictment of the Government and how it continually commits to reforming how the Houses work and improving the way it does business to make it more efficient. It is high time this essential action happens, particularly at a time when public confidence in politics and the political system is at an all-time low.

It is appropriate that Members be allowed to conduct their business in an efficient fashion and be allowed to be productive in the Houses. Members are entitled to be in the Chamber for the Order of Business and are equally entitled and expected to participate fully in committees while they are in session. I urge the Tánaiste to provide some sort of impetus at Cabinet level so that we can see meaningful reform of these Houses.

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