Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

It is rare that a Government accepts Private Members' motions, even where legislation is proposed. Very often motions with great merit are voted down on the basis of some small point with which we disagree rather than being accepted for what they are with a view to improving upon them. The Government is very reluctant to accept amendments to legislation tabled by the Opposition. It is almost as if wisdom is confined to one particular group. Regardless of who has been in government, that has been the practice.

If one examines the record, one will note that Oppositions consistently talk of Dáil reform. However, once they get into Government, they never prioritise it to the same extent as when in opposition. After the next general election, an all-party group will constitute the best way to proceed.

The motion before us makes a number of recommendations, one of which refers to a 50% increase in Dáil sittings and which proposes that we sit for up to four days per week. The present system is hardly appropriate. It is indefensible that we sit for only two days per week during weeks with a bank holiday. The long breaks at Christmas and during the summer are not necessary.

Earlier this year, at the end of May or in early June, I proposed at a meeting of my parliamentary party that we sit during the week we were due off. As it turned out, we did sit, although the work we did was not as meaningful as it might have been. It could have been a little more useful. The idea of taking weeks off willy-nilly must be questioned. We must ensure the work we do is sufficient and relevant to the people we represent.

The practice whereby the Taoiseach absents himself from the House on a Thursday is nonsensical. In fairness to the current Taoiseach, he did not introduce this practice; rather, he inherited it. We should utilise to best effect a system whereby all Members, not just party leaders, can communicate with one another in the Parliament and also with the public. It does not make sense to have a sitting day on which the Taoiseach is not present, particularly in the times in which we are living.

Much as reform of this House is necessary, our priority should be to lift the spirit of this nation. We must demonstrate a new honesty in the way in which we do our business in this House and outside. The country is on its knees and the Government, which I have supported, must accept responsibility for the part it played in creating many of the difficulties that arise. We must not continue to blame others or external events. We must explain in very clear and simple language the action we are taking to get out of the mess and to restore hope to the people, which hope is sadly lacking but badly needed.

The Government faces a by-election in a few weeks. Thereafter, there will be a budget, which will be of major importance to the future of the country. It is vital, for many reasons, that it be passed. It is important to give the people, as early as possible in the new year, an opportunity to pick in a general election a Government that will give the country the fresh start that is badly needed and which it deserves.

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