Peter Kelly (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)

On the subject of political reform, there is a need and a hunger from the public for it. I would take a good look at the committee system which exists in the Dáil. It is a very good system and an all-party forum should examine committees and give them more teeth and power because that would be the way to go. I would also abolish all the tribunals. They have not served this country well and have proved to be very expensive light entertainment for Ireland. The committees would get to the root of many problems and would solve them.

People elect politicians to represent them and expect them to do so. They do not expect everybody else to be doing the job a politician should be doing. Election reform is required. The people want it. An independent commission should be set up and given a deadline to make new suggestions. Cabinet confidentiality is something with which I agree, especially for the protection and security of the State.

Whistleblowers should be protected and given confidentiality if they request it. Politicians should be more accountable to the public. The public service should be there to advise and help but the buck stops with elected Members and the people do not want to hear, when they make representations to a politician, that is up to the HSE or some other body to make a decision.

Deputies, Ministers of State and Ministers should have the last say and not just give lip service. There should be spending limits at all elections and they should be on the small side. I would also encourage as much cross-party co-operation as possible because, in my limited experience in the Dáil, I have found in committees that cross-party co-operation is and has been available and does work.

People should declare any conflicts of interest. Any new system should focus on job creation, value for money and cutting out waste and fraud. All financial institutions, even though they are not based in the Dáil, should be subject to regular audits without notice. We have had no genuine audits in our banking system for many years. They have caused us enormous problems and they must only lend a percentage of deposits.

Anyone who does not do their job properly, whether working for the State, semi-State companies or the private sector, should be fired immediately with no compensation whatsoever. I agree with limited political donations. Political reform is necessary but I would like to take a closer look at it and come up with more ideas as to how it should be done.

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