Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

The message I got from the voters on the ground during the election campaign was about the three "Rs" — reform, reform, reform. As somebody who sat on committees in previous Dáil sessions, I found them to be very important, but there is urgent need for reform. I sat on the Oireachtas committee on justice that dealt with the Disability Bill 2004 and I had the privilege of putting forward amendments to that Bill and getting some of them accepted. I also dealt with the Barron report into the Dublin and Monaghan bombings on the justice committee. I found this to be an amazingly detailed and insightful committee, where we learned a lot about that horrific tragedy. We had an opportunity to meet the victims, bring them in and hear their side of the story as well. These committees are important to this debate.

I agree with the Minister when he states that Ireland is unique among parliamentary democracies in having a very weak committee system with very limited powers. I hope the Minister encourages change in this area. I also believe that our committees need to be given more power and responsibility to develop the work of the Parliament. The Minister also mentioned that the committees might introduce legislation, rather than just scrutinise Bills. It is important that such changes be implemented.

We must create a real democracy with accountability at every level in this country. We should cut out the fat. I would be in favour of reforming the Seanad within 12 months into a genuine forum from civic society, but if this does not work, then we should abolish it.

It is important that we make this Parliament work. That is the message we all got during the last general election.

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