Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)

I, too, oppose this change in Standing Orders. All of us in this House wish to facilitate Dáil reform. I was a member of sub-committee on Dáil reform for many years, the work of which was obstructed not by me or the smaller parties but by others. I believe any changes made should not be to Standing Orders alone but in the context of overall change. Many parties have proposed reasonable changes which would facilitate reform of the Dáil. I do not have a problem with facilitating a once-off change, for instance, to accommodate someone who cannot or does not wish to be present for Taoiseach's questions tomorrow. However, there are more effective and efficient means of giving effect to such a change. One option would be to have an earlier sitting. Another proposal has been made to have topical questions. Rather than forcing the issue, I concur with Deputy Martin's suggestion that the motion be withdrawn until such time as a full plan for Dáil reform has been brought forward. Last Thursday's discussion on committees marked a start with regard to the agenda the Government has stated it will pursue. As we have not yet received its proposals in totality, it would not be appropriate to adopt this proposed change on its own.

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