Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)

The programme for Government sets out an ambitious and comprehensive programme for Oireachtas reform. A number of proposals in the programme, such as the proposals to abolish the Seanad and reform the electoral system, will require constitutional or legislative amendment.

Such proposals will be progressed by the relevant Ministers. However, some proposals in the programme relate to how the Dáil conducts its business and can be progressed by amending Standing Orders. Such proposals would relate, for example, to Dáil committees, improving the procedures for raising urgent matters in the House and reforming the current system for parliamentary questions. We also propose to improve the processes by which legislation is dealt with by the House, as well as enhancing the role of the Dáil concerning EU affairs.

When I have consulted with my Government colleagues, I will bring forward proposals in relation to these matters for consideration by the Dáil reform sub-committee of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges.

The programme for Government also makes proposals on, for example, increasing the number of Dáil sitting days and shortening recesses. As an indication of the Government's intentions in this regard, the House sat this year in St. Patrick's week.

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