Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the fact the Chief Whip has indicated he would be open to a committee on Dáil reform as we need to examine our working methods. The multiplication of sessions and sitting days will not make the House work effectively unless we have real changes in working methods that allow Members to supervise the work of the Government. Nonetheless, I welcome the Chief Whip's commitment in that regard. When will a committee on Dáil reform be set up?

With regard to the Houses themselves, when will the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission be established? The commission is the guarantor of the independence of the Houses from the Executive and we are entitled to see it established as quickly as possible.

By way of criticism in regard to the reply on the question of the Seanad, the Government does not need to consult the Attorney General to know what the important co-ordinate powers of the Seanad are under the Constitution. They are written out in the Constitution and I assume the Taoiseach can read. The reason, of course, why this reference to the Attorney General has taken place is because, I regret to say-----

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