Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)

On the last question, the mistake of the previous Government was to fail to consult. It is important to consult the Attorney General and that is why that office is in place, namely, to allow for consultation on the Government's behalf. It is no harm for the Taoiseach to consult the Attorney General on the abolition of Seanad Éireann to make sure we bring in legislation that is watertight so we do not have to revisit the issue in the way the previous Government had to revisit many issues. I want to make sure the legislation we introduce is watertight and correctly prepared.

As I said to Deputy Ó Snodaigh, I will have informal talks next week with the Opposition Whips and, as swiftly as possible after that, I will have the committee on Dáil reform established and some changes will be implemented after the Easter recess.

I spoke to the Taoiseach this week on the establishment of the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission and I hope that would be expedited as soon as possible. As the Deputy knows, a number of issues need to be addressed in regard to the workings of the Oireachtas, with the political parties coming forward. I hope that too will be expedited as soon as possible.

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