Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I want to answer the Deputy directly. There will be meaningful consultations with the Members of this House. I speak with experience of this matter. The first question from the Deputy that I answered was about changing the way we do business in this Chamber to reflect the Ireland of 2011 and the right of every Deputy to contribute and have his or her say. The Whips will be meeting this week to start a real consultative process on changing Standing Orders and the way we do business. Deputies can take it from me that the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission, which is under the direction of the Ceann Comhairle has an interest in this. I would like to see committee proceedings being covered by an Oireachtas channel so that the people of the country can see their elected representatives dealing with issues that are relevant to committees and the personnel who attend them. In the context of transparency and accountability, a serious issue arises that needs to be addressed.

I would be more than willing to receive Deputy Martin's proposals on Dáil reform, unlike when he sat on this side of the House. Time and again we made proposals on changing it and making it more effective but it was like water off a duck's back to the then Chief Whip and whoever stood here.

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