Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)

Everything the Whips wish to discuss will be discussed. I will have no problem in accepting proposals from any of the political parties opposite. The Deputy was a Whip in the previous Dáil and is aware that a number of comprehensive proposals were set out by the Whips at the time, some of which I hope will be taken into consideration and can be implemented by the next term.

The Deputy spoke about more sitting days. I have increased the number by almost 35%. The programme for Government contains a proposal that the House should sit on Fridays. To increase the number of sitting days by 35% we have shortened the holiday periods and are coming back a day earlier after bank holidays. We will have a special sitting on Monday next, Europe Day. The Deputy asked that the Taoiseach be more readily available and come to the Chamber more frequently. The Taoiseach will be present on Monday and take part in the special sitting.

The Deputy spoke about encouraging newer Members to take part in the discussion on Dáil reform. I would have no problem in arranging a debate similar to that on the committee system. That was an idea of my own. I thought the debate on the committee system was worthwhile. A number of proposals and suggestions were made on that day which we have included in the proposals for the new committee system. I will also accommodate a special debate on Dáil reform. Some new Members who have been here for the past seven or eight weeks might see where we can improve on our procedures. It would be only right to give them the opportunity to debate the matter in the Chamber.

I am not sure what the Deputy means by encouragement of backbenchers. I hope the proposals for Dáil reform will include measures to allow backbenchers to debate urgent constituency issues rather than raising them on the Adjournment. The Adjournment debate is often a set-piece when a Minister listens to a Member's speech and then gives a detailed answer. That could be done in a more meaningful way. It is something we will discuss.

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