Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

On behalf of Fianna Fáil, I acknowledge the ongoing work of the Whips on the matter of Dáil reform. We are generally satisfied with the approach being set out by the Chief Whip. We also acknowledge and commend the Government for providing for additional sittings. We are committed to having Friday sittings. Does the Minister of State agree that it is essential that these sittings form part of the routine Dáil week, that they be fully meaningful, that we deal with legislation on Fridays as we do throughout the week and that Ministers be present for oral questions?

Will the Minister of State comment on today's announcement by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Phil Hogan, of plans for a reduction in the number of Deputies as part of the overall Dáil reform package? In the run-up to the general election Fine Gael stressed the perceived need to reduce the number of Members by 20. The Labour Party has been unenthusiastic. In fact, I believe it is opposed to the proposal to reduce the number of Members of the House. Will the Chief Whip say if the Government has reached agreement on this matter and what the current position is?

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