Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)

I acknowledge that there has been dialogue regarding Dáil reform. In the Technical Group the demand has been for the adoption of a more inclusive approach. I would welcome the provision of time for a more comprehensive debate rather than a discussion among the Whips. When are we likely to have such a debate? The timeline for reform is working towards the end of July. It would be better to hold the debate at an earlier stage.

When is it likely that the body to examine political reform will meet? I believe it will be called a constitutional convention, although no terms of reference have yet been published. When will its terms of reference be announced and when is it likely to be set up? The demand in the Oireachtas and among voters, as expressed during the general election campaign, is for major political reform. If what we do between now and the end of July constitutes the bulk of the work of reform, there will be considerable disappointment because this will be seen as an exercise in box-ticking and the changes minor. Much more substantial change is expected by the public.

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