Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

If not ownership, certainly participation. There will be consultation directly with the Deputy and other leaders when the structure is put in place. I would like this to happen quickly and I will see to it that it happens. I do not want to give the Deputy an exact date for this but he can take it that he will be invited to participate fully in those discussions and to debate them in the House in due course. Why would I not do so? Every Deputy is sent to the House on the same basis and they are fully entitled to participate. I want this Chamber to move away from the rigid structures of the past and to allow people to give of their views about the kind of country we live in now, the changes evolving before our eyes and the kind of country our children will have to manage and take responsibility for over the next 20 years. A Dáil that does not appreciate that it must change the way it does its business to reflect a more modern Ireland will fail in its duty and that is why I have referred to, for instance, the change to send heads of Bills to committees in advance to help make the legislative process more effective, meaningful and consultative.

I hope we do not get back to these questions without progress being made on my behalf. That is my responsibility and I will revert to both party leaders shortly.

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