Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 5 together.

The Government is accountable to the Dáil through many mechanisms, including Leaders' Questions and parliamentary questions, debates, scrutiny of legislation and the work of Oireachtas committees. The programme for Government sets out an ambitious programme to strengthen Government accountability further. Some of the programme's proposals will require legislative amendment, for example, those relating to fiscal accountability, and these are being progressed.

Other proposals in the programme relate to how the Dáil conducts its business and can be progressed by amending Standing Orders. Such proposals relate, for example, to committees, revamping the Adjournment debate format and making the procedures for raising urgent matters in the House more meaningful. We propose to improve the processes by which legislation is dealt with by the House and to enhance the role of the Dáil in regard to EU affairs.

I have already initiated discussions with the other Whips in regard to the reform of Dáil procedures and I intend to put forward proposals for consideration by the Sub-Committee on Dáil Reform of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges shortly.

Some proposals in the programme for Government have already been implemented. These include the introduction of a reduced number of Dáil committees, including an Oireachtas Committee on Investigations, Oversight and Petitions, and a system whereby the Taoiseach briefs the Dáil prior to attending European Council meetings. The increase in the number of Dáil sitting days has also increased the accountability of the Government.

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