Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)

I welcome the Deputy's comment that we have had meaningful discussions about Dáil reform. He also referred to holding the Government and Taoiseach to account. As the Ceann Comhairle outlined, if a Deputy has a problem with the manner in which questions are managed, he or she should raise it with the Ceann Comhairle who has overall responsibility for questions to the Taoiseach and decides which of them go to the Taoiseach and which to a line Minister.

Questions about the Gaelic Athletic Association should be directed to the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport. If the Deputy were to table a parliamentary question to the Taoiseach, I am sure he will not have a problem replying to it. If he is so interested in a speech the Taoiseach gave at a GAA function that he wishes to discuss it, I have no doubt the Taoiseach will provide him with a copy.

As part of the first phase of Dáil reform, a number of proposals will go before the Dáil reform sub-committee of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges tomorrow. The Ceann Comhairle has been actively engaged in this area and has made a number of suggestions. All sides, including the Government, are interested in the reform of the House and we will, in due course, include everyone in the process. Having been elected only four months ago, the Government has already drawn up a package of proposals. We have stated that this is the first of a number of phases of reform of the workings of the House, including debates, Question Time and the possibility of Opposition Deputies raising topical issues for debate. If this means holding the Taoiseach or Government Ministers to account, we will be interested in it.

I assure Deputies that we are not interested in running away. We will continue to be held to account in the House. Opposition Deputies have been elected to the House to hold the Government to account. That is their job but if some of them are unable to carry out their duties to the best of their ability, there is very little I or any other Minister can do in that regard.

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