Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There has been significant change from the time the Deputy's party was last in Government. Regarding the sitting days, I gave the Deputy the comparison. Taking 2008 as the previous Government's last full year, and 2011 under this Government, the fact is that we are sitting much more often than was the case under the Deputy's Government. Obviously, times were difficult for the previous Government in terms of the economy.

The additional Leaders' question on a Thursday is clearly established and is for the benefit of democracy.

The Deputy referred to the introduction of Topical Issue debates and I agree it is a problem if the Minister is not present. The Deputy has the issue of concern to him selected, the Ceann Comhairle selects it in the proper way but the Minister is not there. I understand there are discussions under way that will allow for an option where if the Minister cannot make it, the Deputy can insist the Minister responds in a given period of time, such as within a week or two weeks, so there will be accountability from the line Minister back to the Deputy if his or her issue is selected.

The Friday sittings of the Dáil are very important. This is the first time in any Parliament since the foundation of the State that time has been given to backbenchers to put a Bill before the Ceann Comhairle, which is then selected for debate. That gives much greater power to elected Members who are not on the front bench for any party to introduce legislation that is important to him or her.

See this speech in context