Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for selecting this issue. In recent weeks there has been considerable debate about the need for Seanad reform. I commend the Taoiseach on putting his political credibility on the line by giving the people their first opportunity in 75 years to make a decision on the Seanad. The people have now spoken and we will have to listen to what they said. However, we should not lose sight of the need for reform of the Dáil. We would not be discussing this matter if it was not for a previous reform which introduced the Topical Issue debate. Important reforms have been introduced under the programme for Government but the process of reform must go further in order to make our jobs more effective and transparent.

From the perspective of a first term backbencher who is enthusiastic about trying to get involved and making contributions, I regard the committee structure as very important. I am a member of the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine, which deals with matters as diverse as the restoration of the sugar industry in Ireland and fairness in the grocery sector. There is great scope for improvement in this regard because committees do not get the credit they deserve. A week should be set aside for committee business, with a report produced for the Dáil at the end of it. The crossover between Dáil and committee business has a negative impact on those who are involved in committees. They go to the Dáil Chamber to deal with parliamentary questions and other matters and then return to deal with committee business. I would like to see progress in this area.

A range of issues was raised during the debate on the Seanad. Now that debate has concluded, we need to pursue these issues with greater vigour. We can show that we are serious about reforming our system and making it more effective for the years ahead.

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