Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have not fully developed my views on this yet but I agree in principle that we should move in the direction signalled by the Deputy. I agree also that the Opposition should be involved in developing the ideas. When my own thoughts have developed a little further I will meet with Deputy Doherty, Deputy Michael McGrath and the representative on finance from the Technical Group to see how we can move forward and have a meeting of minds on this matter. My thinking is that this should be done by a unit within the ambit of the Oireachtas Commission and that it should then be independent of the Government and the Department of Finance. We will also have to put in place some terms of reference of access because as well as having party access we need access by individual Deputies who want to bring forward proposals.

It might be appropriate to tie this in to the Friday sittings so that the proposals are not just arid and theoretic. We could have a first run at proposals by way of rehearsed debate on the Friday to get the views of colleagues on them. However, that is a matter for individuals. That is my current thinking on the matter. As soon as I have fleshed it out a little more I will be in contact with the Deputy. We can then meet over a cup of coffee or deal with the matter through the finance committee, whichever the Deputy wishes.

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