Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I was part of the Constitutional Convention which discussed Dáil reform. It was all about making the Dáil more accountable, more democratic and more efficient, so I have to ask if this proposal will do that. Is it going to be positive and progressive in the spirit in which it was discussed? Is what is being proposed really any different from the system we have? If a party or parties have a significant majority, they will have the votes for their selected candidates and it does not matter whether that vote is secret or open. If it is a secret ballot and their choice is not elected, I can imagine the investigations that would ensue. There is an interesting part to the British system where they have 12 MEPs who have to propose but three of them cannot be from the same party as the candidate. That would allow somebody to be elected as Ceann Comhairle with wider support.

The work of the Ceann Comhairle involves presiding over proceedings as the sole judge of order in the Dáil and a major issue is a lack of respect for the role of Ceann Comhairle, which is most unfortunate. Some of the exchanges and the disregard for the role of the Chair have not enhanced the public perception of the Dáil and Dáil proceedings. It certainly does not improve public confidence in the Dáil. There is a bigger issue here to ensure status, stature and respect for office and I wonder if there is a space for a non-political person in an open competition to be Ceann Comhairle. The most important thing is to get the best person, regardless of gender, age or whether they are in a party or not, in order that the person in question will command respect and will, as Chair, challenge speakers, either the Taoiseach or Ministers, if they do not answer questions or members of the Opposition. Could there be a role as Leas-Cheann Comhairle for other people who are nominated? Could they automatically become Leas-Cheann Comhairle?

I support the principle of what is being proposed here this morning but I am not sure the practice will bring the positivity and progressiveness we would hope for. The election of Ceann Comhairle cannot just be an academic exercise.

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