Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I have been on different committees. The frustrating thing for a person from a different background is that every committee had a Government majority. That did not help the committee and is not good for democracy. It did not work. I have been a member of delegations on behalf of the Dáil too and I can bring such experience to the debate today.

I welcome the electronic visitors' system being piloted at the moment. It should make the job of the ushers and ourselves a lot easier. It is a much more efficient way of signing in large groups of visitors and there are also welcome health and safety benefits. On my way in I was talking to elected representatives who were still looking for IT equipment, and some are still looking for a room. This should be part of the package. We have known for weeks and weeks that we were coming in here but people still do not have the vital tools for their job and that is wrong.

Dáil reform is not just about ourselves. We were elected to do our job but I have raised concerns about the length of sitting hours and the short notice some are given for extended hours. We may moan and groan about it but the impact on staff is also important. I have talked to staff, as has everyone else, and they are pulling their hair out thinking about babysitting and various appointments they might have. A lot of the decisions in the last Dáil were based on the Whip. The Government said we would sit until such and such a time but there needs to be some consideration taken of staff. Staff should be part of this process in the future because this House would not operate without their support and input.

People have said there needs to be an inclusive working environment. I remember changes being made to the Chamber because someone in a wheelchair was elected but it is extraordinary that we are only now talking about people with a disability having access. It is not just about people in wheelchairs - it also includes people who are infirm or have a broken leg etc. I am glad those changes have happened but they show the exclusive nature of this Chamber in the past.

The previous acting Acting Chairman was a colleague in my constituency. He has been in the Dáil for just a couple weeks and he is chairing Dáil proceedings, which is a positive thing. However, in all the years I have been in this House I have never seen a Member from Sinn Féin in the Chair. I do not know if it has been offered or whether an offer has been made and not taken up.

See this speech in context