Eoghan Harris (Independent)

We discuss connecting with the public and the Oireachtas is anxious to have a high public profile, but one cannot have a bureaucracy in which everyone behaves well and still holds topical discussions. Last year, Senator O'Toole and others on the Committee on Procedure and Privileges investigated the establishment of a topical hour as in the Bundestag.

The Oireachtas is like an iceberg. The heavy work is done beneath the surface through committees, Ministers and so forth, but the public connects with the tip, namely, the daily topical business. Can we not discuss murders? Senator Fitzgerald commenced with a matter discussed widely around town, that is, the coverage in "Oireachtas Report" of Senator Regan's statement on crime. Can we consider a system that would allow the House to debate topical issues everyday without pressure and in which the Cathaoirleach would be free to interpret the rules? Everyone rushes because they fear being caught by the gavel. Instead of cheating, why can we not have a topical hour honestly and openly?