Tom Shehan (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 1:

After "decade" in the last line to add the following:

"; and that these proposals be considered by the Committee on Procedure and Privileges at the earliest opportunity".

The only amendment the Government side suggests is that these proposals be considered by the Committee on Procedure and Privileges.

I will turn to the programme for Government's proposals on Oireachtas reform with a focus on Seanad reform. The Fine Gael-Labour Party programme for Government includes an ambitious programme for political reform in which the Government has committed to radical Oireachtas reform both in respect of reducing numbers in the Oireachtas and of abolishing the Seanad if the public approves this measure in a constitutional referendum next year. It is proposed to reduce the number of Deputies following the publication of the results of the 2011 census of population. Until the future of the Seanad is decided in a referendum next year, the Government will support reforms that will create an efficient Seanad. The Taoiseach's 11 appointed Senators demonstrated a break with the past through the appointment of a number of Independent Senators from outside the political system.

I refer to the Oireachtas reform that has been achieved to date during the first 100 days of the present Government. The Government plans to increase the number of days on which the Oireachtas sits and action already has been taken in this regard with the Easter recess earlier this year being shortened and bank holiday breaks being removed. Moreover, there will be a greatly reduced summer recess later this year. The Oireachtas committee system has been reformed and the number of committees has been reduced to create a committee system that will be stronger and that will bring real focus to the areas covered by the committees. Moreover, a Joint Committee on Investigations, Oversight and Petitions, which will be chaired by a member of the Opposition, also has been created, and this constitutes a strong addition to the committee system. In addition, MEPs will have an opportunity to attend and contribute to Oireachtas committees. Such measures reflect the essence of the motion that has been tabled.

The Private Members' motion on Seanad reform confirms that the great majority of Members wish to see the Seanad reformed in order that it can work more efficiently and be more effective. The Government is broadly supportive of the proposals for changing the manner in which the Seanad conducts its business as set out by the Independent Group's motion. As I noted, the only amendment being proposed by the Government side to the motion is that the proposal be considered by the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. The members of the aforementioned committee will be obliged to review the proposals contained within this motion and to consider how these changes could be best implemented. I commend the amendment to the House.