Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 153: To ask the Taoiseach the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to reconsider the recommendations of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Constitution regarding Dáil reform. [20321/08]

Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 154: To ask the Taoiseach the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to pursue the issue of reform of Oireachtas sitting times, Oireachtas procedures and strengthening the role of Committees. [20322/08]

Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 153 and 154 together.

The matter of Dáil Reform is essentially one for the House itself which, under the Constitution, has responsibility for making its own rules and standing orders.

While the Government parties are committed to progressing any commitments contained in the Programme for Government, it is ultimately the Committee on Procedures and Privileges who progress Dáil Reform.

Responsibility for promoting Dáil Reform is shared by all parties in this House. This gives the Parties the opportunity of working out common positions on a range of issues. The Government will play a constructive part in exploring with those parties opportunities for improving procedures.