David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 94: To ask the Taoiseach the progress that has been made in respect of Dáil reform; when he expects to be in a position to put forward proposals on Dáil reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28012/10]

John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Government established a Working Group on Dáil Reform in 2009, comprising Minister Dempsey, Minister Ahern, Senator Dan Boyle and my predecessor as Government Chief Whip, Pat Carey. Following a number of meetings, this Group submitted a set of proposals to Cabinet for discussion and agreement.

I believe that those proposals put forward by the Government represent an honest effort to make the working of this House more relevant and more efficient. They set out a new Dáil schedule which would better reflect the normal working day and they accommodate some of the key concerns set out by the Opposition in the various policy documents which they have released on this issue.

Upon my appointment as Chief Whip, I have examined the relevant documentation in relation to this issue and have over recent weeks been holding bilateral meetings with the various Party representatives with a view to seeing where realistic progress can be made.