Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 147: To ask the Taoiseach his plans for Dáil Reform and if speaking time for Independent Deputies will be part of that reform [36197/10]

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.

The proposals agreed at Government were brought before the relevant forum of the Dáil Committee on Procedure and Privileges Sub-Committee on Dáil Reform. 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.

As you will be aware, a general agreement and consensus was not possible on the proposals brought forward by Government. It is in this context that I am continuing my engagement with the various Party representatives on the Sub-Committee with a view to achieving the highest possible level of cross-party consensus in relation to proposals for the reform of Dáil procedures.

Of course, I do recognise the ongoing calls by Deputy Finian McGrath and others in relation to the availability of speaking time in the Dáil for Independent Deputies. I would welcome the Deputy submitting any proposals he may have in this regard for consideration by the Sub-Committee on Dáil Reform.