Launch of Fine Gael Oireachtas Reform Programme

Fine Gael TDs Eoghan Murphy, Regina Doherty, David Stanton and Marcella Corcoran Kennedy, have today (Friday) launched Fine Gael’s Oireachtas Reform Programme, setting out a three-tiered plan to achieve meaningful reform of the Oireachtas within an ambitious timeframe.

“Fine Gael recognises the importance of implementing meaningful Oireachtas reform and building on the changes we have already made, we are setting out an ambitious three-tiered plan to achieve further reform within a reasonable timeframe. The three tiers of this programme consist of priority reforms, necessary reforms and further reforms that we would like to see pursued. This programme is driven by commitments made in our General Election manifesto”, says Deputy Eoghan Murphy.

“The first tier of this proposal contains 24 priority reforms which we are asking the Ceann Comhairle to prioritise when the Dáil sits on 6th April. These reforms include relaxing the party whip; extending Leaders’ Questions to provide additional time for Opposition leaders; the establishment of a Dáil Business Management Committee chaired by the Ceann Comhairle which will meet and agree the weekly schedule; and a new mechanism overseen by the Ceann Comhairle to continually review necessary reforms. Fine Gael will support these reforms in good faith prior to any future vote on the election of An Taoiseach and the formation of Government”, says Deputy David Stanton.

“The second tier of the Fine Gael Reform Programme consists of what we see as 9 necessary reforms and we believe they should be addressed within 100 days. These necessary reforms include the establishment of an Independent Fiscal and Budget Office which will enhance the responsibility of the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council, allowing it to cost manifestos and budget proposals for all political parties. Consideration will also be given to the OECD Review of Budget Oversight by Parliament: Ireland. It will also include introducing a committee week to allow Committees greater time for the enhanced role they will play and the consideration by the Ceann Comhairle of introducing family friendly hours in the Dáil”, said Deputy Regina Doherty.

“Further reform proposals that we would like to see taken up by both a new Government and a newly reformed Oireachtas are outlined in the third tier of our Reform Programme. Fine Gael believes that there is a responsibility on any new Government working with a newly reformed Oireachtas to progress a Citizens’ Assembly and Electoral Commission” says Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy.

This is an ambitious programme of reform but Fine Gael believes that it can be successfully implemented through positive cross party cooperation. 

To view the Fine Gael Oireachtas Reform Programme, click here.