Dáil reform must move up the national agenda – Flanagan

Fine Gael Chairman and Laois/Offaly TD, Charlie Flanagan, has this evening (Tuesday) said that the Government must push ahead with its programme of political reform. Deputy Flanagan was speaking during a Dáil debate on Government priorities for the year ahead.

“There is no doubt that the main focus of this Government is the creation and maintenance of jobs and the return to economic growth. The renegotiation of the promissory note, the exit from the bailout and the steady increase in the number of people returning to the workplace are testament to a Government delivering on its promises.

“There is recognition right across society that we need a functioning Dáil that is reflective of society. I welcome the call by the National Women’s Council of Ireland for a more female friendly parliament. However, to ensure that both genders can contribute effectively, the Government must push ahead with a programme for political reform that will improve our political system.

“Dynamic political reform could be delivered through the following measures:

·          A strong independent Ceann Comhairle with powers to regulate the parliamentary timetable

·          A well-resourced parliamentary legal office to advise Dáil Éireann in the same way that the Attorney General advises government

·          Stronger Dáil Committees with powers and resources, headed by a chairman who is less aligned to the relevant cabinet Minister, and charged with a body of work that can be conducted over the course of a ‘committee week’

·          The innovative Constitutional Convention discussed a wide range of issues that now must be considered by Government. This could be achieved by way of a ‘Constitution Day’ whereby the public can have their say on five or six issues at once.

“The legacy of this Government will be its record on job creation. Our legacy can be further enhanced by pushing forward with a programme of political reform that will have far reaching outcomes.”

ENDS