Government chief whip Tom Kitt is to meet the whips of Opposition parties this evening to discuss major Dáil reforms, including a new "prime time" slot for backbench and Opposition TDs to debate current issues.
However, some Government proposals for Dáil reform are now unlikely to be accepted in the face of objections from Opposition parties. They have claimed they will effectively enable Taoiseach Bertie Ahern to avoid answering difficult questions from Opposition party leaders.
The Government does not intend to introduce the reforms unless there is all-party agreement, although it is hoping to have consensus by October.
The reforms currently being proposed by Mr Kitt include increasing the time to debate legislation from 11.25 hours a week to 15 hours.
There are no proposals, however, to add extra sitting days in holidays, or to have the Dáil sit regularly on Mondays or Fridays.
Mr Kitt's plans also provide for the creation of a new "current issues" slot where TDs could debate major issues of the day. This would replace adjournment debates, and would take place during "prime-time" hours in the morning or afternoons.
Adjournment debates now take place late on what are often described within Leinster House as "graveyard" hours, such as late on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.
The most controversial proposals relate to Leaders' Questions, where Opposition leaders are able to question the Taoiseach on major issues of the day on Tuesday afternoons and Wednesday mornings without having to give notice of what they will be raising. Introduced four years ago, it has become the highlight of Dáil proceedings.
Under the new proposals, the Taoiseach would be able to refer questions on specific issues to the Minister in question, and he would also receive notice of what Opposition leaders would be asking.
Under the proposed reforms, Leaders' Questions would be reintroduced on Thursdays, although Mr Ahern would not be required to attend.
Labour Chief whip Emmet Stagg has already written to Mr Kitt outlining his party's opposition to the move, while Fine Gael chief whip Paul Kehoe has also said he is opposed.
The Labour Party also has concerns about changes to Order of Business, which the Taoiseach takes on sitting Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and during which he is questioned on legislation plans. The Government wants to confine it to a Thursday slot where the chief whip takes questions on legislation and Dáil business.