The Green Party has proposed reducing the number of TDs from 166 to 130 and increasing the number of weeks the Dáil sits to 45 in its review of Oireachtas procedures.
In a document called Reinventing Democracy, released by the party today, the Greens called for widespread institutional changes and a radical overhaul of Oireachtas procedures "so Irish citizens can regain confidence and faith in the political process".
At the launch, Greens leader Mr Trevor Sargent criticised the Government's decision to take a week-long break just 12 Dáil days after a 14-week summer recess.
"It is the everyday operation of Dáil Éireann that has driven many of our citizens to despair," he said."The low number of sittings, the behaviour within the chamber and the sense of powerlessness of an opposition that is severely restricted from effectively challenging the government, these are all key factors in creating public cynicism just as much as any ongoing perceived culture of corruption," Mr Sergeat added.
Among the proposals put forward by the Green Party are:
Membership of the Dáil to be reduced from 166 members to 130
Dáil Éireann to sit for 45 of the 52 weeks of the year
Sittings to be held from Monday afternoons to Friday lunchtimes starting at 9.30 a.m. and ending no later than 7 p.m.
A return to the previous system of Leaders' Questions
An increase in the powers of Ceann Comhairle
Change of standing order on the recognition of parties in the Dáil from seven members to five
Membership of the Cabinet to be reduced from 15 members to 12
Office of Minister of State to be abolished
The power of the Taoiseach to call an early election to be removed.
