Fine Gael has sought Opposition backing for an Oireachtas reform package, which would increase the Dáil's hours by 30 per cent and give backbench TDs considerably more power.
Outlining a 10-point list, the leader of Fine Gael, Mr Enda Kenny, said the "ineffectiveness of the Oireachtas is contributing to the growing cynicism about politics and all politicians".
Longer sitting days and shorter breaks over the summer and Christmas would give the Dáil 30 per cent more hours immediately, while Ministers should be forced to explain their departmental spending plans before the figures are finalised, he said
The current Dáil will sit for 31 weeks from September 30th, 2003 last, to July 9th, 2004, including one week "mid-term" breaks in October, March and June, five weeks at Christmas, two at Easter, along with an 11-week summer recess.
Ministers should also have to present their legislative proposals to Oireachtas committees at the beginning of each Dáil session, while committees should also have powers to vet top civil service and State boards appointments, he said.
The Government should also be required by law to ensure that all major Government announcements are made in the Dáil and open to immediate questioning by the Opposition, Mr Kenny added.
TDs should be able to raise questions about the issues of the day at the start of each Dáil day and Ministers should be required to answer, and take supplementary questions, no later than mid-afternoon.
The Ceann Comhairle should be given powers to refer a Dáil parliamentary question back to a Minister if he believes that the Minister has failed properly to answer.
Meanwhile, the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern should be required to be in the Dáil on Thursdays.
Currently, Mr Ahern is allowed to be absent from lunchtime on Wednesday.
"The Dáil should revert to the position of pre-October 2002, whereby the Taoiseach attended the Order of Business on a Thursday (unless paired on official Government business)," said Mr Kenny.
