THE IRISH public are “disaffected” with the workings of Leinster House and political reform is long overdue, the co-editor of a new book on the Oireachtas, Dr Maurice Manning, has said.
At the launch of The Houses of the Oireachtas: Parliament in Ireland in Leinster House yesterday evening, Dr Manning said the economic and financial situation had raised fundamental questions about public governance in Ireland.
Ceann Comhairle Séamus Kirk introduced the event, saying the last time a book on the operations and workings of the parliament was published was in 1979 and an up-to-date study on the Irish parliament was “overdue”.
Mr Kirk commented that there had never been a comprehensive study published of the work of the Oireachtas, meaning that much of its business was unknown, understudied or even misunderstood.
He also paid tribute to some people in attendance, such as Michael D Higgins and former taoiseach Garret FitzGerald. He also thanked the politicians from past and present and journalists and academics who had contributed to the book.
The book is edited by Dr Muiris Mac Carthaigh and Dr Manning and features a range of expert opinions and observations on the Irish parliament today.
In his address at yesterday’s event, Dr Manning noted that recent political events had shown how disconnected Irish citizens are from the workings of their elected representatives.
“Many citizens don’t really understand what happens on a day-to- day basis in the Oireachtas, despite the fact that the Houses of the Oireachtas is nearing the century of its foundation.”
Dr Mac Carthaigh said the manner in which parliament conducted its business should be part of the national debate.
“I think it is fair to say that Ireland is in need of this new book. The study provides a much needed and welcome update on the evolution and workings of the Dáil, Seanad and committees.”