Politics

Fine Gael denies Dáil reform plans are bait to lure Independents

Plan includes relaxation of party whip, longer leaders questions and post-legislative scrutiny

Fine Gael’s Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (left), Eoghan Murphy (front), David Stanton and Regina Doherty announcing their partys Oireachtas Reform Programme at Leinster House on Friday. Photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish Times.
Fine Gael’s Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (left), Eoghan Murphy (front), David Stanton and Regina Doherty announcing their partys Oireachtas Reform Programme at Leinster House on Friday. Photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish Times.
Sarah Bardon
Fri Mar 11 2016 - 18:49

Fine Gael has denied its proposals on Dáil reform are an attempt to lure Independent TDs into supporting a minority government.

The party published its reform programme on Friday which includes the establishment of a Dáil business management committee to decide the order of the day and propose an end to the guillotining of legislation.

Fine Gael TD Eoghan Murphy said the reforms should happen regardless of progress on the formation of government.

“We have 24 key proposals we are putting forward in good faith,” he said.

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“We think they should be enacted before a government is formed and the Oireachtas gets up and running properly. They are necessary and that is why we want to see them fast-tracked now.”

Party whip

The measures include a relaxation of the party whip, an extension of leaders questions and post-legislative scrutiny to examine how effective the legislation has been.

Other proposals include:

* Provision to be made for the establishment of more technical groups “to facilitate the smaller parties and independents playing a fuller role in the Dáil”;

* An Oireachtas Budget and Finance Committee to be set up;

* The structure for Private Members Bills to be reformed to include a pre-legislative style hearing before a vote;

* The introduction of family friendly hours for the Dáil to be considered;

* Citizens’ assembly to be created to consider issues like climate change, seanad reform and the 8th amendment.

Mr Murphy said the moves should make it easier to hold a new government to account.

“We had some very constructive meetings with Independents and with smaller parties during the week. Reform was a big part of that, as to what they’d like to see.

“This is about the newly elected members of the Dáil working together, regardless of party affiliation, to try and get the place to be more efficient and more responsive too. What we need as representatives is to be able to do our work, that’s what the public what to see.”

Mr Murphy, Laois/Offaly TD Marcella Corcoran Kennedy, Meath East TD Regina Doherty and Cork East TD David Stanton will represent Fine Gael on the new Dáil committee on reform.

The committee is to meet next week and will be chaired by new Ceann Comhairle Sean O’Fearghaíl.

The parties hope the measures can be agreed and implemented by April 6th when the Dáil meets again.

It is not known whether these meetings will be held in public or private.