LEINSTER HOUSE should follow the lead of other parliaments and allow greater access for visitors, Fine Gael TD Simon Harris has said in a letter to the Ceann Comhairle.
Mr Harris said visits to the Dáil and Seanad should no longer be restricted to those who had booked appointments through their local Oireachtas representatives.
“I believe it is vitally important that our national democratic institutions are opened up to the public as much as possible,” he said.
“I believe that public confidence in the Oireachtas will be immeasurably strengthened if citizens of Ireland are free to view Dáil and Seanad debates in Leinster House.”
The Wicklow TD said the Oireachtas should copy the practice of the British and US parliaments by allowing “anybody with an interest in public debate” to sit in the visitors’ gallery, “rather than restrict entrance to individuals and groups who have booked to visit only through their public representative”.
Under the current system, people who live in the Republic can arrange a visit by contacting their local TD or Senator, who will then make an appointment through the Oireachtas events desk, while those who live outside the Republic must contact their embassy or honorary consular representative.
People unaware of the process are regularly turned away.
Mr Harris said screening machines had been installed at the visitors’ entrance to Leinster House, so security should not be a concern if additional visitors were allowed access.
“This is an important part of strengthening Irish democracy and increasing the openness and transparency of Leinster House. The British and American parliaments both provide a measure of free access to all individuals and groups who wish to freely visit and I believe that we should follow their lead.”
Addressing Ceann Comhairle Seán Barrett in his letter, Mr Harris said: “I hope that, under your stewardship, this is something that we can examine as a matter of priority”.
