Reform group proposes sanctions for Ministers who evade questions

Ministers who refuse to answer Dáil questions posed by TDs could be sanctioned by the Ceann Comhairle under proposed changes to the running of the Oireachtas.

The proposals, arising from the work of a cross-party committee on Dáil reform, include the expansion of the Parliamentary Legal Advisor’s Office to assist backbench TDs in drafting legislation and give them advice on new Bills coming before the parliament.

In their final draft report, to be distributed to political parties today, the TDs also recommend the establishment of a committee to decide on the Oireachtas running order for the week ahead and the creation of a budget and finance committee to “crunch the numbers” for TDs making financial proposals.

Timetable clashes

The report also says there should be scope for more than one technical group to be formed and that group members should have more speaking time.

It says the Dáil’s sitting hours should be altered to ensure they do not clash with the committee meetings.

Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh is said to have raised concerns about the effect the longer hours will have on the staff who work in Leinster House including journalists.

The final draft report says a number of issues were raised surrounding parliamentary questions and questions to government ministers.

Oral questions

Under the proposals,

Enda Kenny

would be expected to take Leaders’ Questions twice a week for 45 minutes.

A deputy would be limited to tabling three oral questions per sessions with a time limit of 15 minutes imposed. Questions that are not answered within two weeks will receive a written reply.

Ministers will take questions every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday with time for this extended to 90 minutes.

Independent TD Mattie McGrath, Fianna Fáil TD Pat the Cope Gallagher, Fine Gael TD Bernard Durkan and Sinn Féin TD Seán Crowe are all in the running. for the position of leas cheann comhairle.