TDs may work longer hours in reform plan

A small increase in working hours for TDs is on the table as part of a Dáil reform plan to be discussed today at the first Cabinet meeting since late July.

Ministers are also likely to discuss next month's budget, with the immediate focus on engagements with the International Monetary Fund.

In the face of demands within the Coalition to ease the pace of fiscal retrenchment, the IMF is opposed to any reduction in the €3.1 billion target set out in Ireland’s troika agreements.

One month before the referendum to scrap the Seanad, the Coalition is working on a swathe of measures to deepen the scrutiny of new laws in the Dáil and lengthen its sitting time.

The tradition of holding the first debate of the week after lunchtime on Tuesday is likely to be set aside in favour of an opening debate about noon on that day. The first debates on Wednesday and Thursday may also be brought forward to 10am from 10.30am.

Four-day sittings
Taoiseach Enda Kenny is also on record as saying four-day sittings will become the norm when the House is in session. A final decision on the reform package is unlikely today, but the initiative is expected to be unveiled within a fortnight. It comes amid claims by Seanad supporters that the abolition would lead to an improper increase in Cabinet power.

Cut short debate
The reform plan includes a commitment to reduce usage of the "guillotine" under which the Government can use its parliamentary majority to cut short debate on legislation. This may involve new arrangements for scheduling debates. Such measures are in addition to proposals already published to introduce a new sixth-stage of debate in the Dáil and to overhaul the committee system.

In advance of the Cabinet talks this morning, the Economic Management Council of the Government was meeting last night. The council comprises Mr Kenny, Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore, Minister for Finance Michael Noonan and Minister for Public Expenditure Brendan Howlin.

Mr Gilmore met Labour Ministers yesterday for an "informal discussion" on the budget. Some in the party believe positive exchequer returns and a reduction in the number of unemployed will boost its case to cut the €3.1 billion sought by the troika.