Madam, – Stephen Collins provides some welcome suggestions on the transformation of Dáil Éireann “into a proper forum for legislation” (Opinion, July 11th). Parliament must become a genuinely deliberative assembly where all members can participate meaningfully in the formation of public policy.
In particular we must abandon the convention, inherited from the Westminster model, whereby the Opposition engages in tediously negative responses to Government proposals.
Two other suggestions: Pre-legislative scrutiny: Where major legislation is envisaged, it should first be submitted to parliament in broad outline for discussion. Ministers would thus have the benefit of a wider range of views which could be considered before the bill is submitted to the attorney general for drafting This procedure would also lead to a more concentrated and constructive debate later when the bill proceeds through its formal stages in the House.
Post-legislative scrutiny: Similarly members should be able to examine the subsequent impact of major legislation by way of report and debate.
Ministers would monitor the operation of such legislation and report to parliament on its effects, any obstacles to implementation and whether it was achieving its declared objectives. Where necessary timely amendments could then be made to ensure that the legislation achieves optimum results. – Yours, etc,