asked the Taoiseach if he will outline his proposals for Dáil reform; if he will say, in particular, when Friday sittings of the Dáil will be allocated to Private Member's Bills; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Dún Laoghaire): As the Deputy will be aware, the Government have already introduced substantial Dáil reform measures such as the establishment of the new Oireachtas committees, new procedures for questions and new procedures for debating Estimates.

A number of other reform measures are at present in course of preparation. These include a new system of explanatory and financial memoranda for Government Bills, new procedures for reports and the introduction of a new system for Private Members' Bills. In connection with the latter, draft amendments to Standing Orders are being prepared and will be considered by the Committee on Procedure and Privileges.

In addition to the foregoing, I am examining the possibility of other reform measures which will facilitate Deputies in raising matters of concern in the Dáil. I am also arranging for a review of the committee system to see how it might be improved. I also intend to undertake a general review of Standing Orders to see how they might be updated or improved to streamline the business of the Dáil.

In relation to the review of Standing Orders and in particular with regard to Private Members' Time, would the Minister circulate the proposals on these matters to Deputies or to parties not represented on the Committee on Procedure and Privileges?

(Dún Laoghaire): The Committee on Procedures and Privileges are a committee representative of all Members of the Dáil. The make-up of the committee is established by long precedence as to how Members of each party are represented. It is only reasonable that items of Dáil reform should be processed in the normal course through that committee. Where items are under consideration with that committee, it would be inappropriate for me to give exact details of proposals to the House in advance of a decision being taken by the committee. However, the Deputy can rest assured that the committee will be thinking of any amendments which are to the benefit of all Members not particularly of one side of the House.