Representation in reform discussions
De Rossa objected that the Workers’ Party and other unrepresented Deputies were excluded from the relevant committees and asked to receive Standing Order proposals. Barrett said committee members acted on behalf of the whole House, not particular parties.
The Chair is going to call on Deputy De Rossa now but might I suggest before doing so that we could have a very long discussion which would be inappropriate and which would be more appropriate for the Committee on Procedure and Privileges?
Comment on this
In response to my first supplementary the Minister of State indicated that all of the parties in this House were represented on the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. He will not be annoyed, I am sure, if I remind him that The Workers' Party are not represented on that committee or on any of the other Oireachtas committees. For that reason, I asked him if he would circulate to myself and other Independent Deputies who are not represented on that committee his proposals regarding changes in Standing Orders. It is only proper that we should be involved, even at a distance, in the discussions which are proceeding in relation to reform of the House. Could I also ask the Minister of State, in discussing or proceeding with reforms with regard to the introduction of Private Members' Bills whether he proposes to provide any kind of drafting assistance or expertise to Independent or other backbench Deputies in regard to producing such Bills?
Comment on this
(Dún Laoghaire): Deputy De Rossa may have misunderstood my reply to his first supplementary. I did not wish to imply that all parties in this House were represented on the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. I did not say that. What I said was that the Members who are on that committee represent all the Members of this House. From my experience on that committee I would say that 99 per cent of the time we do not reflect the views of a particular party. We are there acting on behalf of the good of the Members and for the good of this House. I did not imply that all parties were represented on that committee but all parties are represented by those who are on the committee. Their views are taken into account. I would say to Deputy De Rossa if he has any suggestion he wishes to make, he should either put it in writing or have a chat with me. I would be only too delighted to listen to any constructive views that he or any other Member of this House may have in relation to Dáil reform.
In reply to his last supplementary, it is proposed to provide some financial assistance towards Deputies who wish to have Private Members' Bills drafted.