asked the Taoiseach if he will outline the Government's plans for further areas of Dáil reform; when it is intended to commence Friday sittings to deal with Private Members' Bills; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Dún Laoghaire): The Government have already introduced a substantial number of Dáil reform measures, such as the new committee system; the new questions system; the new format for debating Estimates and new procedures for debating reports laid before the Oireachtas. The Deputy will also be aware that the proceedings of the House are now being broadast by RTE.

A number of other reform measures are in the course of preparation at present. These include a new system of explanatory and financial memoranda on Bills and a new system for Private Members' Bills. The latter is at an advanced stage and I expect draft amendments to Standing Orders to be considered shortly by the Committee on Procedure and Privileges.

Other reform measures which I am examining at present include procedures to allow Deputies to raise matters of concern in the Dáil; a review of Standing Orders to see how they might be improved to streamline Dáil business and a general review of the committee system to see how it might be improved.

Can the Minister tell us if he proposes to circulate the draft amendments to Standing Orders to all Deputies so that all can be involved in the review procedure?

(Dún Laoghaire): The procedure is that amendments to Standing Orders are approved first by the Committee on Procedure and Privileges and a motion is placed on the Order Paper for debate.