Dáil reform and Oireachtas administration
Deputy McDonald seeks consultation details on Dáil reform, its effect on staff, and access to the audiovisual room; the Ceann Comhairle rules the room issue out of order. Deputy Howlin says staff implications will require later negotiation, prompting criticism from Deputy Cowen.
In respect of the Government's proposals for Dáil reform and longer sitting days, what consultation has taken place with staff of the Oireachtas, if any? My second question is about the briefing to which Deputy Daly referred from the ESB group of unions. Is access to the audio-visual room to be shut down and taken from Deputies?
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This is the Minister who is all about political reform and transparency.
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I find it astonishing that the Administration at any level would prevent representatives from a semi-State company coming in and setting out their stall on an issue of importance. If the Minister could clarify that for us, that would be great.
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We will not be clarifying anything about the audio-visual room on the Order of Business. It is as simple as that.
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To answer the question on Dáil reform, it is important that we arrive at a consensus as much as possible within the elected membership, and then the reforms and how they impact on the staff and the running of the House will obviously require negotiation subsequently.
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Did the Minister meet anyone? He did not meet anyone. That is his answer.