Constitutional Convention recommends reform Dáil Éireann
February 2nd 2014: The Convention on the Constitution has today voted on making a
number of recommendations to the Houses of Oireachtas on the subject of Dáil Reform.
Convention members made the recommendations in relation to the role, powers and election
of the Ceann Comhairle, Committee membership and powers and the Whip system.
Following a ballot, members of the Convention recommended that the Constitution is altered
to enhance the role of the Ceann Comhairle and that a new provision be inserted to allow for
the election of the Ceann Comhairle by secret ballot. Members also voted to amend Article
17.2 of the Constitution to allow all TDs to make recommendations to the Dáil that involve a
charge to the public purse. Currently only members of Government can make
recommendations that involve a charge on the public purse. The Convention also
recommended a series of changes to Standing Orders or Parliamentary Practice.
Over the two days members of the Convention heard presentations from academics and
specialists on the role and functions of Dáil Éireann and the challenges facing modern
parliaments in Ireland and in other countries. A panel discussion with former Taoiseach Mr.
John Bruton and former Minister Noel Dempsey among others was held and today Sunday
the 2nd of February members were presented with a number of options:
 Reference to the Office of the Ceann Comhairle should be enhanced to give it more status
 Provision for a secret ballot to elect the Ceann Comhairle be inserted into the Constitution
 Include reference to Committees in the Constitution
 Amend Article 17.2 of the Constitution (relating to prior government approval for
expenditure proposals)
The members voted in favour of all proposed changes. Members were also asked to vote on a
number of changes to Standing Orders or Parliamentary Practise (Full ballot and results set
out below)
Elected representatives from Yemen, Egypt, Tunisia and Libya also attended the Convention
on the Constitution. Their visit, organised by the Irish delegation of the Association of
European Parliamentarians with Africa (AWEPA), aims to facilitate a comparative dialogue
between the parliamentarians on issues pertaining to the rewriting or reviewing of their
respective countries’ constitutions at a time of unparalleled instability in their countries.
Chairman of the Convention Tom Arnold said “How Dáil Éireann does its business goes to
the very heart of our democracy and throughout the weekend it was apparent that Convention
members felt very strongly about the issue of Dáil Reform.
“It is an exceptionally complex issue and members of the Convention heard a number of
presentations from experts as well as drawing from the experience of former and presently
sitting parliamentarians. Proposed reforms were discussed and debated in the context of the
affect they would have, if they could in fact end up weaken or strengthen government and the
democratic process
This particular part of the Convention’s programme was content heavy and rigorous. I, along
with the experts and academics, am immensely impressed with the quality of the in-depth
debate and discussion that the Dáil Reform generated amongst all members.
“We were also very fortunate to have elected representatives here from African countries that
are currently drafting Constitutions in their respective countries. Listening to their discussion
we were reminded how the constitution is a living breathing document that has a real impact
on our lives”
A report containing all of the evidence that was presented over the weekend along with the
recommendations of the convention will be compiled and laid before the Houses of the
Oireachtas.
ENDS//
Media Contact
Sile Murphy, Q4PR, 086 0288132 / 01 475 1444
Notes to Editor
Constitutional Convention
Changes to Standing Orders (Dáil rules) or Parliamentary Practice
1. Dáil Reform
Dail Reform Committee should include external
members and former TDs
The Dáil Reform Committee should bring
forward proposals for genuine reform, reflecting
the Convention discussion
Introduction of Family-friendly hours
Yes
No
No opinion
85
8
7
99
0
1
63
20
17
Yes
No
No opinion
88
11
1
73
18
9
2. Ceann Comhairle
Secret ballot to elect the Ceann Comhairle
(which may require constitutional change)
Members set the Dail agenda (ensuring adequate
time for debate) in a forum chaired by the Ceann
Comhairle
3. Committees
Proportionate allocation of committee chairs and
secret ballot for their election
More technical and professional resources to the
committees
The Working Group of Committee Chairs (like
the House of Commons Liaison committee)
should be given the power to call Taoiseach
Have a ‘committee week’ each month the Dail is
sitting, with only Leaders’ Questions taken in a
Dail plenary session
Yes
No
No opinion
84
11
5
93
5
1
70
14
16
89
8
3
Yes
No
No opinion
84
15
1
Yes
No
Refer elsewhere
for further
consideration
68
11
21
Yes
No
No opinion
88
7
5
88
76
12
9
0
15
Yes
No
Refer elsewhere
for further
consideration
53
11
36
4. Whip
More “free votes” on Dáil and committee
business
5. Financial matters
Create procedure to allow all TDs to make
recommendations that involve a charge on the
public purse, or the People
Constitutional change
1. Amendments to the Constitution
Reference to the Office of the Ceann Comhairle
should be enhanced to give it more status.
Secret ballot to elect the Ceann Comhairle
Include reference to Committees in Constitution
Amend Article 17.2 of the Constitution (relating
to prior government approval for expenditure
proposals)
The Convention on the Constitution was established by Resolution of both Houses of the
Oireachtas. Its purpose is to consider and deliberate on eight separate matters on which it will
make recommendations [as possible future amendments to the Constitution] and report to the
Houses of the Oireachtas.
For its part, the Irish Government has undertaken to respond to the Convention's
recommendations within four months by way of debates in the Oireachtas and where it agrees
with a particular recommendation to amend the Constitution, to include a timeframe for a
referendum.
The Convention is to complete its work within 12 months. Each topic will be deliberated at a
weekend meeting of the Convention. Proceedings are live streamed at www.constitution.ie