Government failure to deliver Programme for Government Dáil reforms - McDonald
Speaking in the Dáil this evening Sinn Féin Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald TD criticised Fianna Fáil and Labour for failing to deliver on the Dáil reforms committed to in the Programme for Government.
The
Dublin Central TD said:
“Opposition TDs have raised time and again the Government’s failure to deliver
on its own political reform commitments. This dissatisfaction has now extended
beyond the opposition benches.
“Recently the Government Chief Whip described cabinet’s failure to attend
‘Topical Issues’ debates, a critical reform measure lauded by Government, as
deplorable. It has also become a matter of course for Cabinet members outside
the Economic Management Council to be found bemoaning their exclusion from
critical budgetary decisions.
“Guillotining of Dáil debates is the norm and relevant Government Ministers
simply feel they do not have to show up for ‘Topical Issue’ debates.
“Far from progressing a political reform agenda, the government is actually
centralising decision making powers whilst setting its face against the
necessary checks and balances required for a healthy democracy.
“There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that the Seanad is not fit for purpose,
however the referendum proposition that Government intends to put to the people
represents a further crude effort to centralise political decision making.
“There are many democracies that do not have an upper house, but those same
countries have strong checks and balances to ensure proper accountability,
transparency and representation for all citizens.
“It is our strong view that the future existence, functioning and reform of the
Seanad must be put to the Constitutional Convention in advance of the
referendum.
“Sinn Féin’s amendments to the Government Seanad Referendum legislation provide
citizens with a real opportunity to influence reform of our political
institutions.”