New politics, old problems as Dáil goes into recess

The 32nd Dáil has endured a lot of criticism for its failure to enact more legislation but it has managed to make it to the long summer recess in one piece and that is an achievement in itself. It means that the Government will survive at least until the autumn and unless there is a serious hiccup over the Budget there is every chance that it will make it until next summer.

Given the stalemate produced by the last election and the eventual emergence of a Fine Gael-led government utterly dependant for survival on the goodwill of Fianna Fáil, many predicted that it would not even last this long. Instead 'new politics' has enabled the administration to deliver one budget and there is every chance that it will be able to get a second one through in the autumn. Whether it will survive long enough to deliver a third is a moot point but so far the confidence and supply arrangement with Fianna Fáil has enabled it to deal with the big economic issues.

When it comes to day-to-day legislation the record is not so good. ‘New politics’ has resulted in a pile-up of Bills, many of which will never be enacted. A lot of private members Bills which have passed second stage in the Dáil are not really fit for purpose and amount to little more than wish lists rather than serious legislation. Most are unlikely ever to make it through committee stage and into law.

The big question is whether the Government will propose a substantial change to the wording of the Eighth Amendment or scrap it in its entirety

On this front ‘new politics’ has proved a real disappointment. The experience suggests that in the longer term, effective governance will depend on a return to a balance of power where the government of the day has much greater control over the business of the Dáil.

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When TDs come back in September they will have more than the Budget to occupy their minds. A number of other big challenges will have to be faced. One of the most difficult will be the framing of a referendum on the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution, which prohibits abortion except in very rare circumstances. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has given a commitment that a referendum will be held and Minister for Health Simon Harris has the responsibility for preparing legislation to enable it to happen.

The big question is whether the Government will propose a substantial change to the wording of the Eighth Amendment or scrap it in its entirety, leaving the issue to be dealt with by legislation. One way or another it is a fraught issue that will be a test for all of the major parties. The decision of Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil to allow a free vote is welcome but it means that individual TDs will be in the firing line.

Other potential pitfalls in the autumn will be how to wrap up the water charges issue, the judicial appointments Bill and the proposed changes in the drink-driving law.