Group fails in call to debate new commission

The proposed Oireachtas commission to oversee the work of the Dáil and Seanad was opposed by the technical group who claimed that its omission was anti-democratic.

The group is made up of the Green Party, Sinn Féin, Mr Joe Higgins (Socialist Party) and a number of Independents. Efforts by it to have the matter again debated in the Dáil were heavily defeated.

Mr Dan Boyle (Green Party, Cork South Central) said there was need for a debate on the issue. "The four nominees from this House represent specified political groupings, which means 22 members will not have direct access to the workings of the commission. This does not represent a positive beginning to the commission in terms of how it should operate."

The Ceann Comhairle, Dr Rory O'Hanlon, said the House could not go back through the legislation. "The House approved it and it is now the law of the land."

Mr Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (SF, Cavan-Monaghan) said he had sought to amend the legislation but had been unsuccessful.

Mr Finian McGrath (Independent, Dublin North Central) challenged the Minister for Finance to explain the exclusion of the technical group.

Mr McCreevy said there had been adequate debate on the matter. "A large amount of time was given to discussion of the legislation at committee stage, and the Houses enacted it," he said.

The Government's proposal to deal with the issue under yesterday's Order of Business was carried by 66 votes to 13.