The return of the Dáil

The work of the Mahon tribunal and its investigations into the Taoiseach's finances will move centre stage today when the Dáil…

The work of the Mahon tribunal and its investigations into the Taoiseach's finances will move centre stage today when the Dáil returns, following a six-week Christmas break.

The length of the recess was excessive, even by Irish standards. It failed to draw a veil over Mr Ahern's political difficulties and his credibility with the electorate. The status and impartiality of the tribunal itself has now become the focus of political infighting.

Blaming the messenger is a well-established response by powerful people to unpalatable news. Aspects of that behaviour were evident in the recent reactions of some Fianna Fáil Ministers to the work of the tribunal. This was an unfortunate development because, if governments take that road, the outcome can threaten established proprieties and democratic values. After all, this investigation was formally sanctioned by parliament; its chairmen selected by Cabinet.

The Government's legislative programme, circulated yesterday, promises to publish 17 new pieces of legislation before Easter. Nine of those Bills were to have reached the Dáil before Christmas. Such delay is a reflection not just of the competence of Ministers, but on their senior officials, all of whom are extremely well paid. The casual manner in which the Dáil is treated by Government - it sat in plenary session for 76 out of 365 days last year - has led to a situation where three out of five people do not believe that its work is important. This must change. And the first thing that should end is its three-day, formal working week.

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The Dáil is the only forum in which a taoiseach and his ministers may be held to account on a regular basis. Because of that it is particularly valuable, given the power of the Executive. But it also fulfils an invaluable function in reviewing and improving government legislation and in presenting alternative views on how society might operate.

Going into the new session, the Lisbon Treaty provides a particular challenge for the Government. Ireland is the only EU country in which a referendum will be held and the majority of voters have yet to make up their minds on the issue. A referendum Bill is included in the new legislative programme. But the timing of the plebiscite has yet to be fixed by Mr Ahern. Early summer has been suggested as the optimum time but it will take about three months to make the necessary arrangements.

There are other big issues on the political horizon. The economic outlook is unlikely to improve much this year. A new partnership agreement has to be negotiated. There are the constant crises in the process, hopefully, of reforming the health service. And, of course, there will be those unexpected events.

Our society has changed utterly over the last decade but the Dáil is stuck in a time warp. There is a need for fundamental reform. After all, in between elections, parliamentary democracy is exercised on the floor of Leinster House on behalf of the people.