THE TOTAL NUMBER of Oireachtas committees has been almost halved by the Dáil, which this morning approved moves to cut the number of committees from 27 to 15.
The halving of the number of committees means that the size of each committee will increase dramatically, with some committees now having up to 21 TDs – and further Senators – in attempts to make sure that all members of the Oireachtas have some committee representation.
The reduction in the numbers also means that committees – which previously were assigned on a one-to-one basis to monitor the work of government departments – will now have to account for the work of as many as three departments.
In one case – the Committee on Environment, Transport, Culture and the Gaeltacht - 21 member TDs, and some other Senators, will supervise the work of three ministers and five junior ministers.
The chairmanships of the various committees will be decided at their first meetings, but it is customary that the main opposition party, currently Fianna Fáil, is given the chairmanship of the Public Accounts Committee.
Fianna Fáil has already indicated that it will nominate Kilkenny TD John McGuinness for that role – though the makeup of the group could see Sinn Féin side with the technical group, in which case Shane Ross could possibly take the position.
A new committee – on Investigations, Oversights and Petitions – is also to be led by the opposition, most likely Sinn Féin deputy for Meath West, Peadar Toibín.
Government chief whip Paul Kehoe described the new committee system as the “first step in the Government’s plan for radical Oireachtas reform.
“The new Committees will be stronger and will bring real focus to the areas they cover. They will be properly resourced to carry out their function.”
Confirming the establishment of the committees yesterday, the Dáil also passes amendments to its governing Standing Orders which will formally give committees the power to “send for persons, papers and records” as needed.
An Oireachtas spokesman this morning confirmed that legislation exists to allow committees go to court in order to compel people to attend their meetings.
Committee on Public Accounts
Committee on Communications, Natural Resources and Agriculture
Committee on European Union Affairs:
Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform:
Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade:
Committee on Health and Children:
Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement:
Committee on Investigations, Oversight and Petitions:
Committee on Jobs, Social Protection and Education:
Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality:
Committee on Members’ Interests of Dáil Éireann:
Committee on Procedure and Privileges:
Joint Administration Committee
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