Reform of Dáil éireann: The Dynamics of Parliamentary Change

摘要

Successive Irish governments have engaged with processes of parliamentary reform. The impact of the reform process has been to streamline the operation of Dáil Éireann. An emphasis on efficiency does not necessarily respond to many of the central criticisms of the institution and, in particular, largely fails to address the executive-parliament balance of power. This article suggests that the necessity for the Irish parliamentary reform process to achieve the latter is open to question. It would involve challenging the fundamentals of the Irish political system, including brokerage and political party loyalty. There is little evidence to imply that such radical change would enjoy any degree of public or political legitimacy in Ireland.