A second Dáil chamber could save time and boost political efficiency, it has been suggested.

Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl joined On The Record to talk about why he thinks a second chamber is achievable and needed.

The Fianna Fáil TD said the move would avoid late nights for those working in the Dáil and provide legislation with "the level of scrutiny it deserves".

The concept was discussed last year by former and current politicians, as well as people from NGOs and those generally interested in Irish politics.

They drafted 51 recommendations for improving discussion and decision-making systems, including the idea to create a second chamber that could accommodate business contemporaneously with Dáil sittings.

Late nights

The Ceann Comhairle believes this would reduce the pressure of late nights sittings "which are not good by any stretch of the imagination".

"You don't make good decisions when you're tired in the early hours of the morning", he said.

"It is not fair to members and staff to keep them here on till late hours."

"You could do far more business by having this simultaneous setting where in the second chamber at the door in committee could process business that is not invulnerable."

"To be able to put their kids to bed"

He said it could be used for Taoiseach's questions, as well as Minister's questions and statements of debate.

"This is not about being able to close down the place early and get out of here", the Ceann Comhairle explained.

"It's about being able to maximise the amount of work that we can do and leave at a manner that allows the people who work here whether they're civil servants, journalist, politicians, or political workers a decent quality of life, where they get home, at least in the evening, to be able to put their kids to bed."

Cost-benefit analysis

The Ceann Comhairle said he has "no idea" yet how much an additional chamber would cost, but he is confident it will be worth it.

"That is a cost that will have to be spread over the decades, and which that chamber would function as a parliamentary chamber where the legislative business of the houses was transacted."

"I think whatever cost would be involved, it will be managed and controlled, but it would be minimal."

Increased scrutiny

On whether politicians would ultimately support the move, knowing their proposals would likely face more scrutiny, the Ceann Comhairle "wouldn't be so cynical".

"We have a responsibility to the people we represent to adequately and properly and thoroughly scrutinize legislation", he said.

"If we can find a method whereby legislation can get the level of scrutiny here that it deserves and warrants and that the public require it to have ... that's something the second chamber would provide for."

Listen back to the full conversation here.