The Dáil is to set for an extra five hours a week from next month as part of a raft of reforms just announced by the government. Most of the reforms go ahead from now but some - like giving opposition parties more power on committees - will only proceed if the Seanad is scrapped in the referendum.
Among the changes are sitting earlier in the day and longer blocks for dealing with legislation but imposing time limits on debating legislation will still remain at the discretion of the government.
The Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore said "This government came to office with a commitment to fix our broken politics. These Dáil reforms are one part of a wider agenda to make our parliament more effective and more efficient, to open up the legislative process to more scrutiny and more voices, and to shine a light on Government"
Government Chief Whip Paul Kehoe added "These reforms open up the lawmaking process to the public in a way that has never been done before. It will also see the Government engaging more with the Oireachtas through an annual statement of priorities to the Dáil and Oireachtas committees having more influence over the Budget process".
Under the reforms Oireachtas Committees will be able to consult with civil society groups, advocacy groups and individuals with expertise in a specific area at Pre-Legislative Stage to develop legislation before Bills are drafted.
With the Budget now taking place in October, the Oireachtas Committees will carry out the estimate process between Budget Day and the Christmas recess - allowing them to review the estimates in advance of any funding being spent.
Oireachtas Committees can also review the annual Stability Programme Update provided by the government to the EU between April and the summer recess and provide Departments with a report in advance of the October Budget.
And one of the proposed changes will be an annual 'Queen's speech'-type event by the Taoiseach and Ministers.
