POLITICIANS, bankers and developers are seen to have failed society "catastrophically", an official report from the Houses of the Oireachtas has admitted.

Public confidence in the Dáil and Seanad has now reached an "all-time low", due to cynicism over expenses, foreign travel and long holidays.

The Houses of the Oireachtas Communications Strategy warned there would have to be solidarity among TDs and senators if the reputation of politics is to be salvaged.

The report, a copy of which has been issued to the Sunday Tribune, said the "core elements" of a healthy democracy were under threat.

The report said: "The past two years have seen public trust in national institutions fall to an all-time low. The economic and banking crisis has led to public anger and cynicism reaching unprecedented levels.

"Banks, developers, politicians and regulators are seen to have failed society catastrophically.

"It is clear the issues affecting the Houses that have led to this loss of confidence and respect vary from members' expenses, foreign travel and perceived long holidays to an apparent inability or unwillingness by the Oireachtas to deal with the challenges that face society today."

As part of the report, TDs and senators were interviewed to find out what they believed were the key factors in their current image problem. They said there was a "lack of solidarity" between members when it came to talking about their profession as public representatives.

Those interviewed said politics lacked "any sort of connection with young people" and would have to change to become more relevant.

The report concluded the communications problems facing the Oireachtas are more pronounced than they have ever been.

"At issue is public confidence and respect for politics, the core element of a healthy democracy," it said.

It warned there was huge danger in allowing "the constant reduction of parliamentary coverage to discussion of expenses and foreign travel" to continue.

The communications plan said new ways of communicating directly with people would have to be taken advantage of. It said that there was a tendency with traditional newspapers and broadcasters to stick to an old-fashioned view of proceedings in Dáil and Seanad.

"The fact that our message is mediated heavily through commentary and news selection that tends to be based on a fixed and somewhat cynical view of the institution… [is] a constant challenge."

A new plan is being formulated which would make the Houses of the Oireachtas more proactive in dealing with the media, the public and opportunities online and through social media.

Expenses, allowances and salaries are all to be published on a monthly basis to "remove the perception that such information has to be forced from a reluctant institution".