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Government wants to abolish Senate, Irish upper house

CATHY HAYES,

IrishCentral.com Staff Writer

Published Monday, January 3, 2011, 6:58 AM

Updated Monday, January 3, 2011, 7:35 AM

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Senate House, Dublin

The Irish Government plans to consider holding a referendum to abolish the Seanad (Senate House). The referendum, to get rid of Ireland’s upper house, will take place on the same day as the general election, scheduled for March 2011.

Yesterday, Tony Killeen, Ireland’s Minister for Defense, confirmed that the Irish Government plan to discuss the matter in Cabinet week when they resume session after their winter break. He confirmed that senior members of parliament were keen to discuss the matter.

This is the first time a member of the Fianna Fail party has admitted that they would not oppose the move.

Mr Killeen said “There does seem to be a public appetite for reform…and we need to facilitate it. I know that the good intentions of Opposition parties to change things often don’t materialize in government. That is because other priorities get in the way. Holding it on election day would be the only way to ensure it would happen without distractions.”

The Irish Time reported that Fianna Fail and Green Party sources said the issue had been discussed by both parties since early December. Senior Government figures, including Prime Minister Brian Cowen favored the proposal. Talks between Mr Killeen, Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin and Green Party leader John Gormley have taken place.

Mr Killeen said that it would be possible to get the legislation through the House of the Oireachtas (Parliament) but it would be complicated. He said “The timescale would comfortably allow it to be done in tandem with the Finance Bill and other legislation.”

He denies that the Government are engaging in spoiling tactics to regain support from the Opposition. Fine Gael believe that the Government is attempting to take over the initiative which was originally proposed by their party leady Enda Kenny. The Labour Party also believe that the Government is simply trying to delay the election.

Mr Killeen said “I’m not questioning the bona fides of people committing to reform. The reality is that it does not happen once [parties] get into government as other matters get in the way…If it were to happen, the only realistic way it can happen is if a referendum is held on the same day as the election.”

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Towngate | Jan 11, 2011, 09:36 AM EST

eiriamach: "They say Ireland is crawling with absentee landlords". and there are many more shocking links to Britain that it would surprise the Irish soul. ........... @philib04: the Seanad is just one of a litany of institutions alive and well and operation in Ireland based on the British Model. Ireland gained its independence, then kept everything the same but just changed the name over the door!

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pilib04 | Jan 08, 2011, 07:35 AM EST

the seanad is a throwback to the house of lords. the irish people should have an opportunity to vote on eliminating this debating society.

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eiriamach | Jan 06, 2011, 07:25 AM EST

Owie, Towngate! The Irish government rents space from an absentee landlord-- living where? --In London? The historical symbolism is a bit much for me; I'm sitting down now. . . . Thanks for the info. I'm going to try to forget I ever asked about renting out that room (not that I could ever afford to rent it anyway).

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Towngate | Jan 05, 2011, 08:34 AM EST

EIRIAMACH: You better sit down for this: The Irish Government Buldings - Leinster House - belongs to a Private Landlord and his Rent is paid for Irelands use of his Property to ... LONDON!

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eiriamach | Jan 04, 2011, 11:07 AM EST

I hope they do not miss the opportunity. Governments rarely allow a vote to make themselves smaller and less expensive. Anyway, the photo above shows a gorgeous Seanad meeting room, color-coordinated leather seats and carpet/drapes, Waterford chandeliers, polished wood, etc. Is there room for dancing? I'll bet the government could rent out that room to those they've raised to millionaire status with mis-spent millions. They could charge thousands of Euro an hour for wedding parties, anniversaries, or other shindigs. It would help pay the maintenance on government buildings, I'd expect.

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dnomsed1947 | Jan 03, 2011, 07:22 PM EST

New Zeland did away with their upper house back in the 50's and have survived quite well without it, using only a house of representatives. Seems to be a good way to save Ireland quite a bit of money...so why not do it?

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sirpeter | Jan 03, 2011, 02:19 PM EST

Good move..Good start anyway,but will it happen.

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antoman | Jan 03, 2011, 12:55 PM EST

I said in the future predictions article that the Seanad will be abolished.Just have to wait and see.

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jacersagain | Jan 03, 2011, 12:06 PM EST

(..Cont’d) These Senators (yes, they should retain the Title, to distinguish them from the rabble TDs) can make up for empty seats of absentee TDs and contribute more intelligently and pro-actively to Dáil debates on issues of national importance. After all, most of them are hugely more qualified, educated, experienced and sensible than most elected TDs – gombeen ones. One more thing: no new Senator shall be an ex- TD who was voted out/lost a Dáil seat by choice of the electorate. That would put paid to cronyism.

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jacersagain | Jan 03, 2011, 12:02 PM EST

I think it would be a good idea to scrap the relatively powerless 60-person Seanad Éireann. Instead, I suggest that 60 of Dáil Éireann seats be reserved for most of those who would otherwise be Senators under the old system and that they are incorporated by nomination into the Dáil, based solely on legal, business and academic acumen and, as far as possible, not political party-orientated. I do not agree that the post of Uachtarán na hÉireann should be abolished as it has, alongside the Council of State, much to do in matters of legal consideration on behalf of the people, pobal na hÉireann. (More...)

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Towngate | Jan 03, 2011, 10:43 AM EST

WELL SAID - all comments. Dump all the Senate.Reduce the Dail to ONE TD per Constituancy, and give the laughable 'Honours',Jobs and Money-laden so-called Presidentwho polishes her British Passport in the Vice-Regal Lodge - The Official Residence and symbol of British Authority in Ireland. I hope this year is the one when the People of Ireland at last realise that "...someone has been rightly pulling their Plonker!!"

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terrymai | Jan 03, 2011, 10:11 AM EST

Who do they think they are kidding, Fianna Fail? Its to late to try and win the people back, why didn't they reform the Senate and Dail when they had the chance? Because they didn't want to upset the "jobs for the boys" syndrome that they are well noted for!!!

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WoundedKnee | Jan 03, 2011, 08:52 AM EST

They ought to get rid of the office of President also. The current loudmouth fool McAleese has shown what a waste of money it is. She has been in office well over a decade now. Can anyone name one thing that she has achieved, aside from getting rich?

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WoundedKnee | Jan 03, 2011, 08:22 AM EST

Neither the Senate nor the Dail has devoted ONE MINUTE to discussing Mass Immigration since Fianna Fail instituted that policy over a decade ago.

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LoyalCitizen | Jan 03, 2011, 07:45 AM EST

If Ireland shuts down the existing courts and set up a new court system we could put all corrupt politicians and their friends in jail. Ireland is a country that could do with a complete face lift and get rid of the corrupt dinosaurs who have been running Ireland for far too long.

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