Proposal would allow Irish emigrants to vote in Seanad elections

Up to 800,000 Irish people living abroad could be allowed to vote in Seanad elections under new reform proposals.

It is understood the idea is contained in the report of the working group on Seanad reform - due to be published tomorrow.

Details of the report, published in The Sunday Business Post, indicate that residents of Northern Ireland would also be eligible to vote.

The Taoiseach has indicated that he will implement the working group's recommendations.

However, it is thought unlikely the changes can be implemented in time for the next Seanad elections.