Electors ‘would abolish the Dáil’

People would vote to abolish the Dáil if they were given the chance, a TD has warned as the future of the role of the Seanad came under fire.

United Left Alliance deputy Richard Boyd Barrett insisted the Dáil was now so “disconnected” from the reality of ordinary lives that electors would sweep it away if they had the chance.

Labour TD Arthur Spring also used the Seanad abolition debate to turn a harsh light on the lower chamber.

The Kerry-Limerick TD suggested letting TDs work in the Dáil for two weeks, then taking a fortnight away from the chamber.

“We can consider the Germanic model of having two weeks on and two weeks off, where a politician reads documents and has access to committees and departments for research purposes.”

Independent TD Finian McGrath insisted a reformed Seanad was a necessary protection against a rampant executive.

“We need to transform the Seanad into a genuine forum for civic society. We need to introduce more vouched expenses for all politicians. We need to be seen to make the parliament work and to stop the use of the guillotine to pass laws that have not been scrutinised adequately.”

Former senator Dominic Hannigan insisted the Seanad had had its day.

Mr Hannigan said that he had the opportunity of learning from some of the greatest parliamentarians when he was a senator.

The Meath East TD said that while some debates had been worthwhile, when he served in the upper house, other days were dominated by rows over expenses and sessions stopped to allow members to take part in a golf tournament.

Mr Hannigan branded the Seanad an “expensive creche” for wannabe TDs and a “nursing home” for ex-deputies.

In an attempt to look more transparent the Government lifted the threat of guillotining debate on the Seanad and allowed the matter to continue being discussed next week.