Last chance for Seanad to show relevance

The Seanad will this week have what is likely to be its last opportunity before a referendum on its abolition to showcase itself as a relevant and necessary part of democracy as it begins debating legislation this morning allowing abortion in limited circumstances.

Senators will take a secret delight in the Dáil presenting itself in the worst possible light when it debated the legislation last week, and are expected to seize on this as a reason why the lower house cannot be trusted to rule on its own.

A number of senators have already said they would support the abolition if there was proper Dáil reform. But with 5am sittings for votes interspersed with boozing sessions in the bar, “lapgate”, and criticism of the rigid whip system, the case for getting rid of the Seanad based on a more effective Dáil has been diminished.