Seanad reform moves debated

Moves to reform the Seanad may finally pick up pace with its members yesterday debating Senator Michael McDowell’s bill that would see half the house directly elected.

The Seanad Bill as proposed would see voting in Seanad elections extended to everyone with an Irish passport, including those in Northern Ireland and the diaspora living overseas.

The Government, Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin have all stated they will support the bill and Mr McDowell added that he had received the “personal endorsement of the Taoiseach” in bringing the bill forward.