Kenny: Seanad referendum likely next year

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has told the Dáil that the Government intends to hold a referendum on the abolition of the Seanad next year.

Two other referenda - giving more powers to Oireachtas committees and on the protection of whistleblowers - will be held this year.

Enda Kenny made the remarks as 60 Senators prepare to convene the first sitting of the 24th Seanad today.

The first item on the agenda is to elect a new chairman, widely expected to be Mayo Senator Paddy Burke, who is close to the Taoiseach.

In the Dáil Mr Kenny indicated that the new Seanad is likely to be the last.

"It would be my intention to have that referendum in 2012," he said.

Earlier Mr Kenny insisted there is no question of Ireland looking for restructuring of our debts.

It follows continuing pressure from the markets on Greece, with fears Athens can't afford the bailout and may have to default.

Mr Kenny told the Dáil that Europe needs to show absolute clarity on how it is going to deal with the debt crisis.

But the Taoiseach said that does not include Ireland seeking to default on loans.

"We will pay back our loans," he said.

"We are not in the position of heading for an Irish Government default."