Hogan: Seanad abolishment proposal will go to referendum

The Environment Minister Phil Hogan says any decision to abolish the Seanad will ultimately be a decision for the people of Ireland in a referendum despite different views among politicial parties.

Hogan was in Castlebar, Co Mayo today and he was questioned by Midwest Radio about whether he was disappointed by reports that Labour will not support Fine Gael's policy on abolishing Seanad Eireann.

"It's in the programme for government. The referendum will be held on Seanad Éireann and it'll be up to the government to decide when.

"I'm not going to get into any speculation about what's happening in any party about these matters. People in all parties have different views about the Seanad and ultimately it will be a matter for the people in a referendum.