No special privileges

Fine Gael promised to abolish the Seanad during the last general election campaign. That was always easier promised than done, because only the electorate can abolish the Seanad in a constitutional referendum.

People will no doubt be shocked, however, to learn that local councillors who were elected to the Seanad are entitled to gratuity payments — in some instances, up to over €47,000, if they are over 50 years of age.

Senator David Cullinane of Sinn Féin denounced the gratuity payment system. He argued that such payments should only be made when people reach pensionable age.