Seanad reform bill is the solution

The Seanad is in need of reform, but the bill launched last week demonstrates that reform is attainable.

The Seanad has been proactive in debating the rights of Irish citizens and closing off lacunae in proposed legislation. For example, when the Personal Insolvency Bill 2012 went through, the Seanad recommended 104 pages of amendments. This debate and double-checking is imperative to a democratic society.

Seanad Eireann was established in our Constitution in 1937 and is mentioned 75 times. Abolition will not solve, but cause, problems.

Seanad supporters and members of the ‘democracy matters’ campaign agree that the Seanad requires reform. But, for the first time, we have a workable draft Seanad reform bill. With the passing of this bill, the exclusive, anachronistic and unrepresentative Seanad will be no more; in its place will we have a dynamic, cost-effective, gender-equal, functional second house?

Irish citizens see a major gap between themselves and their upper house. Our proposals bridge this gap.

They are radical and far-reaching, involving constitutional change, new legislation and extensive revisions to the Seanad’s standing orders.

Our proposed Seanad reform will introduce a greater democratic mandate. The Seanad reform bill includes a gender quota. At present, Ireland’s rate of female representation is 15.67%, a new, record high, but lagging behind the world and our EU member state counterparts.

Our proposals are new ways to choose senators and involve the public more closely.

This provides greater public legitimacy and ensures an equal number of men and women of each of the five vocational panels, combined with significant changes to the Seanad’s functions.

The legislation would also impose a pay cut of €20,000 for Seanad members — defining their pay as half of TDs’. Their salary would fall from €65,000 to €46,336.

In the coming months, prior to the referendum, we welcome, and urge, a considered, inclusive and informed public debate on the Seanad, its functions and its reform, to ensure Irish citizens, north and south alike, consider the full implications of this anti-democratic constitutional proposal for Seanad abolition.

Caroline Bergin-Cross

Treasurer

Lawyers for Seanad Reform

Dublin 1