Referendum to be held to decide future of Seanad

The Taoiseach and Tánaiste today, Wednesday, June 5 announced the Government’s proposals for the Referendum Bill on the abolition of the Seanad, as committed to in the programme for government.

The Cabinet approved a bill to hold a referendum on the abolition of the Seanad in the autumn. An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny said  if approved by the people he is convinced that 'we can and will create a better, more effective political system with better accountability, better oversight and better scrutiny of legislation.'  

An Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore TD said; “Ultimately, it is for the people to decide whether they want to have two institutions dealing with legislation and holding government to account, or one.  This Government is simply giving them that choice.”

Dail Reform proposals have also been published in tandem which will be introduced, if approved by the people, to maintain all necessary checks and balances and full public confidence. The referendum will be held in the autumn.  

The Bill provides that, subject to a successful referendum, the Seanad will be abolished after the next general election and before the first sitting of that Dáil.