Useful Info » Seanad Reform or Abolition

The Seanad Public Consultation (SPCC) was launched in October 2011. Its purpose is to provide for direct engagement and consultation between members of the public and the twenty fourth Seanad. The SPCC can invite submissions from the public, hold hearings and publish reports on issues which are identified as of public interest. Public interest means an issue specifically related to the Seanads legislative powers or an issue of public policy. These reports and their recommendations will be debated in the Seanad or referred to a relevant

joint committee.

 

It is important to note that the European Commission sets out each November its programme of work for the following year. For 2012, there are 129 proposals on the table before the European Commission, all of which will be decided on by the end of the current year. As there is a disconnect between the Irish electorate and the European institutions, the Seanad could be used as a useful forum for debating European legislation. The final decision on the retention or the abolition of the Seanad rests with you the electorate.