Seanad reform.

[Baron von Biffo]

This is coming up in the PK thread but it's big enough to deserve a thread of its own.

One Seanad reform would be to have it elected on the same day as the Dail to avoid the parties stuffing it with rejects.

Good one ... plus of course extend the voting rights to all of the Electorate who basically would then have GE votes for the Dáil & the Seanad .... and ditch the farce of Taoiseach Nominees at the same time

If everyone has a vote in Seanad elections how would that house differ from the Dail? Wouldn't it mean in effect that we had a unicameral system?

The Taoiseach's nominees allow the chance to bring specific talents to the Oireachtas. Granted it's never been used that way but if we changed the way they were appointed - Say, let the Taoiseach propose people who must then win a weighted majority in the Dail.

[Holly]

....
If everyone has a vote in Seanad elections how would that house differ from the Dail? Wouldn't it mean in effect that we had a unicameral system?

Because everyone does not have a vote, the Senate is, intentionally, undemocratic and designed to reflect vested interests. Do Irish people not feel shame that because someone has had the opportunity to get an education and degree from Trinity College, Dublin, s/he gets a vote (even if s/he lives in England) while a person who went to work after the Inter Cert is not represented?

The Taoiseach's nominees allow the chance to bring specific talents to the Oireachtas. Granted it's never been used that way but if we changed the way they were appointed - Say, let the Taoiseach propose people who must then win a weighted majority in the Dail.

There is no justification in permitting a Taoiseach to pad the Senate with cronies, especially since his/her Cabinet can already pass any legislation in the Dáil. This is bizarre.

Frankly, I see no purpose for the Senate and it ought to be abolished.

[Buddha]

Does anyone know if legislation passed by the Dáil was ever rejected by the Seanad?

[C. Flower]

Should we merge the two threads on Senate reform ?

[antiestablishmentarian]

Does anyone know if legislation passed by the Dáil was ever rejected by the Seanad?

Doesn't matter if it rejects or not- it can only be delayed, then it must pass after a certain amount of time, 3 months I think.

[Holly]

Should we merge the two threads on Senate reform ?

Why not?

[Baron von Biffo]

Abolition of the Seanad on DriveTime now. I wont say it's being discussed because Wilson is in full 'Shut up and listen to me' mode, interrupting and talking over her guests.