asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is yet in a position to say when legislation will be introduced to provide for the introduction of proposals for the reform of the Seanad electoral system, as recommended in the report of the Commission on this matter in 1959.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Reform of Seanad Electoral System.
24.
I have nothing to add to the reply given to similar questions by the Deputy on 2nd March and 9th December last.
The Minister knows that this Commission was established by the former Taoiseach as a result of a unanimous decision of this House that the Seanad electoral system should be changed. Would the Minister give an undertaking that he will try to see that consideration of the Commission's report is expedited and its recommendations carried out as soon as possible?
I am sure the Deputy and the House will appreciate that I have indicated on a number of occasions that this matter was coming under discussion. It has since been discussed by the Seanad itself. Before that discussion took place, I indicated that I wished to await the outcome of the discussion and the views expressed by the members. The Seanad discussed this matter on 17th February but the discussion did not conclude and it has not since been resumed. I can assure the Deputy and the House that I am just as anxious as anybody else that the discussion should be concluded.
Arising out of that point, surely the Seanad will not take any action to injure themselves?