Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 Mar 1995

Vol. 450 No. 3

Written Answers. - Seanad Éireann Membership.

Seán Haughey

Question:

32 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for the Environment the constitutional and legislative changes, if any, he is planning in relation to the membership of Seanad Éireann; if so, if he will consider giving representation to all third level institutions in Seanad Éireann in addition to graduates from the National University of Ireland and Trinity College, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3884/95]

Michael P. Kitt

Question:

73 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Minister for the Environment if the provisions of the Electoral (Amendment) Bill, 1991, will be incorporated in the legislation to provide for votes for emigrants. [4159/95]

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Howlin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 73 together.

In reply to Questions Nos. 9, 57, 61 and 64 on 2 February 1995, I told the House that the Government had authorised the drafting of a Constitution Amendment Bill to provide for the election by emigrants of three members of Seanad Éireann. If the Bill is approved by the people at a referendum, ordinary legislation would be necessary to govern voting by emigrants at Seanad elections. Proposal for such legislation will be announced well in advance of the referendum.

At Seanad university elections, an extension of the franchise to graduates of third level institutions could be effected by ordinary legislation, without further constitutional change. A resolution adopted by the Upper House on 2 November 1994 called for the introduction of such legislation. This is an important issue in its own right and worthy of careful examination. It will be considered by the Government in due course.