Shane Cassells
Question:73. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans for the implementation of the Seanad reform group proposals; and the timeline for same. [51857/19]
View answerWednesday, 11 December 2019
Questions (73)
Written answers
In April 2018, the Taoiseach established an Implementation Group on Seanad Reform (SRIG) to consider the Manning Report (formally known as the Report of the Working Group on Seanad Reform) and to develop specific proposals to legislate for Seanad reform. The SRIG's report, together with a draft Bill, was published in December 2018.
The SRIG Report contains recommendations in relation to electoral reform of the Seanad, as well as recommendations for non-statutory reforms in regard to the way the Seanad conducts its business. The Report was noted by Government at its meeting on 30 April 2019. Government also noted that the Report includes four statements from various groups outlining where their position was not in line with recommendations of the Report.
Statements on the SRIG Report were held in the Seanad on 24 September 2019 and in the Dáil on 7 November 2019. The Government will reflect on the views of the Oireachtas with a view to considering early in 2020 the next steps to be taken.