In 2022 we marked the centenary of Seanad Éireann, the Upper House of Ireland's Parliament.
Since its first meeting in Leinster House on 11 December 1922, the Seanad has reflected a broad range of views. Our programme of public lectures, exhibitions and initiatives aims to capture this diversity of perspectives, causes and changes to Irish life that Senators used their office to champion.
100 Bliain de Sheanad Éireann 1922-2022
This commemorative publication draws together contributions from current senators and office holders, a former Senator, academics and researchers, giving the reader a valuable frame of reference on the first 100 years of Seanad Éireann.
WATCH
Seanad Éireann | One Hundred Years
Part 1
Check out the first episode of our major two-part documentary chronicling 100 years of Seanad Éireann.
This rich presentation features contributions from noted historians and Senators past and present, including President Michael D. Higgins and former President Mary Robinson.
WATCH
Seanad Éireann | One Hundred Years
Part 2
The second episode of our two-part documentary sees contributors consider the Seanad's vocational nature and the differences between the Dáil and Seanad that make the Upper House distinct.
This is exemplified in pioneering debates in the Seanad led by the likes of Senator David Norris.
WATCH
Ceremonial sitting of Seanad Éireann | 12 December 2022
Watch this special sitting of Seanad Éireann that served to bookend a year of commemoration of the first sitting of the Upper House in December 1922.
The Seanad Looking Forward: An Exhibition
Northern Voices: An Exhibition
Northern voices in the Seanad, both nationalist and unionist, have been vital in ensuring representative and inclusive debate since the sitting of the First Seanad, while also providing insights and understanding not always available elsewhere.
This exhibition of 26 former Members highlights the role played by the Seanad and the Senators as a platform for such voices.
Women in the Seanad: An Exhibition
The exhibition highlights the lives and work of women senators who have championed minority issues since the first sitting of the Seanad in 1922. Learn more about 26 of these senators and the causes they advocated.
Minority Voices, Major Changes: An Exhibition
More than 830 individuals have taken their seat in Seanad Éireann since 1922. Collectively they've represented a broad church. The selection of 26 senators for this exhibition shines a spotlight on some of those changemakers and the causes they championed.
Seanad100 educational resources
Seanad na nÓg
As part of the celebrations for Seanad100, 60 youth delegates from the island of Ireland participated in Seanad na nÓg, a day-long series of sessions in the Seanad.
Given the opportunity to debate a number of topics selected by young people themselves, they voted to prioritise a recommendation to the Seanad for debate with a Minister.
watch
Seanad100: the centenary year of Seanad Éireann
A year-long programme of events celebrating the centenary of the Upper House begins with Cathaoirleach Mark Daly hosting a discussion with former President and Senator, Mary Robinson and Father of the House, Senator David Norris
Senators Alice Stopford Green and Eileen Costello / Bibliothèque nationale de France
Who were the First Senators?
Described as "Imperialists and Freemasons" by the anti-Treatyites, the Members of the First Seanad represented a minority voice in Saorstát Éireann. Their ranks included former Unionists MPs, holders of British hereditary titles and four women.
Image: RollingNews
Notable Debates
The debates held in the Seanad since 1922 reflect some of the thorny questions that Ireland has grappled with during the past 100 years.
We have selected a notable debate from each decade to give a window into some of the issues that have come to the fore since the foundation of the State.
Bicameralism in Ireland
The Oireachtas is among the 41% of parliaments worldwide that have two chambers. Parliaments that have two chambers are referred to as "bicameral". Find out about the history that led to the creation of a bicameral parliament for Ireland.
Debates and Members of the 1922 Seanad
The Official Report of Dáil and Seanad debates from 1919 to today is available in the Debates section of this website.
For information on the Members of each Seanad, see our TDs & Senators section.
Members of the 1922 Seanad, Arthur Jackson, Andrew Jameson and Perry Goodbody, arriving at Leinster House for the first public sitting / Bibliothèque nationale de France
Contact details
Public Engagements Manager
Lorna Cahalin
Leinster House
Kildare Street
D02 XR20