In 2022 we mark 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.
Minority voices, major change: 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.
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 Officer
Martha Dowling
Leinster House
Kildare Street
D02 XR20