The Report of the Working Group on Seanad Reform was published on 13 April last. The associated draft Bill prepared for the Group, with an explanatory memorandum, was published on my Department's website on 14 May.
I issued a statement at the time of publication of the Report in which I welcomed the Report, describing it as innovative and radical, and containing some far-reaching recommendations about the way members are elected to the Seanad and on how the Seanad should perform its functions. I indicated that there needed to be a public and political discussion and consultation on the Report and said that I intended to meet opposition party leaders to discuss its contents. I hope that this meeting will take place shortly.
I also requested the Working Group to make a presentation to the Oireachtas Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht, and to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges of the Seanad. On 5 May, statements on the Report were made in Seanad Éireann with the Chair of the Working Group and former Senator Joe O'Toole, a member of the Group, in attendance.
The Report itself recommends that the commencement date for the new arrangements be immediately following the next Seanad General Election.