Noel Rock
Ceist:97. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Taoiseach the actions the Government has taken to reform Seanad Éireann; the results to date; and the timeline of when reform plans will be implemented. [16688/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 4 April 2017
Ceisteanna (97)
Freagraí scríofa
Several steps were taken by the previous Government in relation to Seanad reform as follows:
- Government proposals on Seanad Reform were submitted in February 2014 to the Leader of the Seanad for presentation to the Seanad CPP
- In February 2014, the General Scheme of the Seanad Electoral (University Members) Bill was published for consultation
- The Working Group on Seanad Reform was established in December 2014 and its Report was published in April 2015 (the Manning Report) and the associated draft Bill and explanatory memorandum prepared for the Group are available on my Department's website.
- Two debates were held in the Seanad on the Report, in May and July 2015
- I held a meeting with Party Leaders in July 2015
We continue to progress this matter. The Programme for Partnership Government commits to pursuing the implementation of the Manning Report as a priority.
In response to a suggestion by Deputy Micheál Martin last year, I have indicated that, provided there is all-party support for the Manning Report, the Interim Implementation Body proposed in the Report should be set up comprising members of all parties/groups in both the Dáil and the Seanad. On foot of this, I wrote to party leaders, Dáil Groups and Seanad Groups seeking agreement to the setting up of the Implementation Group and seeking nominees for same. This process is ongoing with a small number of nominees awaited.