Senator Denis O’Donovan Elected Leas Chathaoirleach of 24th Seanad

Senator O’Donovan said;
“It is a huge privilege for me to have been elected to the position of Leas-Chathaoirleach today. I would like to acknowledge my fellow Senators for placing their confidence in me and I will endeavour to repay that faith.

The 24th Seanad will be under greater scrutiny and examination than any of its predecessors as there is a possibility that this could be its final session. Therefore, it is now more important than ever, that this current Seanad demonstrates that it can contribute in a significant and meaningful way to the legislative process. We need to demonstrate that the Seanad can play a constructive role in helping to tackle some of the problems facing the country.

I believe there has to be an admission that previous Seanads failed to properly address the issue of Seanad reform which has led to a degree of public cynicism towards the institution. In my role as Leas-Chathaoirleach, I will do all in my remit to advance the cause of Seanad reform and try to make an argument that the Seanad does have a consequential function in public discourse.

I intend to work closely with the leader, deputy leaders and all Senators to ensure a cohesive working relationship exists and the 24th Seanad is a progressive forum which has a meaningful input.”

ENDS

Daniel English
Oireachtas Communications Unit
01 618 4484
087 6949926

Senator Denis O’Donovan:

• Denis O’Donovan was first appointed to the Seanad in 1989 as a Taoiseach’s nominee.

• He was elected to the Seanad in 1993, 1997 and in 2007.

• He was a member of Dáil Éireann between 2002-2007, where he was chairman of the Oireachtas Constitution Committee.

The Leas-Chathaoirleach is the sole judge of the order of proceedings in Seanad Éireann in the absence of the Cathaoirleach. He has a number of powers and functions, namely:

• Calls on members to speak and all speeches must be addressed to the Chair.

• Puts such questions to the House as are required, supervises Divisions and declares the results.

• Has authority to suppress disorder, to enforce prompt obedience to Rulings and may order Members to withdraw from the House or name them for suspension by the House itself for a period.

• In the case of great disorder can suspend or adjourn the House.