22 Meith 2011, 12:39
Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann, Senator Paddy Burke today welcomed the changes which have been made by sessional order to procedures in Seanad Éireann. These include an extra matter on the Adjournment of the House which will bring the number of matters taken from 3 to 4; an amendment to Standing Order 45 which will allow more Senators to contribute and participate in Private Members Motions and finally the allocation of speaking slots to Sinn Féin.
“When I was elected Cathaoirleach, I said that the Seanad has an important role to play in Irish politics and I was keen that the 24th Seanad would form an effective and relevant part of the Oireachtas alongside Dáil Éireann and the Oireachtas Committees. But for the Seanad to be as effective as possible, its administration must also be modernised. On that basis, I very much welcome these changes which I hope are the first steps towards achieving that effectiveness”
ENDS/
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