Seanad Éireann Changes Rules to Allow People in Public and Civil Life to Address Chamber

19th July 2011

In a landmark decision, people in public and civil life will be now be allowed to address sittings of Seanad Éireann. Under the new arrangements, people will be invited to make an address to the chamber and will have an opportunity to exchange ideas and views with Senators.

The Seanad also established a Seanad Public Petitions Committee (SPCC).

Today, Senators unanimously passed a motion stating;
\"on recommendation of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges and with leave of the House, representatives and persons in public and civil life may attend and be heard in the Seanad.\"

Cathaoirleach, Senator Paddy Burke said;
\"This is an extremely progressive measure which Senators have agreed to today. The Senate will benefit from the contributions of persons who have first hand experience  of the different facets of civil life.   It also  provides  an opportunity for people from different walks of life to directly address the chamber on their areas of expertise.\"

Senators also passed a motion on the establishment of the Public Petitions Committee (SPCC) which stated:
\"The SPCC shall specify and publicise a particular area related to the legislative powers of the Seanad or to an issue of public policy on which petitions will be invited in each sitting term of the Seanad.\"

For the full text of the motion on the SPPC see Page 1 of today's Seanad Order Paper

 
Daniel English
Oireachtas Communications Office
087 6949926