24 Ean 2013, 14:58
The Abolition or Reform of Seanad Éireann, How to Reconcile Membership of the EU with the provisions of the Constitution and Governance or the Right Balance between the Executive and the Legislature are some of the key topics regarding the Constitution which will be addressed by former TDs and Senators when they come together tomorrow Friday 25 January 2013 in the Dáil Chamber, Leinster House.
A copy of the programme follows;
For further information, contact:
Verona Ní Bhroinn
Press and Public Relations Officer
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
01- 618 3881, 087 2624132
“Reforming the Constitution”
Opening of Seminar (10.30)
Michael D’Arcy, President, Irish Parliamentary (Former Members) Society
10.45 Session One: Reporting on Committees Appointed to Review the Constitution
Chairperson: Olwyn Enright
Geraldine Kennedy: The Constitution Review Group 1995-1996
Jim O’Keeffe: The All-Party Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution 1996-2007
11.45 Session Two: “Governance or the Right Balance between the Executive and the Legislature”
Chairperson: Noel Dempsey
Eithne FitzGerald: Appointing Cabinet Ministers from outside the Oireachtas
Dr. Michael Woods: Getting the Right Balance between the Executive and the Legislature
13.00 Q&A with reflection by Dr. Brendan Halligan
14.30 Session Three: The Abolition or Reform of Seanad Éireann
Chairperson: Nora Owen
Senator Feargal Quinn: In favour of Reform
Aodhán Ó Riordáin TD: In favour of Abolition
Michael McDowell SC: In favour of Reform
15:45 Session Four: How to Reconcile Membership of the EU with the provisions of the Constitution
Chairperson: Pat Magner
Pat Cox: Sharing Sovereignty in an evolving Europe
Eugene Regan SC: Jurisprudence on the Conduct of Referenda
16.45 Summary of the day’s proceedings and its recommendations, followed by Q&A
Rapporteur: Dr. Martin Mansergh