Sir, – While citing many valid reasons for reforming Seanad Éireann (August 24th), Kieran Mulvey’s tipping point for abolition appears to be the 25 per cent rate of absenteeism in the hurriedly recalled Seanad chamber last week. Anyone familiar with Dáil debates seen on Oireachtas TV, or with their coverage on Irish TV news broadcasts, will know that the Dáil chamber is frequently almost empty, with absenteeism rates of 80 per cent or even more, to judge by appearances.
Applying the rationale of your letter writer, he should also be calling for the abolition of what seems to be a highly dysfunctional Dáil. It is becoming increasingly clear to many people that the whole Oireachtas is outmoded and outdated and needs radical reform. – Yours, etc,
BERNARD KEOGH,
Dollymount Park,
Clontarf,
Dublin 3.