Sir, – The debate on abolition of Seanad Éireann really must be elevated above the populist “€20 million” argument.
This might be assisted if the Government were to publish a White Paper on the unicameral chambers in what Minister for Enterprise Richard Bruton calls the “progressive” small countries, such as Denmark, Finland and Sweden. This would highlight the factual situation in those countries in respect of real parliamentary control of the executive, effective scrutiny of EU affairs and relations with local government.
Meaningful reform to match those systems will require much more than Friday Dáil sittings and a more equitable sharing of committee chairs. – Yours, etc,
TONY BROWN,
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Bettyglen,
Raheny,
Dublin 5.