The failure of the Coalition Government to strengthen the democratic mandate of members of Seanad Éireann and provide the Upper House with a greater range of responsibilities reflects a continuation of the neglect and the barely-disguised contempt in which that body has been held by the executive.
During the past seven years, three reports on the Constitution advocated a variety of reforms. All have been ignored. The election campaign now under way, following yesterday's dissolution of the Seanad, will be held under an antiquated electoral system. All three reports concluded the Seanad fulfilled a positive function and complemented the work of the Dáil in considering legislation and through its participation in Oireachtas committees.
Having advocated retention of a second legislative chamber, however, radical changes were proposed in the election system and in its functions and powers. In particular, it was suggested the Seanad play a major role in the scrutiny of EU legislation and EU business generally, with MEPs, EU Commissioners and senior Commission officials being offered audience during special debates. The other aspect involved the composition of the Seanad and electoral reform. At the moment, the system provides for the election of 43 members by TDs, Senators and County Councillors on five vocational panels. Six members are elected by graduates of the National University of Ireland and the University of Dublin. Eleven are nominated by the Taoiseach. A report by the All-Party Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution, earlier this year, recommended that 15 members be directly elected in European Parliament constituencies on the same day as the general election; 14 men and 14 women to be elected by TDs, county and borough councillors; six to be returned by third level graduates in single-seat constituencies, and eleven to be nominated by the Taoiseach.
It is too late to reform the system for the election of July 16th. But arrangements dealing with Seanad functions can be provided for in legislation. The Government is determined to secure the passage of the Nice Treaty in October. As part of that process, it should address the perceived democratic deficit that exists in relation to EU directives and decision-making and provide the new Seanad with specific functions that would help to bridge the information gap that exists between the citizen and the EU.