The need for radical reform of Seanad Éireann has been recognised for decades and the Government has finally signalled its intention to do something about it. But there is no certainty that the proposals put forward by the Seanad Committee on Procedure and Privileges and endorsed last week by the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, will be in place for the next election.
The major element of reform, involving new arrangements for the election of senators, will require a constitutional referendum. No timescale has been specified for that change.
A special committee has been established under the chairmanship of the Minister for the Environment, Mr Cullen, to organise the introduction of the proposed reforms that are being actively canvassed by the Fianna Fáil leader of the Seanad, Mrs Mary O'Rourke. So the political inertia that stymied change in the past may finally be overcome.
Seven years ago, an all-party Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution proposed the direct election of 15 members of the Seanad and the enfranchisement of all third level graduates to elect six university/third level members. The overall number in the Upper House would not change. Nothing was done. Now Mrs O'Rourke's committee has taken a more radical approach by proposing the direct election of 26 members; the indirect election of 26 members by councillors and members of the Oireachtas; the appointment of 12 by the Taoiseach; the automatic return of the Cathaoirleach and the expansion of the Seanad to 65 seats. It is also proposed that the government leader in the Seanad should be entitled to attend Cabinet meetings, with the rank of minister or minister of state.
The Seanad will be given new responsibilities. It will be able to inspect the work of North/South bodies; improve the scrutiny of a growing amount of European Union legislation; and review reports and government programmes referred to it by the Dáil.
The public image of the Seanad is poor. It is regarded as a staging post for politicians on their way to the Dáil or towards retirement. The Progressive Democrats went so far as to propose its abolition, nearly 20 years ago. In spite of that perception, it has done good work. The contribution by university senators has been particularly noteworthy. The Seanad provides a forum for the calm deliberation and analysis of national issues. It offers a medium to long-term perspective in areas of government policy. Its members contribute to Oireachtas committees. These are sufficient reasons to retain its services and to undertake urgent reform.