Background
There has been a great deal of discussion about the future of the Irish Seanad, and various options for reform have been discussed, after the close decision in the October 2013 referendum, not to abolish the Seanad. The most recent, in a very long string of reports on reform was published earlier this year. This report, from a group led by Maurice Manning, proposes a number of changes in the operation of the Seanad, and a widening of the franchise. There now seems little likelihood that any of the proposals in this report will make it into legislation before the next general election. It is important to have some more public discussion of the options for change in the Seanad. This meeting will provide an opportunity for anyone interested to learn more. There are three expert speakers, each with a different perspective on the Seanad, and there will be ample time for discussion.
Participants
Professor Anthony Staines (chair)
Anthony is a doctor (TCD 1984), an academic, and a candidate for the Seanad on the Trinity panel. He is the professor of Health Systems in DCU, the chair of the Irish Blood Transfusion Service, and a member of the Higher Education Authority. He works on health policy, and child health in Ireland, and across Europe.
Senator Gerard Craughwell
Senator Craughwell is Ireland’s’ newest independent elected Senator. He is a teacher in the further education sector and past president of the Teachers Union of Ireland. He was elected to the Culture and Education Panel of the Seanad, in the October 2014 by-election, and is a member of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Social Protection.
Dr. Theresa Reidy
Theresa Reidy is a political scientist, and a member of the Department of Government at University College Cork. She works on Irish politics, political economy and public finance.
Prof. Gary Murphy
Gary Murphy is a political scientist, and head of the School of Law and Government at Dublin City University. He was the independent chair of Democracy Matters, the non-political organisation which campaigned for a ‘no’ vote in the Seanad abolition referendum in 2014.
Schedule
6:30pm Registration and refreshments
7:00 pm (sharp)
- Introduction to the Seanad
- Functions of the Seanad
- Electing the Seanad – options
Date Tuesday December 1st 2015
Time 6:30pm for 7pm
Place Wynn’s hotel 39 Lower Abbey St. Dublin
Let me know if you are coming so I can plan catering (only tea, coffee and biscuits) – email me on anthony.staines@dcu.ie or text me on 086 606 9713.