Abolition of Seanad Éireann Bill 2013 – Áine Collins

I’m delighted to speak on this Bill because it’s addressing one of the promises that we made in our Programme for Government.   We have been criticized by the people for not dealing with this earlier, but we’ve had a very busy referenda schedule so far, such as the Stability Treaty and the Children’s Referendum.  

  This too will be a hugely important referenda, as it’s a key part of the political reform that we promised.

  We have an agenda for reform which we promised to the people.

  Part of this is to have a smaller and more effective government.   We have already reduced the number of TD’s by 7.   Reducing by more wouldn’t have been possible without a referendum.   Minister Hogan has reduced the amount of councillors around the country by 60.   He has amalgamated County Councils and continues to streamline organisations to provide a more effective government.

  This will be the first change since 1937.   Minister Hogan has been very brave in his reform agenda and I want to commend him on this.   So really this Bill is about whether we allow the people to have a referendum on the future of the Seanad.   Ultimately it’s up to the people to decide if they think a second chamber is a necessary part of our democratic system or not.

  When this Bill passes we will have to await the decision of the people by way of referendum.   This will change the constitution if passed.

  This government is trying to achieve a smaller, more streamlined and effective government.  

  Our political system was inherited from the UK and we are a much smaller nation.   When you look at other European countries such as Denmark, which is similar enough in size, they have a Uni-Cameral system of government.

  The very important thing here is that the people will decide.   Arguing about the past is a waste of our good time.   Deciding on the future is something that everyone can be a part of with this referenda.

  There are some statistics worth noting:

  In January 2012 the Secretary General of the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission informed the Dáil Public Accounts Committee that if the Senate was abolished there would be an immediate cost saving of

€9.2 million per year.   He also estimated that there would be €13.3 million in indirect savings which relate to support costs to the State.   So a total saving of €22.5 million would be made per year.

  When estimating costs we must compare that cost to the power and effectiveness of the State.

  The Senate has rejected two Bills since 1939.   In both cases the Dáil subsequently overturned the Senators decision.  

  The senate has produced some good amendments to various bills which have been accepted by Governments over the years.   Most amendments introduced in the Senate though have been government amendments.

  This situation could be dealt with by a more robust Committee system.

  Deputy Eoghan Murphy has recently published proposals to reform the Dáil.   His proposals focused on changes to the Committee system.   This included the establishment of a new committee for budgeting oversight and scrutiny of legislation.   This approach, together with the government proposals, shows how a uni-cameral system could work.

  The Taoiseach has described the abolition of the Seanad in terms of a sacrifice by the political system.   One that politicians should make when so many other people are making huge sacrifices.  

  He specifically pointed to New Zealand, Denmark, Norway and Finland as successful countries with similar populations.   They all have only one House.   Ireland simply is too small and we need reform at all levels.  

  By the passage of this Bill we are giving power to the democratic process and ultimately the people will decide the future.

  I commend this Bill to the House.