News & Statements

Foreign Affairs Update: Syria 16th January 2013

To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which it is intended to use Ireland's influence in the course of its Presidency of the EU to positively influence the situation in Syria...

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.

32nd Amendment of the Constitution (Abolition of Seanad Eireann) 2013

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes, for his presence. The proposed 32nd amendment to the Constitution provides the opportunity for the people to have their say on this debate. Given the current Government's commitment to have this discussion and this referendum in 2009, followed by its inclusion in the election manifesto of a number of parties, I see no difficulty in putting this question to the people to ascertain what the response will be.