The biggest problem with the Seanad is that it has been powerless to inflict change since its inception. Bicameral Parliaments only really work when the upper house can actually, effectively challenge the lower house. It is also best served when a portion, if not a majority of the seats are voted on at the mid-term lifetime of the other house but this wouldn’t work as well in Ireland as the legislative and executive branches of government are one in the same. I’d like to see the Seanad given a real chance to make an impact before it’s turfed out. Given the gargantuan waste that exists in Government Departments, the cost of running the Seanad is only a drop in the ocean by comparison. Scrapping the Seanad is only a side show to deflect from the real money wasters in the political sphere of Ireland.

Sure why not get Jobbridge interns to work as Senators so.

Better yet, keep them paid but just cut ALL politicians’ pay in half. A fairer way, no…? Or is that too much reform for some of them?

Bring on a wealth of knowledge? Do take me laugh, the senate is and always was a retirement home for failed politicians.

“…. a key feature of our democratic system.” Catherine No-one your effing senate, supposedly a failsafe protecting the Irish people from a ravenous, rabid Dail HAS failed. It is quite simply not fit for purpose……. as long as the tribal (party) politics operated in the lower house continues to infiltrate what should be the conscience of Ireland inc.! And as for a volunteer Seanad…….. lady with an idea like that you probably do deserve a seat in Dail!

Voluntary means working for no payroll wage. I am sure they’ll have a large expenses account.

…Working for free is a noble idea but for some of them, by what percentage would their ‘expenses claims’ suddenly be boosted by?

Nice idea in theory but can we honestly see it working in practise? No money – open to corruption *cough* lobbying on behalf of others with quiet given added incentives?

Will be emptier than the Dail.

I am not buying this “popular cost cutting whim”. I do not want the Seanad to be abolished. I like the idea of the elders and non politicians keeping an eye on the lads in the Dáil. No doubt I’ll have more to say on this in the future but that’s all for now.

Stop paying politicians and it becomes a rich man’s game. Seanad

Give it up noone, it’s a waste of time, toothless and influences nothing… time to stop giving these wannabe’s a platform for their own agenda’s..

Thank you auntie dote. I’m constantly harping on about the whip too. Have to keep the Seanad one up. When I hear stuff like this, I say “why”! Always have. My kids do too. Revenge for what I put my mother through. Everything comes home to roost. ;)

I think the idea is great as I suggested it – 3 months ago. I also suggested that it be totally voluntary ie. no expenses, and they contribute to the rent, light , heat, parking etc. just like the local pigeon club and the bridge clubs. Can’t see Fergal Quinn going for that.