THE SEANAD IS EXPECTED to see out its current term in office, even if a referendum determines in the meantime that the House should be abolished.

A government spokesperson told TheJournal.ie today that the issue involves a lengthy process which includes much legal advice and a referendum, but the expectation is that it will see out its current term.

An election to appoint senators to the Seanad must take place within 90 days of the dissolution of the Dáil and the latest elections saw Fine Gael emerge as the party with most seats.

John Drennan writes in the Sunday Independent today that a referendum seems unlikely to occur until at least the third year of the coalition government’s term. A referendum on the abolition of the Seanad is listed among the government’s priorities in its Programme for Government.

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Seanad expected to see out term despite referendum

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.