How much will Seanad abolition save? Quinn doesn't know, but Hayes says it's €20m

The Labour and Fine Gael ministers had different views on how much would be saved by abolishing the upper house.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxgJTlWAnNw

TWO GOVERNMENT MINISTERS have different views on how much abolishing the Seanad will save.

Education Minister Ruairí Quinn said today that he is “not entirely clear” on how much of a saving would be achieved if the referendum on abolition is passed next month.

By contrast Minister of State at the OPW, Brian Hayes, said that the Houses of the Oireachtas figure was “in the region of €20 million” and said it is a “key part of the campaign”.

Asked if Taoiseach Enda Kenny should debate Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin on the abolition of the Seanad, Hayes said:

The two ministers were speaking at the launch of the Newgrange Children’s Art Competition at St Stephen’s Green in Dublin where Hayes even promised to turn on the sun:

Like politics? Then why not ‘Like’ TheJournal.ie Politics on Facebook to keep up to date with all that’s happening in and outside of Leinster House.

Oireachtas: It’s not possible to estimate how much abolishing Seanad would save

Rumble in Ranelagh: McDowell and Quinn clash over future of Seanad

Read: “I don’t want to embarrass you” – Taoiseach’s excuse for not doing TV debate with Martin

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.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More