Submission: Working Group on Seanad Reform

Published: Tuesday, February 03, 2015

Read our submission to the Working Group on Seanad Reform.

Following an open call from the Working Group, NWCI made a submission calling on the Working Group to take the lead on political reform in Ireland and make the Seanad a women-friendly House.  

NWCI called on the Working Group on Seanad Reform to:

"take this opportunity to make robust recommendations for reform of the Seanad primarily, and to consider in making those recommendations the potential for the Seanad to pilot significant reform that could then be rolled out across all functions of the Oireachtas, including elected representatives and staff."

As well as taking into consideration the eleven official reports since 1937 and the very many submissions made during the recent Seanad referendum process, the group is inviting submissions from the public. he principal focus of the working group is on possible reforms of the Seanad Electoral system within the existing constitutional parameters. The Working Group will also explore ways of reforming Seanad Éireann generally and way in which it carries out its business.  All changes being considered must sit within the existing constitutional framework, in accordance with Working Group’s terms of reference.

NWCI's submission to the Working Group is available here.