Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Thursday, 10 October 2013

Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs

The Oireachtas and the European Union: Discussion

2:50 pm

Photo of Catherine NooneCatherine Noone (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Through the Chair, I wish to make the point that localism and the avoidance of it was probably one of the reasons the Seanad was established in the first place. The original intention was that it would be a different type of House from the other House, which is the whole point. Deputy Byrne makes the point that it is undemocratic but by doing so he is making the point for me that the Seanad could be a place where EU legislation is debated, because localism is something that does not exist in the Seanad, as opposed to the Dáil. I am making my point in a very convoluted way but it highlights why the House was instituted in the first place. EU scrutiny would be an ideal role for the House, now that we have a mandate. It is one of the more democratic mandates the Seanad has had. I certainly agree with Deputy Byrne; I would have no problem with a change in the Seanad electoral system and it could be very effective.

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