Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I express our deepest sympathy to the families of Paul, Kenny and Shane Bolger who tragically lost their lives off the Tramore coast. I am sure everybody in the House shares these sentiments. Our thoughts are with their families at this very sad time.

It is reported today that the Government will appoint Judge Elizabeth Dunne to chair the new Referendum Commission in respect of the abolition of the Seanad. This announcement has been made even before the legislation has been passed by the Oireachtas - the Legislature - or before we know the date of the referendum. It seems like the Taoiseach is on a solo run with this initiative. It is fair to say the Labour Party is less than enthusiastic about it. The party Whip, Deputy Emmet Stagg, said the only commitment the Labour Party had given was to hold a referendum to scrap the Seanad. He said "that doesn't tie any Labour person to campaigning for that." He then said, "I think the Seanad should be retained." Deputy Joanna Tuffy has described it as a power grab, while Deputy Michael McCarthy is determined to campaign for a reformed Seanad and is against its abolition. Senator John Whelan will vigorously campaign for the reform and retention of the Seanad. Interestingly, according to Senator John Kelly, the Tánaiste has said the Labour Party can canvass for the retention of the Seanad. It is fair to say the Labour Party's heart is not in the referendum and that it is a sop to the personal commitment given the Taoiseach at a dinner in 2009. It is the ultimate power grab. Will the Tánaiste confirm whether he has told members of his party that they can canvass for the retention of the Seanad? If so, is the Government going ahead with the referendum and is it doing so purely because of a personal commitment given by the Taoiseach? Will the Tánaiste confirm when the referendum will be held? I understand a date in early October has been mooted, but I am sure the Tánaiste will be able to inform the House today about when the Government intends to hold the referendum.

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