Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Some words and expressions will probably be reflected in all of the speeches made today. We will hear words and expressions such as "inclusive", "not being exclusive", "expanding the franchise and making it more representative", as well as "reform", "improve" and "make better". In all of the speeches made on the motion today Members will be talking in these terms.

This time last year the people voted in a referendum on the abolition of the Seanad. Many of us sought a third option - root and branch reform - but the Government rejected this and only allowed a "Yes" or "No" response to abolition. The people have spoken clearly on the matter and a clear majority voted in favour of retaining the Seanad, but a significant demand for reform was obvious. Subsequently, the Taoiseach and other leaders in the country spoke in a way that reflected this demand.

It is no reflection on the current Members of the Seanad to say it is clear that the Seanad in its current form is elitist, undemocratic and unacceptable as an institution. It seeks to emulate the role of the equally elitist House of Lords in Britain. This was clearly seen in the latest Seanad election, in which the only people who had a vote were Members of the Oireachtas. This followed the recent controversy of a Member being elected to the European Parliament. This is sending the wrong message. Irish people are angry with politicians and the political system. Many believe their voice is not adequately heard or represented in these Houses and this reflects on all of us. Who could blame them, when 60 Members of one of the Houses are elected only by politicians, certain university graduates or else nominated directly by the Taoiseach?

The Government needs to engage immediately with all parties and groups within the Oireachtas, as well as broader civil society, to consider how best to reform the Seanad to ensure it will become a fully inclusive, representative and accountable institution. Power needs to be given back to the people by establishing direct elections. This is a chance for the Parliament to truly reflect Irish society and its interests. There should be permanent representation for Northern and Diaspora citizens. The Government pays lip service to reform and is refusing to live up to its responsibility under the Constitutional Convention, a matter to which my colleague has adverted. It made public its response to the convention which had voted in favour of extending presidential election voting rights to Northern citizens and the Diaspora. Citizens living overseas and in the North can vote for Seanad Members but only if they have graduated from one of the National University of Ireland colleges or Trinity College Dublin. Not only do we discriminate against citizens on the basis of whether they have a third level education but the same applies to the Diaspora. Proactive and positive measures could be introduced to ensure 50% of Members were women and that marginalised and minority groups within Irish society would have permanent representation.

It has been one year since the referendum and the people have spoken. Now we have an opportunity to ensure the Seanad will be a more inclusive place and more reflective and truly representative of Irish society. It could be a place where the excesses of government could be tackled and unjust or regressive legislation scrutinised and challenged. The longer this is delayed, the deeper the political mistrust and political apathy will be. We can all agree that this is something none of us wants to see. In recent elections we have seen a drop in turnout. Recently in Dublin South-West in one polling station there was a turnout of 20%. The people are sending a message not only to the political parties but also to the political system. They are dissatisfied. One could suggest it was only a by-election and that people had far more important things to do, but the trend is moving in that direction, which is a reflection on all of us. This House and the Seanad need to reflect more fully the concerns of Irish society. The Sinn Féin motion is putting forward the view that opening up the franchise and being more representative and inclusive should help to stop that trend. I hope it would work. I also hope the Government is listening to this debate and that we will see some reform and change coming down the path.

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