Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have answered this question previously for the Deputy. I cannot give him a specific date in regard to publication of that Bill. It is included in the legislative programme for this year, under legislation relating to the Department of Health. Work in respect of the drafting of the proposals for primary legislation is well advanced but it has not yet come to Government.

The Education (Admission to Schools) Bill was published on 8 April. No date for the taking of that legislation in the House has yet been agreed. It is a matter for the Whips to agree on a time for debate of that Bill in the Dáil. I noted the comments of the Minister at the recent teachers' meetings on this matter.

The by-election for Carlow-Kilkenny will take place on 22 May, the writ for which will be moved by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in good time to allow for an enthusiastic, vibrant and energetic campaign in that regard. That will happen in the near future.

In regard to the Seanad working group, this group was tasked by me to work under the chairmanship of former Seanad Leader, Maurice Manning. The group comprises members nominated by party leaders to represent their parties. The people made their decision in respect of the retention of the Seanad. The terms of reference of the group include an examination of the electoral system and the work programme that might be possible for the Seanad, but within constitutional parameters so as not to require a further referendum. The people decided, albeit by a narrow majority, to retain the Seanad. The question of the number of Members to be appointed to the Seanad by the Taoiseach of the day is enshrined in the Constitution. As such, no change in that regard can be made without a referendum. The group was asked to work within the constitutional parameters. The report presented by the group to me, and to everybody else, is radical, innovative and exciting in the sense of what could be achieved in respect of Seanad Éireann. I hope to meet with the party leaders on the matter. The group is due to appear before an Oireachtas committee shortly to give a presentation on its work and propositions. I understand it will also make a presentation on its report to the Seanad in the next fortnight or in the very near future. The potential work programme outlined by the group is also very interesting.

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