John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

I was obliged to rush back to obtain my copy of the script. I hope further copies can be circulated to Members.

The report sets out a package of comprehensive recommendations for further consideration and action concerning the composition, functions and future role of Seanad Éireann. Many of these recommendations are radical and far-reaching. The principal recommendations propose that membership of the Seanad be increased from 60 to 65; provision be made for the automatic re-election of the Cathaoirleach; 32 of the 65 senators to be directly elected — 26 of these seats would be filled from a single national constituency under a list-PR system and the other six by election from the reformed higher education constituency, with graduates from all higher education institutes in the State being eligible to register; 20 Senators to be indirectly elected by county and city councillors, Deputies and Senators under the PR-STV system; and 12 senators to be nominated by the Taoiseach. Another of the recommendations is that the Seanad would be renewed on a rolling basis, with direct elections — including in the higher education constituency — taking place every five years on the same day as European and local elections and, similar to current practice, indirect elections to take place and the Taoiseach's nominations to be made, within 90 days after a Dail election.

The recommendations also refer to widening the franchise for the higher education constituency in Seanad Éireann. The current restriction of the Seanad university seats to three elected by graduates of the National University of Ireland and three by Trinity graduates has been acknowledged by all parties as anomalous. The Seventh Amendment of the Constitution Act (Election of Members of Seanad Éireann by Institutions of Higher Education) 1979 permits the extension of the higher education franchise, in a manner to be provided by law, to other institutions of higher education in the State. The 1979 amendment was originally introduced to facilitate the intended break-up of the NUI. However, legislation was not introduced or enacted to give effect to the constitutional amendment because the break-up of the NUI did not subsequently occur.

For the information of Senator Cummins, I understand there is a problem with the photocopier but that copies of my script are being made and will be circulated shortly. I apologise for the delay.