Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

These are constructive proposals that any task force should consider. It might also be worth considering, in accordance with Article 19 of the Constitution, reservation of one panel for election by councillors to preserve existing links with local government. We should also see provision made for gender balance on the panels.

Third, we might look at the timing of the Seanad election. Clearly, Article 18 sets certain parameters for that but there is no reason why Seanad elections could not be held much closer to Dáil elections to try to break that somewhat inevitable link - I speak as a failed Dáil candidate myself - between Dáil and Seanad elections.

Finally, we need to see legislative change in terms of the functions and work of the Seanad and other colleagues have referred to that already. Some of this can be done through our own internal procedures but we should also be given powers to scrutinise EU legislation, as has been suggested, as well as statutory instruments and high-level appointments. Changes such as these would enhance transparency in our democratic process and provide for greater accountability. In the longer term, we should be prioritising the core constitutional function of the Seanad, as per Article 20 of the Constitution, to initiate and amend legislation. There would be merit in adopting a trimmed-down version of the Seanad, with 60 Senators elected in a more democratic way, paid much less and with greatly reduced sitting times, whose key function would be the scrutiny of legislation. In the shorter term, we need to move towards making better use of our existing resources and ensuring that Senators are given the sort of high-level tasks that I and other colleagues have set out.

The task force we have recommended should report speedily with proposals for legislation, with some despatch or even some wallop.