Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I signalled the amendments on Second Stage. They provide for the inclusion of the Local Authority Members Association in the register of nominating bodies for Seanad panel member elections in the same way as the Bill for provides for the Association of Irish Local Government to be included. The amendments will give equal recognition to the two local government representative bodies for the purposes of making nominations to the administrative panel for Seanad elections. The overall effect of the amended section 2 will be to replace the references to the Irish County Councils General Council and the Association of Municipal Authorities of Ireland in sections 8, 27 and 58A of the Seanad Electoral (University Members) Act 1937 with reference to the Association of Irish Local Government and the Local Authority Members Association. No increase in the number of nominations to the administrative panel will arise from the changes. No changes are being made to the electorate for Seanad panel member elections.