Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I raise the issue of Seanad reform and the proposed relocation of the Seanad Chamber. According to reports in the media today, the former director of the National Museum of Ireland, Dr. Pat Wallace, spoke about the relocation of the Seanad and asked the when, where and what involved in the process. The relocation of the Seanad arose before I became a Senator and new Senators' knowledge of the proposed relocation is limited. Where is it proposed that we will go? The National Museum of Ireland building on Kildare Street is one of the locations mentioned but we have no idea when the relocation will take place. The Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works should come to the House and outline precisely what his proposals are for the Seanad once the redevelopment project commences, including timeframes and costings. The media are reporting the project will cost €1.5 million. If such a sum needs to be spent, so be it but we need to know the details involved.

Not all Senators are based in Dublin. I am from Cork and I am not aware of any legislative provision that would prevent the Seanad relocating to Cork, Galway, Belfast or elsewhere for a week.