Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 264: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans for the reform of Seanad Éireann; if he will confirm if these proposals will allow graduates of the Institute of Technology Tallaght. [32767/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The Report on Seanad Reform by the Seanad Sub-Committee on Seanad Reform, published in April 2004, sets out comprehensive recommendations for further consideration and action concerning the composition, functions and future role of Seanad Éireann. The Report recommends significant reform of the Seanad electoral system, including the introduction of a 6 seat, directly elected higher education constituency to include all graduates of institutions of higher education in the State holding a primary degree or an equivalent award at level 7 in the National Framework of Qualifications.

The Government's Programme contains a commitment to determine the extent of cross-party agreement on the recommendations of the 2004 Report to advance proposals for implementation. This would include consideration of the widening of the franchise for the higher education constituency in Seanad Éireann.

I consider that Seanad reform should be advanced on the basis of an All-Party, consensus approach, insofar as possible and will write to the party leaders soon, asking for their nominations to an All-Party Group. I believe that reform should focus initially on the area of widening the third level franchise.