Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Independent)
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150. To ask the Taoiseach if he has considered the report of the working group on Seanad reform 2015 which was published by his Department on 13 April 2015; the steps he will take to implement its findings and recommendations; if any legislation to reform Seanad Éireann is planned during the lifetime of the current Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26091/15]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Report of the Working Group on Seanad Reform was published on 13 April last. The associated draft Bill prepared for the Group, with an explanatory memorandum, was published on my Department's website on 14 May.

I issued a statement at the time of publication of the Report in which I welcomed the Report, describing it as innovative and radical, and containing some far-reaching recommendations about the way members are elected to the Seanad and on how the Seanad should perform its functions. I indicated that there needed to be a public and political discussion and consultation on the Report and said that I intended to meet opposition party leaders to discuss its contents. I hope that this meeting will take place shortly.

I also requested the Working Group to make a presentation to the Oireachtas Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht, and to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges of the Seanad. On 5 May, statements on the Report were made in Seanad Éireann with the Chair of the Working Group and former Senator Joe O'Toole, a member of the Group, in attendance.

The Report itself recommends that the commencement date for the new arrangements be immediately following the next Seanad General Election.