Written answers
Tuesday, 14 November 2023
Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government
Constitutional Amendments
Neasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party)
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241. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will outline his plans to engage with relevant stakeholders in drafting of legislation in respect of the recent Supreme Court ruling regarding the seventh amendment to the Constitution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49388/23]
Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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The Seanad Electoral (University Members) Act 1937 sets out the current legislative provisions governing the election of university senators to Seanad Éireann. In a recent judgment the Supreme Court determined that sections 6 and 7 of that Act, which provide for the election of members of the Seanad by certain university graduates, are unconstitutional because they are not consistent with Article 18.4.2 of the Constitution. The Supreme Court issued a judgment to suspend the making of a declaration of invalidity until 31 May 2025.
In order to respond fully to the Supreme Court judgment, my Department is currently considering the judgment and I expect to bring proposals to Government shortly. The approach to consultation will be made within the context of this work which is being progressed as a matter of priority in my Department.
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