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 in July to suspend the making of a declaration of invalidity until 31 May 2025.

The Government recently approved the drafting of a General Scheme of a Seanad Electoral (University Members) (Amendment) Bill. This General Scheme will set out legislative proposals for extending the franchise to other institutes of higher education in Ireland beyond the National University of Ireland and Trinity, including the details regarding the registration of electors. Work on the drafting of the General Scheme is being advanced in my Department as a matter of priority. Post enactment of amending legislation, practical implementation, including the registration of potentially significant numbers of electors, will require the development of new systems, which will take a period of time.