22/06/2011

Cathaoirleach Welcomes Changes To Seanad

Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann, Senator Paddy Burke today welcomed the changes which have been made by sessional order to procedures in Seanad Éireann. These include an extra matter on the Adjournment of the House which will bring the number of matters taken from 3 to 4; an amendment to Standing Order 45 which will allow more Senators to contribute and participate in Private Members Motions and finally the allocation of speaking slots to Sinn Féin.

Commenting on the changes Senator Burke said: “When I was elected Cathaoirleach, I said that the Seanad has an important role to play in Irish politics and I was keen that the 24th Seanad would form an effective and relevant part of the Oireachtas alongside Dáil Éireann and the Oireachtas Committees. But for the Seanad to be as effective as possible, its administration must also be modernised. On that basis, I very much welcome these changes which I hope are the first steps towards achieving that effectiveness.”

(BMcN)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

21 March 2024
PSNI Welcomes CJINI Inspection Report
The PSNI has welcomed the publication of the Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJINI) inspection report and said that it accepts all of the recommendations that relate to the Police Service.
17 April 2014
Statement By Taoiseach On Seanad Éireann Approval Of Draft Bill
Taoiseach Enda Kenny has published a statement on the Seanad Éireann approval of the draft Commission of Investigation (Certain Matters relative to An Garda Síochána and other persons) Order 2014, The Taoiseach's order reads: At its meeting on 25 March, the Government considered very serious matters relating to An Garda Síochána.
02 June 2011
Senator O’Donovan Elected Leas Chathaoirleach Of 24th Seanad
Senator Denis O’Donovan has been elected unopposed to the position of Leas-Chathaoirleach of the 24th Seanad. Commenting on the election, Senator O’Donovan said: “It is a huge privilege for me to have been elected to the position of Leas-Chathaoirleach.
26 May 2011
Senator Paddy Burke Elected Cathaoirleach To 24th Seanad
Senator Paddy Burke has been elected unopposed to the position of Cathaoirleach of the 24th Seanad. He assumes the position from outgoing Senator, Pat Moylan.
26 July 2013
Referendum To Be Held On Seanad Abolition
A referendum is to be held on October 4 over the proposal to abolish the Seanad. Sinn Féin has come out in favour of a yes vote in the debate.