The Government’s proposed referendum on the abolition of Seanad Éireann now appears unlikely to be held this year because of problems with timing.
Senior sources in Government have expressed doubts that there will be sufficient time to hold the Seanad vote, given the commitment to prior referendums on the European Stability Treaty and on children’s rights.
The European referendum is expected to take place before the summer recess, and the children’s referendum is likely to be held in early autumn.
With so many references to the Seanad in the Constitution, preparing legislation for its abolition is a lengthy and complex process.
Given the imminence of the European and children’s referendums, among other matters, a Government source said there was “not much spare capacity in the Attorney General’s office” at the moment.
The issue of Seanad abolition has never been a priority for the Labour Party, and a source in the smaller Coalition party said last night: “Our colleagues in Government are more exercised about it.”
Meanwhile, Sinn Féin said in a statement that the issue of Seanad abolition should be debated by the Constitutional Convention which is due to be established shortly.
“Clearly political reform should not happen on a whim, and requires the utmost consideration and discussion. It is in that context that we strongly urge the Government to allow this issue to be debated by the Constitutional Convention.”
