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graduate votes

Broad reform needed to make Seanad 'fit for modern Ireland', says Coveney

The Agriculture Minister welcomed reports that voting rights are to be extended to more graduates, but believes more ‘fundamental’ reform is needed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wguttRfA85k

BROADER SEANAD REFORM is needed than extending voting rights to all university graduates, Simon Coveney has said.

Speaking on his way into the cabinet’s weekly meeting, the Minister said that while this first step towards reform must be made, more “fundamental reform” is required.

However, this would require another referendum.

The Agriculture Minister was responding to a report in today’s Irish Times which said the government is considering legislation which would give graduates of all third level institutions a vote in Seanad elections .

“We do need to look at ways in which we can bring meaningful reform so we can modernise the Seanad and make it fit for purpose for modern Ireland”, he said, “rather than for an Ireland that it was set up for”.

Read: The Seanad sat for just two days this week… again >

More: ‘I come in peace, not in war’ Taoiseachtells the Seanad >

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