Opinion: Our rotting Seanad won’t survive much longer, it's crying out for reform
UCC students Adam Hallissey and Charlie Power argue that the Seanad has become a place for failed TDs to wait for election, and it has the capacity for so much more.
Minister Shane Ross asked for "advance all-clear" on expenses paid to him in €37,000 annual allowance
Minister Sean Canney was also asked to provide more information on €3,258 in “policy formulation” expenses that were spent in a string of restaurants around the country.
Column: Enda, Ireland won't crumble if emigrants are given a voice in elections
Some Irish emigrants can already vote in the election of representatives in Ireland… so long as they have the right degree, of course, write David Burns and Conor O’Neill.
The Government has been burned twice in apparently straightforward attempts to reform the political system due to a misguided, blanket rejection of all politicians by the public, writes Colm Ó Broin.
‘Fannies’, ‘prats’ and ‘clowns’: 10 bizarre moments from the 24th Seanad
From the Justice Minister’s laughing fit, to Jim Walsh’s controversial comments on abortion. Say what you like about the chamber’s effectiveness; so far the current crop of senators have been anything but boring.
Column: Stunt politics and shenanigans in the Seanad
With some in the Seanad behaving like they at auditions for the Muppet Show, before the public gets to vote on its future, senators did little to encourage us to save their bacon, writes Paul Allen.
Oireachtas agenda: Final Dáil vote on abortion legislation
It’s going to be a long evening with the vote on the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill. Who will vote for and against – and potentially lose their party whip?
Oireachtas agenda: Motion for mortgage holders and CAP, oh CAP
Fianna Fáil want limits on how often – and how – financial institutions can contact indebted mortgage holders while CAP reform debate is sure to rile the agricultural community.
Oireachtas agenda: Postcodes and stiff financial regulations
Pat Rabbitte will be shooting the breeze with senators on the sustainability of the postal service and post offices around Ireland. Abortion is still up for debate in committees and will the financial regulator get some teeth?
Oireachtas agenda: Banking inquiry framework and human trafficking
With the Anglo Tapes still in the headlines, all eyes are on the final stage of legislation that might provide the means to hold an inquiry into Ireland’s banking fiasco. There is also the matter of a certain first vote on the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill…