Seanad

Seanad Éireann, commonly referred to as the Seanad, is the upper house of the Oireachtas, the legislature of Ireland. It was established under the 1937 Constitution and is the successor to the Senate of the Irish Free State. Its primary role is to review and revise legislation proposed by Dáil Éireann and to provide a forum for representation of diverse interests and expertise beyond the Dáil. The Seanad can propose amendments, but its powers to block legislation are limited, and money bills are not subject to its veto.

Composition and election: The Seanad has 60 members. Eleven are nominated by the Taoiseach (the Prime Minister). Eleven are elected by graduates of two universities. The remaining 38 seats are elected from five vocational panels—Administrative, Agricultural, Cultural and Educational, Industrial and Commercial, and Labour—by electoral colleges comprising representatives from the Oireachtas and local authorities. This system aims to incorporate sectoral and regional perspectives into the legislative process.

Terms and residence: Senators typically serve five-year terms, aligned with the term of the Dáil, and may be reappointed or re-elected. The Seanad meets in Leinster House, Dublin, and operates alongside Dáil Éireann as part of the Oireachtas.

Powers and responsibilities: The Seanad functions as a revising chamber, scrutinizing legislation, offering expertise, and representing interests not always reflected in the Dáil. While it can delay or amend legislation, it cannot block money bills, and the Dáil can ultimately proceed with legislation in most circumstances. The Seanad also serves as a platform for debate on public policy and national matters.

History and context: Since its establishment in the 1937 Constitution, the Seanad has provided deliberation and oversight alongside the lower house, with its role and methods of selection evolving to reflect Ireland’s political and constitutional landscape.