The public could be given the right to elect more than half of the Seanad, under new plans revealed this morning.
A working group on reforming the upper house wants to allow the election of 36 senators of the 60 senators by popular vote, with every citizen getting a vote - including emigrants.
The group has designed a system where ballot papers can be downloaded and posted back to Ireland without any risk of voter fraud.
It is now due to publish a bill giving effect to their proposals, which will be published in the coming weeks. A referendum would not be needed.
Up to 800,000 Irish people living abroad could be allowed to vote in Seanad elections under the new reform proposals. It is also stated that Northern Ireland residents would get Senate votes.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny called the the Report of the Working Group on Seanad Reform ‘innovative and radical’.
However, it is thought unlikely the changes can be implemented in time for the next Seanad elections.
Dr Maurice Manning, Chancellor of the National University of Ireland and former Leader of Seanad Éireann, was chairperson of the working group. He spoke to Newstalk Lunchtime about the recommendations.
He discussed issues including the proposed postal voting system, and what is likely to happen next now that the recommendations have been made. You can listen back below:
Originally published at 11.21am
