Former Fine Gael TD and senator Maurice Manning has urged “real and sustainable reform” of the Seanad, and called on the Government to demonstrate more commitment on the issue.

Dr Manning, a former leader of the Seanad, said real reform could be undertaken without another constitutional referendum.

Speaking at a conference on bicameralism (two legislative chambers) organised by the Royal Irish Academy in Dublin, he said the current arrangements for electing 43 of the 60 members of the Seanad could be changed by law.

“The potential for real change in determining the composition of the Seanad is available. I am not sure it will appeal to too many current Senators but with imagination it is a real starting point.”

He said there was nothing to prevent vocational bodies nominating members directly to the Upper House if that was seen as a genuine component of reform. “If there is to be reform, and I hope there is, there is one certainty, the Seanad will not get more power. Nor should it. An indirectly- elected and partly nominated house should never be in a position to obstruct the directly- elected parliament.”

Dr Manning, who is chancellor of the National University of Ireland, said it was not a question of power but of function and relevance.

“There are many ways in which a reformed Seanad could be made more influential, could add value to all aspects of parliamentary life, bring citizens and citizens’ groups closer to parliament, provide space for reflective and forward thinking, and much, much more.”

He said if this was to happen it would need more openness and commitment from Government and the political parties than had been seen. “Seanad Éireann has always had many good people among its members. Today’s Seanad is among the best in its history.

“But at the risk of repetition . . . without the support of Government nothing much will happen.”