Our party whip system is too severe. Politicians should be able to vote with their conscience
British and American systems do not quake at the thought of governments losing votes via their supporters who disagree with the majority
British and American systems do not quake at the thought of governments losing votes via their supporters who disagree with the majority
One of the biggest pieces of legislation in the history of the State is intended to speed up housing supply and will allow for restructuring of An Bord Pleanála
Minister for Justice says new procedure ‘just and fair’ in process used less than 10 times since 1956
Two Fianna Fáil, one Fine Gael and two Independent representatives spending five days in country
With reform repeatedly promised and not delivered, the only way to fix the lack of Seanad reform it is at the next Dáil election
Byelection for the vacant TCD seat would likely cost more than €500,000
Senator describes 747-page Bill as ‘telephone directory’ and a ‘massive supertanker coming to dock in a very small port’
Labour Senator warns of ‘fundamental flaw’ as Upper House debates third largest Bill in history of State
Rebel backbencher Neasa Hourigan loses out on position in narrow vote
Opposition sees sign of autumn election as Coalition moves to have legislation passed on planning, and designating the UK as a safe third country
Taoiseach spoke as he marked the appointment of Nikki Bradley to the Seanad in place of Regina Doherty
Nikki Bradley, a cancer survivor, is a motivational speaker who works with disability organisations
McEntee says there is right to peaceful protest but protests outside homes ‘has moved into a more sinister and worrying route’
Funds not used in intended manner and waiting lists remain ‘unacceptably long’, says Minister for Health
John McGahon being sued by man who says member of Seanad ‘rained’ punches to his head as he lay on the ground
Stephen Donnelly accuses Rónán Mullen of ‘obsession’ with controlling women’s sexuality, while Mullen claims Donnelly may be ‘worst minister we have ever had’
Fine Gael Senator says far too many attacks on people because of sexuality by those who ‘do not accept’ equality
Former president Mary Robinson warns of climate change ‘tipping point’ that will make world unlivable for future generations
Animal breeders, Defence Forces personnel and foreign government official based in Ireland involved, claims Labour Senator
Seanad is told reforms recommended 18 months ago including overhaul of St John Ambulance hierarchical structure still not in place
Fianna Fáil Senator warns of ‘unintended consequences’ for broadcasters in light of ‘gambling advertising watershed’ between 5.30pm and 9pm
Some 20% of Irish people report feeling lonely most or all the time compared to European average of 13%
Use of items like Apple AirTags in British abuse cases rose by 317% in past five years with little to suggest statistics would be different in Ireland, Senator says
Senator and Traveller Eileen Flynn calls for greater supports for Travellers and other minorities facing discrimination and ill-treatment
Sharon Keoghan has raised nearly €25,000 through a GoFundMe page to fund posters opposing the proposals
Inside Politics: Supreme Court ruling will see legislation introduced to extend widows’ and widowers’ pensions to surviving partners in non-marital families
Former justice minister says courts have already ruled children of unmarried parents cannot be discriminated against by State
Veteran gay rights campaigner (79), retiring after 36 years in Leinster House, used last speaking opportunity to call for peace
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald says party colleague spent almost eight years ‘giving voice to northern nationalists in the Oireachtas’
Known for her ‘old-school blunt and direct analysis of the state of the nation’, her love of people and as a role model for younger female politicians
Survey finds two-thirds of Protestants feel ‘not at all’ European, unlike many southerners
Spokesman for Helen McEntee indicates the controversial Bill will not be considered until the new year
Cathaoirleach of the Seanad Jerry Buttimer believes there is a ‘conflict of interest with RTÉ’
Fears expressed that member of the Houses of the Oireachtas will be attacked by far right group
Crosswords & puzzles to keep you challenged and entertained
How does a post-Brexit world shape the identity and relationship of these islands
Inquests into the nightclub fire that led to the deaths of 48 people
Weddings, Births, Deaths and other family notices