Senator Higgins, Senator Lynn Ruane and Senator Frances Black wrote to the Taoiseach to affirm their position that the Seanad should be allowed to sit. They agreed with the analysis of the Constitution put forward by Senators Bacik, McDowell and others and believe that the 26th Seanad can indeed convene prior to the appointment of the Taoiseach’s eleven nominees and that the 49 members who have been elected should be allowed to express their mandate.
Moreover, they noted that the Dáil has been meeting for a number of weeks now to engage with non-legislative parliamentary work including scrutiny and oversight of public policy and that the Seanad should also have the opportunity to engage in such scrutiny.
They believe that as an absolute minimum, a date must be set for a sitting of the Seanad for the purpose of selecting a Cathoirleach and re-establishing a committee to order the business of the house.
Today, Senator Alice Mary Higgins joined Senator Ivana Bacik and Ceann Comhairle, Seán O’Fearghail TD to formally launch the Houses of the Oireachtas’ programme to mark the centenary of Irish women being granted the right to vote and run in parliamentary elections.
Today, Senator Alice-Mary Higgins launched her new 'Quality in Public Procurement' legislation.
Ireland spends billions each year on public contracts for goods, services and works. The aim of the Bill is to deliver better outcomes from that spending by strengthening the role of quality in the procurement process.