Seanad Glaíteann

Seanad Glaíteann
Type
Type	Upper house
History
Established	1812
Disbanded	2021
Structure
Seats	60
Length of term	5 years
Meeting place
Seanad Chamber Carrowdun Palace, Spálgleann

Seanad Glaíteann (literally "Senate of Caldia") was the upper house of the bicameral Tionól of Caldia from 1857 until 2021. During the bicameral period, the lower house was the Comhthionól Náisiúnta (literally "National Assembly").

It was commonly referred to as the Seanad and its members senators (seanadóirí in Ghaillish, singular: seanadóir). At the time of its abolition, it had 60 members. 26 of its members were directly elected while the rest were chosen through various methods, typically rooted in appointment.

Its powers were more limited compared to those of the Comhthionól. Prior to 1965, the chamber had considerably more power. 50 of its members were directly elected, two representing each county, while the other 10 were appointed through various means. The chamber had less control over legislation due to the status of the Comhthionól, but did have say over the budget. If the two chambers were in disagreement, issues had to be re-addressed through the submission of a new joint proposal. These proposals were facilitated by standing committees consisting of members from both chambers. After 1965, the chamber only had the power to delay laws with which it disagreed. It did not have the authority to veto them outright

Composition

At the time of its abolition, the Seanad had a total of sixty members. Only twenty six were elected, with each county of Caldia electing one senator. Fifteen of the senators were directly appointed by the taoiseach and served at his or her pleasure. First starting in 2008, one third of the taoiseach's appointments were required to come from ethnic and minority backgrounds.The Leader of the Opposition appointed four senators.

The remaining 15 senators were selected from five special constituencies. These constituencies represented agricultural groups, employers' organizations, the six main national universities, trade unions, and religious and cultural organizations. They were required to sit as independents. Each constituency elected three members to the chamber.

Leadership

The chairperson, or presiding member, of Seanad Glaíteann was known as the Cathaoirleach (Ghaillish for "chairperson"). The Cathaoirleach was chosen from among the 26 elected seanadóirí but was expected to observe strict impartiality. Despite this, the government often selected one of its own for the position, if its numbers allowed. Unlike the Ceann Comhairle of the lower house, the Cathaoirleach stood for reelection. The Cathaoirleach also voted as any member of the Seanad would. The last person to serve as Cathaoirleach was Úna Ní Muilleoir, who held the office from 2019 until 2021.