Jim O’Callaghan (FF) making very good point on FB that bill to abolish Seanad would delete *in full* Art. 27 of the Constitution.
— Rossa McMahon (@rossamcmahon) June 6, 2013
That goes much further than just abolishing the Seanad & tidying up the constitution.
— Rossa McMahon (@rossamcmahon) June 6, 2013
Article 27 of the constitution allows the President to refer significant bills for referendum when petitioned by Oireachtas members to do so
— Simon McGarr (@Tupp_Ed) June 6, 2013
Two solicitors tweeting their concerns regarding the Seanad referendum.
This changes everything/nothing.
Is there a constitutional expert in the Upper House?
Article 27?
Short version:
Article 27 allows a Seanad majority and 1/3 of the members of the Dail to jointly petition the President to refer a bill to referendum on the basis that the matter is of such national importance that the will of the people should be ascertained.
Long version:
Thanks Legal Coffee Drinker