Tag Archives: Ask A Broadsheet Reader

Seanad Eireann

Anon writes:

There are growing calls for all NUI graduates who have not registered for the Seanad elections to do so. Here’s the thing. I am a graduate of NUI – they awarded me a diploma (in absentia) and sent a very impressive conferring parchment by post.

The Constitution provides for Seanad seats to be elected by the graduates of NUI in a dedicated constituency.

It is silent as to whether the franchise is restricted to graduates awarded primary degrees, nor does it appear to mention recipients of postgrad awards. The NUI registration process however, requires the applicant to specify the details of the primary degree awarded.

This appears to be custom & practice within NUI rather than a stipulation mandated in the underlying legislation. Are there any constitutional lawyers in the house?

Anyone?

UPDATE:

Anon adds:

Answering my own question: 7.—(1) Every person who is a citizen of Ireland and has received a degree (other than an honorary degree) in the National University of Ireland and has attained the age of twenty-one years shall be entitled to be registered as an elector in the register of electors for the National University constituency. [Seanad Electoral (University Members) Act, 1937] Oh, well.

Fight!

Dublin Decoded Tours writes:

Look at that plastic tat on this gorgeous old building. Can we have some basic rules please?

Anyone?

Last night.

Via Boards.ie

The Department of Social Protection is using dirty tactics to cut people off Disability Allowance by sending letters dated up to two weeks previous with a 21 day deadline to have them returned and despite recorded deliveries of return later claim they never received it. Instantly suspend and then reinstate claiming it was found.

Take a look at the above for a person I recently helped with this. Who received another letter this morning. There’s no mention either of withdrawal of disability allowance in the first letter. First letter received 27th of November and second on the 16th of December. By the looks of the letter too (barcoded) they appear to be randomly generated.

Anyone?

Disability Allowance (Boards.ie)

Thanks CC

Where is everyone?

Anyone?

Jack Jones writes:

Got a Public Services Card today and there is no longer a chip on it. The Text from the accompanying letter includes the following: ‘ This card does not contain your data electronically on a chip but data is contained in the magnetic strip on the back of the card….’

I am wondering does the change relate to the findings of the DPC [Data Protection Commission]?

Anyone?

Master of the High Court Ed Honohan

Orla writes:

Why is the mainstream media making a big deal about [Master of the High Court] Ed Honohan breaking internal windows in the courts (for ventilation).

This nothing story (not even novel on a whimsical level) made the front page of the Sunday Times and large parts of Mr Honohan’s interview with Sean O’Rourke [RTE Radio 1] this morning was taken up with it…SOR also seemed to take a swipe at him for [Honohan] involving himself in helping draw up a bill for[FF TD]  John McGuinness in regards to housing…

Am I missing something else here or is this story simply payback for Mr Honohan’s support for housing activists both inside and outside the courts? Pretty sad if this is all they have on him.

Master of High Court defends breaking courtroom windows (RTÉ)

One of the 34 deer culled in the Phoenix Park this this afternoon. The Office of Public Works says it needs to keep numbers of the animals down to “lower the risk of disease and road accidents in the park”. The animals were sold to a game dealer “approved by the Department of Agriculture”.

Anyone?

Deer cull takes place in Phoenix Park (BreakingNews)