Seanad Éireann

Ms O’Rourke was deputy leader of party between 1994 and 2002 and became Seanad leader afterwards

Former taoiseach says people could first vote on the idea in principle before getting a subsequent confirmatory vote on a proposed new constitution

Six senators to be elected in future by all graduates of higher education institutions - but not until 2030

The Seanad member survived gun shots, a kidnapping and the burning down of his ancestral home at Marlfield

Social media posts including death threats were made in the hours before attacks and are being investigated

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

Byelection for the vacant TCD seat would likely cost more than €500,000

With reform repeatedly promised and not delivered, the only way to fix the lack of Seanad reform it is at the next Dáil election

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

Fianna Fáil senator was only woman to hold position in the history of the State