Seanad - the University Constituency

Information

National University of Ireland

The National University of Ireland (NUI) can elect 3 members to the Seanad. The NUI consists of:

• University College Dublin
• University College Cork
• University College Galway and
• The University of Maynooth.

The NUI also awards degrees in a number of other colleges. The graduates of these "recognised colleges" with NUI awards may also vote in the Seanad elections. The recognised colleges are:

• The Royal College of Surgeons
• St. Angela's College of Education, Sligo
• The National College of Art and Design
• Shannon College of Hotel Management and
• The Institute of Public Administration.

There are also formerly recognised colleges. Graduates of these colleges who hold an NUI award may also vote in the Seanad elections. Formerly recognised colleges include:

• St. Patrick's College, Maynooth (now the University of Maynooth)
• Our Lady of Mercy College, Carysfort
• Mary Immaculate College of Education, Limerick (now a college of the University of Limerick)
• St. Patrick's College of Education, Drumcondra (now a college of Dublin City University)
• NIHE, Limerick (now the University of Limerick) and
• Thomond College of Education, Limerick (now part of the University of Limerick).

University of Dublin (Trinity College)

The University of Dublin may also elect 3 members of the Seanad. This means that graduates of Trinity College may vote in the election. There are also a number of other colleges that award University of Dublin degrees, including the Dublin Institute of Technology. Graduates of these colleges who hold a University Of Dublin degree may also vote in the Seanad election.

A Sub-Committee of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges of Seanad Eireann was established to review and make recommendations on the current and future composition and functions of the Seanad in Ireland. In 2004 it produced a Report on Seanad Reform (pdf)including a review of the system of nomination and election.