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Seanad vote: Polls open in Republic of Ireland referendums Seanad vote: Voting underway in Republic of Ireland referendums
(about 2 hours later)
Voting in the Senate referendums has begun in the Republic of Ireland, after polls opened at 07:00 BST. Voting is underway in the Republic of Ireland's Senate and Court of Appeal referendums.
The Seanad Éireann (Irish senate) is the upper house of the Irish Parliament and has existed for more than 90 years.The Seanad Éireann (Irish senate) is the upper house of the Irish Parliament and has existed for more than 90 years.
The current Irish government has said it costs too much to run and is no longer necessary in the democratic process.The current Irish government has said it costs too much to run and is no longer necessary in the democratic process.
Opponents want it retained and reformed, saying it plays an essential role in holding governments to account.Opponents want it retained and reformed, saying it plays an essential role in holding governments to account.
Seanad Éireann was established in 1922, just months after the foundation of what was then known as the Irish Free State.Seanad Éireann was established in 1922, just months after the foundation of what was then known as the Irish Free State.
The Seanad's powers and functions were originally modelled on the British House of Lords, providing a bicameral system of government where the upper house scrutinises and amends bills that originate mainly in the lower house.The Seanad's powers and functions were originally modelled on the British House of Lords, providing a bicameral system of government where the upper house scrutinises and amends bills that originate mainly in the lower house.
It cannot block legislation passed by the Dáil (lower house) but it can delay it by up to three months. However, it has not used this power since 1964.It cannot block legislation passed by the Dáil (lower house) but it can delay it by up to three months. However, it has not used this power since 1964.
More than three million people are eligible to vote on whether or not to abolish the Seanad.More than three million people are eligible to vote on whether or not to abolish the Seanad.
They will also be voting on whether or not to establish a Court of Appeal and other changes to the courts system. They will also be voting on whether or not to establish a Court of Appeal and other changes to the courts system.
More than 6,000 polling stations across the Irish Republic will remain open until 22:00 BST on Friday.More than 6,000 polling stations across the Irish Republic will remain open until 22:00 BST on Friday.
A spokesman for the Department of the Environment warned on Thursday that writing on ballot papers could jeopardise votes as returning officers could deem them spoiled.A spokesman for the Department of the Environment warned on Thursday that writing on ballot papers could jeopardise votes as returning officers could deem them spoiled.