There is a “legislative stalemate” in the State because of the current political impasse and that arises because of “an unjustified and improper interpretation” of the constitutional provisions, John Rogers SC, for 10 Senators said. The case centres on interpretation of various provisions of the Constitution, particularly Article 18 of the Constitution concerning the composition of the Seanad and election of Senators. This “plainly” mandates the first meeting “shall” take place after the general election and after the election of the Seanad, between March 30th and April 4th. The Constitution itself does not provide for dissolution of a Seanad, an election to the House is merely called under law, he said. Mr Rogers, with Eileen Barrington SC and Hugh McDowell BL, provided the court with a timeline of events since February’s general election.

Source: The Irish Times June 24, 2020 11:48 UTC