2. Warm –up – pens, paper, journal, books,
• (note) Seanad Eireann is located in Leinster House and features
debates and discussions of issues which affect the country.
• (Write an Answer) Senators often get angry when arguing issues
such as human rights, freedoms and protections. Before that
though, name something you yourself might get angry about?
Homework: Check Blue Book page 134
(Note) Skills: Exploring options and managing information.
(note) Objectives
1. Understand how the Seanad is formed
2. Be able to explain what a senator does.
(Note Heading:) Democracy 13 Date:
3. We’re going to read the bottom of page 194 and then
page 195 which explain how the Seanad is formed.
(Basically, the people we elect choose them).
You’ll take some notes along the way.
We’ll watch a couple short clips from the Seanad and
you will try to link the clip to the issue you write down.
I want you to write and share your opinion on whether
the Seanad is a good idea or not at the end. It is almost
shut down now and then because some people don’t like
it.
Plan for today
4. Start reading from the bottom of page 194, marked ‘Seanad
Eireann’. Take down the notes after the reading.
(note) The are 60 senators in the Seanad, who are expected to
be experts and knowledgeable people.
(note) 43 are chosen by TD’s and Councilors who we have
elected.
(note) 6 senators are elected by university graduates.
(note) 11 are chosen by the Taoiseach.
(Think:) Is the ability to be good at public speaking something
important to you? Would you trust someone without it?
Page 194-195 reading and writing notes
5. You will be shown several youtube clips of Senator David Norris
debating issues. Your task is to connect the video with the issue
below. Copy the table below before we start.
https://youtu.be/7lCpzQ5FJ-I - A
https://youtu.be/KUVWhc9RbLo - C
https://youtu.be/tbT5jh8GbjM - B
Task
Issue Video a,b or c
• We can’t tolerate bigots
• Our capital city is a kip which needs managing
• The Troubles in Northern Ireland need
attention.
6. After all of that, write a short answer to the following
question. Do we need the Seanad in your opinion? Is
it important that people argue and discuss issues like
what we have seen today?
If you have any questions on the Christmas report,
please share them as well.
Cooldown
