A group of independent TDs and MEPs say they will campaign for a No vote in the Seanad referendum.

The group says the Seanad should be retained so that it can be reformed and given a meaningful role in scrutinising laws.

It is also criticising the Taoiseach Enda Kenny for deciding not to participate in a live TV debate on the subject.

They say a reformed Seanad could be constructed to substantially improve Oireachtas oversight of proposed EU laws and regulations.

They believe the current Scrutiny Committee on EU Affairs does not deal with the most important steps in the legislative process when bringing EU laws into the Ireland.

They say the power given to the Seanad in the Lisbon Treaty to help prevent the imposition of unacceptable measures from the European Institutions will be lost if it is abolished.

MEP Marian Harkin says the Seanad could have a greater role in European scrutiny.