Seanad Éireann comprises 60 Members, who are elected to five vocational panels, from two university constituencies or nominated by the Taoiseach.
Preliminary procedures
The Clerk of the Seanad, Mr. Martin Groves, oversaw the completion of preliminary procedures:
- 1,164 covering envelopes were returned
- 7 covering envelopes had not affixed to them the label provided for by Rule 8 of the First Schedule, and in accordance with Rule 14(b)(ii) were rejected
- 1 covering envelope had not affixed to it the label provided for by Rule 8 of the First Schedule bearing a certificate duly completed by an authorised person, and so was rejected
- 6 declarations of identity were not duly completed, and and in accordance with Rule 14(b)(ii) were rejected
Who nominates candidates for election to the vocational panels?
Each vocational panel comprises two sub-panels. A certain minimum number of members must be elected for each sub-panel.
- Nominating bodies sub-panel Each nominating body registered in respect of a panel may nominate a fixed number of candidates for that panel.
- Oireachtas sub-panel Any four members of the newly elected Dáil or outgoing Seanad may nominate one candidate for any panel but each member may join in only one nomination.
About the Seanad panels and constituencies
- Cultural and educational panel - 5 members
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The cultural and educational panel includes people having knowledge and practical experience of the following interests and services, namely, the national language and culture, literature, art, education and such professional interests. The professional interests for the purposes of the cultural and educational panel are hereby defined as
(a) law, and
(b) medicine, including surgery, dentistry, veterinary medicine and pharmaceutical chemistry.
- Agricultural panel - 11 members
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The agricultural panel includes people having knowledge and practical experience of the following interests and services, namely, agriculture and allied interests and fisheries.
- Labour panel - 11 members
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The labour panel includes people having knowledge and practical experience of the following interests and services, namely, labour, whether organised or unorganised.
- Industrial and commercial panel - 9 members
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The industrial and commercial panel includes people having knowledge and practical experience of the following interests and services, namely, industry and commerce, including banking, finance, accountancy, engineering, and architecture.
- Administrative panel - 7 members
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The administrative panel includes people having knowledge and practical experience of the following interests and services, namely, public administration and social services, including voluntary social activities.
- National University of Ireland (NUI) - 3 members
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The graduates of the National University of Ireland elect three Members to the Seanad.
The Seanad Returning Officer has no remit in the NUI Seanad elections, but we endeavour to publish the count results from the university.
To find out more about the NUI constituency elections, visit the NUI website.
- University of Dublin, Trinity College - 3 members
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The graduates of the University of Dublin, Trinity College, elect three Members to the Seanad.
The Seanad Returning Officer has no remit in the University of Dublin Seanad elections, but we endeavour to publish the count results from the university.
To find out more about the University of Dublin constituency elections, visit the Trinity College website.
- Taoiseach's nominees - 11 members
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The incoming Taoiseach nominates 11 members to the Seanad.
Information on transparency and data protection aspects of panel member nominations and candidates are available on our transparency pages.
For information about the election of Members by the two university constituencies, visit the National University of Ireland website and the University of Dublin website.
Important dates in electing the Twenty-seventh Seanad
| 18 December 2024, 12.00 | Deadline for proposals for nominations to the vocational panels by nominating bodies |
| 31 December 2024, 12.00 | Deadline for proposals for nominations to the vocational panels by Members of the Oireachtas |
| 8 January 2025 | The Seanad Returning Officer completed the panels of candidates |
| 15 January 2025 | Ballot papers for the election of the vocational panels issued |
| 30 January 2025, 11.00 | Polling for the vocational panels closed |
The count began shortly after polling closed. |
Contact Details
Seanad Office
Leinster House
Kildare Street
D02 XR20