A Seanad by-election is to take place next month.
It follows the resignation of Sinn Féin’s Niall Ó Donnghaile last December due to health reasons.
Only TDs and Senators will be eligible to vote to fill the vacancy which is on the Administrative panel.
This afternoon, the Minister for Housing and Local Government, Darragh O’Brien, announced that ballot papers will be issued on 15 April and that the polls will close at 11am on 29 April.
Prior to that, nominations will close on 22 March and the Seanad Returning Officer will sit for the ruling on nominations on 8 April.
Given that the Government holds the majority of seats, it is expected that the successful candidate will be a Government choice and that it will be a Green Party candidate.
In April 2021, Fianna Fáil’s Gerry Horkan and Fine Gael’s Maria Byrne were elected to the Seanad.
