The new Seanad meets for the first time next week for the appointment of a cathaoirleach and leas-cathaoirleach.
Sixty senators will convene for the first time on September 13th, at 2.30pm, when formal elections to the two positions - chair and deputy chair - will be held.
A number of candidates are interested in the coveted position of cathaoirleach, which will be decided by Fianna Fáil, the majority party in the Upper House.
The perceived frontrunner is Senator Pat Moylan from Offaly, a senator of 10 years standing and a close associate of Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Brian Cowen.
Senators Ann Ormonde and Terry Leyden, a former minister of State, are also among those canvassing for the post which carries a €113,656 salary.
If elected, Dublin-based Ms Ormonde would be the first woman cathaoirleach since Treas Honan in the 1980s.
Senators Jim Walsh from Wexford, Camillus Glynn from Westmeath and Labhrás Ó Murchú from Tipperary are also believed to be contenders.
Senator Donie Cassidy has been appointed as Government leader of the House. Green Party senator Dan Boyle, who lost his Cork South Central Dáil seat in the general election, will be deputy Government leader.
Fianna Fáil, the Greens and the Progressive Democrats hold 33 seats in the 60-member Upper House.
The Fianna Fáil group is expected to meet in advance of the Seanad sitting to decide on its cathaoirleach. The speculation is that outgoing leas-cathaoirleach Fine Gael's Paddy Burke will be reappointed.
