SEANAD ÉIREANN has 60 members. Eleven are appointed by the Taoiseach. Six are elected by universities – three by graduates of NUI colleges and three by graduates of Dublin University (Trinity College). Graduates of other Irish universities are not currently eligible to vote in the Seanad election.
The remaining 43 Senators are elected to five vocational panels by members of the incoming Dáil, outgoing Seanad, and city and county councillors, an electorate of about 1,000. Potential candidates can seek a nomination to the vocational panels from Oireachtas members. They require four TDs and/or Senators for this. These are known as “inside” candidates. They can also seek nomination from bodies linked to the vocational interests of the panels. If they choose this route they are “outside” candidates.
The five vocational panels are:
1. Cultural and Educational:national language and culture, literature, art, education, law and medicine (there are 32 linked organisations including Conradh na Gaeilge, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, INTO, ASTI, Law Society of Ireland, Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland, Royal Irish Academy of Music, Irish Playwrights and Screenwriters Guild).
2. Agricultural:Agriculture and fisheries and linked interests (11 organisations including The Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association, The Dairy Executives Association, Royal Dublin Society).
3. Labour:Described as Labour, whether organised or unorganised (two bodies - Irish Congress of Trade Unions and The Irish Conference of Professional and Service Associations).
4. Industrial and Commercial:linked to industry and commerce, including banking, finance, accountancy, engineering and architecture (42 bodies including the Construction Industry Federation, The Society of the Irish Motor Industry, Irish Hotels Federation, Irish Exporters Association, Licensed Vintners Association, National Off-Licence Association and Institute of Bankers in Ireland)
5. Administrative:public administration and social services, including voluntary activity (14 bodies including Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Central Remedial Clinic and Enable Ireland.
