Senator Eamonn Coghlan has been confirmed as the newest member of the Fine Gael parliamentary party.
The former world champion athlete was nominated to the Seanad last year by Taoiseach Enda Kenny.
It brings the number of Fine Gael Senators to 20.
A Fine Gael spokesperson said that Mr Coghlan would give up the €23,000 a year allowance that is paid to Independent Senators.
Mr Coghlan also has not ruled out running for the Dáil in the future.
