No less than the Dáil, the new Seanad will also have to come to terms with a new way of conducting politics, writes Brian Dowling of RTÉ's political staff.
With 19 seats plus the Taoiseach's 11 nominees, Fine Gael has half the 60 seats in the chamber.
Fianna Fáil has 14 Senators and with its deal to support the minority Government there is, on paper, a significant working-majority for the most part.
However, the range and mix of politicians in the new Seanad should ensure that it has the potential to make itself more relevant to the national debate.
The biggest surprise of all, of course, was the closely guarded deal between Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin and Taoiseach Enda Kenny, allowing Fianna Fáil to choose three of the 11 Senators from the Taoiseach's nominees.
This little arrangement shocked many in Fine Gael but it was a price Mr Kenny was willing to pay.
It allowed Mr Martin to name Joan Freeman, founder of the suicide prevention Centre Pieta House; Colette Kelleher, chief executive of The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, and businessman Pádraig Ó Céidigh.
Six of Mr Kenny’s 11 were former TDs and the remaining two slots went to a campaigner for Irish emigrants in the US, Billy Lawless, and Marie-Louise O’Donnell, who was also appointed to the outgoing Seanad by Mr Kenny.
There are plenty of issues where Mr Martin's three nominees, along with Mr Lawless and Ms O'Donnell, could potentially vote against the Government but for the most part it will pose little threat.
With big political hitters like Michael McDowell now in the Seanad, new senators like Lynn Ruane, plus Sinn Féin and Labour all seeking to carve out space, it might prove the liveliest Seanad yet.
No less than Dáil reform, Seanad reform is also on a slow train.
While the overall numbers in the new Seanad are benign for the Government, that will not make it a pushover for legislation. Even with limited power there will have to be cross-party talks and negotiations.
Fianna Fáil backing will be needed for most measures to ensure a comfortable passage through the chamber.
There is now a real opportunity for the Seanad to make itself more relevant than previously.
By Brian Dowling of RTÉ's political staff
