Conor McMorrow of RTÉ's Political Staff answers ten things you might want to know about tonight's leaders' debate.
Where is it on?
The first Leaders' Debate pitching the seven leaders of the main political parties against each other takes place in the Concert Hall at the University of Limerick.
Who is debating?
Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny, Tánaiste and Labour leader Joan Burton, Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin, Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams, Richard Boyd Barrett of the Anti-Austerity Alliance/People Before Profit group, Renua leader Lucinda Creighton and Stephen Donnelly of the Social Democrats.
What issues are likely to come up?
The questions will cover major topics in the election campaign. Expect big ticket issues such as the economy, health, crime, and so on.
How many questions will the leaders be asked?
There will be approximately six to eight questions. All of the questions will be addressed to the leaders in general, rather than to any one leader in particular.
Who has picked the questions?
Questions will be chosen by a panel involving political academics Michael Marsh (Trinity College Dublin) and David Farrell (University College Dublin) and Claire Byrne Live Executive Producer Aoife Stokes.
Will there be any party hacks, spin doctors or 'plants' in the audience?
No is the short answer. The audience of approximately 350 people has been selected by independent market research/polling company Red C.
Will the seven leaders be given time at the start to set out their stall in an opening statement?
No. The RTÉ debate will not include formal opening statements. There will be a short closing statement from each leader.
How does a moderator control a debate with seven participants?
RTÉ debate moderator Claire Byrne said: "There's no doubt about it, this debate is a big challenge."
She said: "We have an audience of close to 350 people in the University of Limerick and the biggest number of party leaders of any TV debate, for whom this is a massively important event.
"I see my job as moderating in a way that allows the audience in the concert hall and at home, to make an informed choice on polling day.
"Both myself and my team have been comparing the party positions on tax, health, housing and the other big ticket issues that voters really care about.
"I know I will have my work cut out for me to keep the debate in line, but that's my job!"
Where can I watch it and how long will it be?
The programme will begin at 9.35pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ News Now.
The debate will be streamed live on the RTÉ Player and available to worldwide audiences through the RTÉ International Player. It will be approximately 90 minutes in duration.
Will there be post-debate analysis?
Yes. There will be a live reaction programme, The Spin Room, directly following the debate at 11.10pm on RTÉ One.
Presenter David McCullagh will be joined by a range of guests along with political party representatives and social media analysts to digest what has just happened.
