Fine Gael Senator Jerry Buttimer has been elected Cathaoirleach of the Seanad replacing Fianna Fáil's Mark Daly.
The change is part of a series of political switches across Government which will take place today and tomorrow.
This morning, the father of the Seanad David Norris sat in the Cathaoirleach's chair to "preside over the orderly transfer of power".
Mr Norris described Mr Daly's time as Cathaoirleach as "exemplary".
Mr Buttimer vowed to continue to "build bridges and relationships" in his new role.
Independent Senator Victor Boyhan was proposed for the position by Senators Alice Mary Higgins and Tom Clonan.
He was also backed by Sinn Féin, with Senator Niall Ó Donnghaile wishing the new Cathaoirleach well, but he said what was happening today and tomorrow was a swap and not a change.
He added that he hoped there would soon be a general election to provide real change.
