A Seanad by-election to replace former Sinn Féin senator Niall Ó Donnghaile is expected to be held in the coming weeks.
It follows a motion in the Seanad from Green Party Senator Pauline O'Reilly, requesting that the Clerk of the Seanad write to Minister for Housing Darragh O'Brien to notify him of the vacancy.
The vacancy was created following Mr Ó Donnghaile's resignation last December due to health reasons.
Once the motion is moved, an election is usually held within six months.
However, it is understood that the Minister for Housing, who has responsibility for elections, will write back to the Seanad with a date for the by-election which is likely to be held in a matter of weeks.
Mr Ó Donnghaile was a member of the Administrative panel. His replacement will have to be elected by other TDs and Senators.
Given that the Government holds the majority of seats, it is expected that the successful candidate will be a Government choice.
In April 2021, Fianna Fáil's Gerry Horkan and Fine Gael's Maria Byrne were elected to the Seanad.
It is now expected that a Green Party candidate will likely win.
