A Seanad election takes place up to 90 days after Dáil Éireann has dissolved. This means that the new Dáil has assembled before the Seanad election takes place.
The Seanad has 60 members. 11 members are nominated by the Taoiseach , 6 are elected by university graduatesand 43 in Seanad panel elections.
A Sub-Committee of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges of Seanad Eireann was established to review and make recommendations on the current and future composition and functions of the Seanad in Ireland. In 2004 it produced a Report on Seanad Reform (pdf)including a review of the system of nomination and election.