Vocational Panel

Vocal Panels are one of three methods in which members of Seanad Éireann, upper chamber of the Oireachtas, are chosen. It is chaired by the Cathaoirleach.

The composition of the Seanad Éireann is defined in article 16 of the Constitution of Ireland, which provides for the nomination of 11 senators by the Taoiseach, 6 by universities and 43 members elected among the panels.

The composition of each panel and the election procedures are provided by the Seanad Electoral (Panel Members) Act, 1947. Panels

Section 52 of the 1947 Act defines the number of senators to be elected by the panels. The minutes also indicate the division of each panel into 2 sub-panels: the nominating sub-panel and the Oireachtas panel: Nomination

Candidates must be Irish citizens over the age of 21. Senators can be nominated in two ways: by the Oireachtas or by nominating sub-panels. Sub-panels are organizations linked by a particular vocation.

The electorate is reduced to TD, senators and councilors, but parties have a lot of influence on nominations.

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