Seanad Éireann Election 2025

Publication of Ministerial Order (EU17) 

EU Section 17 - DU Publication of Ministerial Order

Information for Candidates

Please see below information for individuals interested in standing as a candidate for the University of Dublin panel.

Membership to Seanad Éireann is open to all Irish citizens over 21, but a senator cannot also be a member of Dáil Éireann.

The register in use for the election will be the 2024 Register of Electors. The closing date to make an application for inclusion on the 2024 Register was February 26, 2024.

NOMINATION REQUIREMENTS
The candidate must give their name and address, and a description, which, ‘in the opinion of the Returning Officer, is calculated sufficiently to identify the candidate’. (Seanad Electoral (University Members) Act, 1937).
Candidates must:

• have a Proposer, Seconder and eight (8) Assentors all of whom must be registered voters in the Register of Electors being used for any given election.
• submit one completed Form of Nomination.

Note: Candidates are encouraged liaise with the Academic Registry in order to confirm that their Proposer, Seconder and Eight Assentors are included in the Register being used for the purposes of election. 

PHOTO REQUIREMENTS
Section 56(d) of the Electoral (Amendment) Act 2001 amended section 20 of the Seanad Electoral (University Members) Act 1937 to allow for the inclusion of a photograph of the candidate on the ballot paper in a Seanad election. The Seanad Electoral (University Members) (Prescribed Matters) (Amendment) Regulations 2002, as amended by the Seanad Electoral (University Members) (Prescribed Matters) (Amendment) Regulations 2019, set out the required specification of a photograph for inclusion on a ballot paper. 

If a candidate wishes to have his or her photograph included on the ballot paper, they must provide with the nomination paper:

• A photograph in digitised format (passport size – 35mm x 45mm)

 
 AND

• Two identical printed copies of the photograph.

 
The photograph must be taken not more than 12 months prior to the day for the closing of the poll and must be of good quality, in colour and taken to a professional standard, showing the candidate’s full face, head and shoulders only, on a light background (any colour).

Each printed copy of the photograph must have the candidate’s name clearly shown on the back.

If the above requirements are not complied with, the returning officer may not include the photograph on the ballot paper. In these circumstances, or if no photograph is supplied, the space for the candidate’s photograph will be left blank on the ballot paper.
THE ONUS IS ON THE CANDIDATE TO MEET ALL REQUIREMENTS.

The Form of Nomination (EU 1) may be obtained from the Academic Registry, Watts Building, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin, Dublin 2 during the hours of 09:00 – 13:00 and 14:00 – 17:00, Monday to Friday or by emailing academic.registry@tcd.ie

CLOSE OF NOMINATIONS

As per the Public Notice, the last day for receiving nominations, together with the required digital photograph and 2 identical printed copies of the photograph, is Friday,  6 December, 2024 in the Trinity Global Room, Watts Building, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin, from 10 am to 12 noon.  Please note the photographic requirements detailed on EU1 form above.

Every candidate nominated by a nomination paper, and their , proposereconder and one other person nominated by him/her and no other persons (except assistants employed by the Returning Officer, Jennifer Pepper, (or her nominee)) shall be entitled to attend the proceedings during the receipt of, and ruling upon, the nomination papers.

Please note that the completed Form of Nomination may be submitted to the Academic Registry at any time prior to 6 December, 2024 for verification by the office prior to formal adjudication on the last day for receipt of nominations; we strongly encourage you to avail of this service in advance to ensure the correctness of the completed nomination form.   Also, we request that the details of the proposer, seconder, and assentors are provided to us in MS Word or MS Excel to facilitate identification and verification of details against the 2024 Register.

Any objections to a nomination paper should be made to the Returning Officer (or her nominee) between 10 am and 12 noon on 6 December 2024 and will be considered and ruled upon by the Returning Officer (or her nominee) during or as soon as possible following this period but not later than 1 pm on 6 December.

A candidate may before 1 pm on 6 December (and not later), withdraw from his/her candidature by delivering a notice to that effect, signed by him/her, to the Returning Officer (or her nominee).

If at 1pm on 6 December 2024 more candidates stand nominated than there are vacancies to be filled, the Returning Officer (or her nominee) shall adjourn the election and take a poll in accordance with the Seanad Electoral (University Members) Act, 1937. 

Following closure of the proceedings a press release will be issued by the University.

Purchasing the Register

Anyone can request to purchase a copy of the 2024 University of Dublin Seanad Éireann electoral register for statutory purposes only and upon adherence to the provisions of the GDPR and the Data Protection Acts (1988 to 2018).  The register is provided in electronic format only on submission of the purchase form. 

The cost is calculated based on a set formula as prescribed in the legislation and currently costs the sum of €114.75 made payable by card.  Enquiries in relation to purchasing the register can be made, by phone at 00353 (0)1 896 4500 or by email to academic.registry@tcd.ie.

Litir Um Thoghchán – Free postage Scheme

Candidates in the Seanad elections can avail of the An Post Litir Um Thoghchán scheme in which election material will be mailed to constituents for any interested candidate in the election, free of charge. Candidates will deal directly with An Post.
All mail pieces must be as per the specifications linked below and must be approved by An Post before the candidate can go to print.

Free Post Scheme Specifications
Seanad Election Sample Card
Print Companies Contact Details

All other mailing of campaign material, plus design, printing and packing, are at the discretion of the candidate and at his/her own expense.
Please also note the QR code/web link note below re inclusion on any election mail piece.

Use of QR codes on any Litir Um Thogchán mail piece:
Including a QR code or web page address in a Litir um Thoghchán which may link to content which is indecent, obscene, grossly offensive or menacing would be in breach of Section 55 of the Communications Regulation (Postal Services) Act 2011. It is the responsibility of the sender (the candidate) to ensure no such content is included via the QR code or link.

An Post Contact Details:

Myles Burke
An Post (Strategic Account Manager)
087-8508760 
myles.burke@anpost.ie

Gerry Davis
An Post (Strategic Account Manager)
086-6062752 
gerry.davis@anpost.ie

University of Dublin Senators

Of the sixty members of Seanad Éireann, three are elected by graduates of the University of Dublin. At present, the current University of Dublin senators are Senator Lynn Ruane and Senator Tom Clonan. The third seat was vacated by Senator David Norris.

Election FAQs

What is the University of Dublin Seanad Éireann electoral register?

The University of Dublin Seanad Éireann electoral register (‘Register of Electors’) is a list of the names, addresses and awards of graduates with a Degree from University of Dublin (and please note that whereas Trinity College is the sole constituent college of the University of Dublin, it is the university and not the college that awards degrees) or those who have obtained a foundation scholarship in the university, who are citizens of Ireland and who have claimed to be registered to vote in the Seanad Éireann University of Dublin constituency.  The Register of Electors is revised annually, for publication each year on 1st June, to include the names of graduates who have submitted registration claim forms by the 26th February in that year.

What are the criteria to be eligible to vote in the University of Dublin constituency in the Seanad Éireann election?

Every person who is a citizen of Ireland, has been admitted to a degree (other than an honorary degree) by the University of Dublin or has obtained a foundation scholarship in that University and has attained the age of twenty-one years is entitled to be registered as an elector in the Seanad Éireann University of Dublin constituency. The right to vote is not automatic; it must be claimed.

Graduates with a Degree from University of Dublin (and please note that whereas Trinity College is the sole constituent college of the University of Dublin, it is the university and not the college that awards degrees) can claim their right to be added to the Register when they are responding to the invitation to graduate.  In addition to this, graduates can complete the on-line claim form here: https://www.tcd.ie/academicregistry/graduation/seanad-eireann/seanad-form/. 

All claims to be included in the Register must be received by 26th February in any given year for inclusion in the Register of Electors published on the 1st June of that year.  It is only necessary to register once unless, for one of the reasons given below, a name has been removed from the Register of Electors.

 

What Register of Electors will be used for the 2025 Seanad election?

The 2024 Seanad Éireann Register of Electors will be used for the forthcoming Seanad Éireann election.

How can I check if I am on the current Register of Electors?

The Register of Electors is available for consultation by appointment at the Academic Registry, Watts Building (9.00 am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm, Monday to Friday).
An elector may ensure that their details are up-to-date in person, by phone at 00353 (0)1 896 4500 or by email to academic.registry@tcd.ie.

How can I update my contact details once I am on the Register of Electors?

An elector may, at any time, update their details by submitting a request to the Academic Registry, either by email at academic.registry@tcd.ie or in person (with identification).  Unless we are informed of a change of address, voting papers will go to the address on record.  When contacting us please ensure to provide as much information as possible including:

• Student number (if available)
• Your full name (include middle name(s) and maiden names if relevant).
• Your date of birth
• Course / Years attended
• Addresses you may have been previously registered under.

Why am I not on the Register of Electors?

The right to vote is not automatic; it must be claimed.  Graduates with a Degree from University of Dublin (and please note that whereas Trinity College is the sole constituent college of the University of Dublin, it is the university and not the college that awards degrees) can claim their right to be added to the Register when they are responding to the invitation to graduate.  In addition to this, graduates can complete the on-line claim form here: https://www.tcd.ie/academicregistry/graduation/seanad-eireann/seanad-form/. 

All claims to be included in the Register must be received by 26th February in any given year for inclusion in the Register of Electors published on the 1st June of that year. It is only necessary to register once unless, for one of the reasons given below, a name has been removed from the Register of Electors.

I didn’t receive my ballot in the last election -Can I update my address on the current Register of Electors?

Yes, an elector may ensure that their details are up-to-date in person, or by email to academic.registry@tcd.ie.  Unless we are informed of a change of address, voting papers will go to the address on record.

How do I apply to be on the Register of Electors?

The right to vote is not automatic; it must be claimed.  Graduates with a Degree from University of Dublin (and please note that whereas Trinity College is the sole constituent college of the University of Dublin, it is the university and not the college that awards degrees) can claim their right to be added to the Register when they are responding to the invitation to graduate.  In addition to this, graduates can complete the on-line claim form here https://www.tcd.ie/academicregistry/graduation/seanad-eireann/seanad-form/.  

All claims to be included in the Register must be received by 26th February in any given year for inclusion in the Register of Electors published on the 1st June of that year. It is only necessary to register once unless, for one of the reasons given below, a name has been removed from the Register of Electors.

When are names removed from the Register of Electors

Names are removed:

• on receipt of written request by a graduate to have their name removed;
• on receipt of notification of the death of a graduate;
• as provided by the Electoral (Amendment) Act 2001: ‘after reasonable enquiry by the registration officer, whose address or the address to which the ballot paper is to be sent is unknown’. (S. 56).

If my name is removed from the Register of Electors can I still vote?

You can apply to re-register and will be eligible to vote only if your name is published in the Register of Electors being used for any given election.  The Register of Electors is published on 1st of June each year.

Can I purchase a copy of the Register of Electors?

Anyone can request to purchase a copy of the Register of Electors for statutory purposes only and upon adherence to the provisions of the GDPR and the Data Protection Acts (1988 to 2018).  The Register of Electors is provided in electronic format only on submission of the purchase form and full receipt of payment.  The cost is calculated based on a set formula as prescribed in the legislation.  The cost of the 2024 Register of Electors is €114.75 made payable by debit credit card.  

Enquiries in relation to purchasing the Register of Electors can be made in person, by phone at 00353 (0)1 896 4500 or by email to academic.registry@tcd.ie

Who can be a candidate?

‘A person to be eligible for membership of Seanad Éireann must be eligible to become a member of Dáil Éireann’. Bunreacht na hÉireann, Art. 18.2 (Every citizen without distinction of sex who has reached the age of twenty-one years, and who is not placed under disability or incapacity by this Constitution or by law, shall be eligible for membership of Dáil Éireann. Bunreacht na hÉireann, Art. 16.1)

What does a candidate have to do?

A candidate has to be formally nominated, that is, must submit one fully completed hard copy Form of Nomination on or before the date of close of nominations (12 noon on Friday, 6th December 2024). 

Do candidates have to pay a deposit or other fee?

No.

What information is required in a Form of Nomination?

The candidate must give their name and address, and a description, which, ‘in the opinion of the Returning Officer, is calculated sufficiently to identify the candidate’. (Seanad Electoral (University Members) Act, 1937).
Candidates: must:

• have a Proposer, Seconder and Eight (8) Assentors all of whom must be registered voters in the Register being used for any given election.
• submit one completed Form of Nomination.

Note: Candidates are encouraged to liaise with the Academic Registry in order to confirm that their Proposer, Seconder and Eight Assentors are included in the Register being used for the purposes of election. 

May a registered graduate be Proposer, Seconder or Assentor for more than one candidate?

No, an elector may act as Proposer or Seconder or Assentor for one candidate only (i.e. as many candidates as there are seats available).

How does a candidate know the date of close of nominations?

As per the Ministerial Order for the Seanad election 2025, the last day on which the Returning Officers shall receive nominations in university constituencies shall be Friday 6th December 2024 at 12 midday.  The information will be available on the Trinity College Dublin website. 

What happens on the day of Close of Nominations?

All duly completed Forms of Nomination must be received by the Returning Officer on or before 12:00 noon at the Global Room, Watts Building, Trinity College Dublin on the date of close of nominations (6th December 2024). 

While the Form of Nomination may be received prior to the official date, in any event all prospective candidates and/or, where relevant, their agents, known to us in advance will be informed of the place, and time of proceedings.  The relevant officials from An Post will be invited to provide information to potential candidates, and answer any queries about the free mailing-out of candidates’ election material.

Can anyone object to a Form of Nomination?

Yes.  Objections to a nomination paper can be made to the Returning Officer at the place and during the same period for receiving nominations, i.e., between 10 am to 12 noon, Friday, 6 December, 2024 in the Trinity Global Room, Watts Building, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin.  All objections shall be considered and ruled upon by the returning officer during this period, or as soon as possible thereafter, but not later than 1 pm on 6 December.

What is the format of the Ballot Paper?

Candidates are listed in alphabetical order on the ballot paper. Name, address and description (as stated in the respective Forms of Nomination) are required. A candidate may, but is not required, to include a photograph; where a candidate chooses to use a photograph, it must be delivered with the completed Form of Nomination.

Note:  Section 56(d) of the Electoral (Amendment) Act 2001 amended section 20 of the Seanad Electoral (University Members) Act 1937 to allow for the inclusion of a photograph of the candidate on the ballot paper in a Seanad election. The Seanad Electoral (University Members) (Prescribed Matters) (Amendment) Regulations 2002, as amended by the Seanad Electoral (University Members) (Prescribed Matters) (Amendment) Regulations 2019 set out the required specification of a photograph for inclusion on a ballot paper. 
If a candidate wishes to have his or her photograph included on the ballot paper, they must provide with the nomination paper:

• A photograph in digitised format (passport size – 35mm x 45mm);

AND

• Two identical printed copies of the photograph.

The photograph must be taken not more than 12 months prior to the day for the closing of the poll and must be of good quality, in colour and taken to a professional standard, showing the candidate’s full face, head and shoulders only, on a light background (any colour).
Each printed copy of the photograph must have the candidate’s name clearly shown on the back.

If the above requirements are not complied with, the Returning Officer may not include the photograph on the ballot paper. In these circumstances, or if no photograph is supplied, the space for the candidate’s photograph will be left blank on the ballot paper.

THE ONUS IS ON THE CANDIDATE TO MEET THESE REQUIREMENTS 

How and when will the ballot papers be sent to the electorate?

Voting Papers were issued by registered post on the date set out in the Minister’s Order (i.e. 30th December 2024).  Because of the size of the electorate, delivery of the registered post may take a number of days from the date of issue.  Delivery of ballot papers sent to addresses overseas may be slower, depending on local postal services. 

What happens if the elector is not at the address to sign for the registered post?

A delivery notice will be left informing the addressee that the undelivered post can be collected from a designated Post Office; if uncollected after three days, the envelope will be returned to Trinity. On request by the addressee, the ballot paper will be re-issued, again by registered post, provided the original ballot paper has been returned undelivered and received by Trinity. The ballot paper will be re-issued to the same address unless the elector requests in writing (email: academic.registry@tcd.ie or by post) that the ballot paper be re-issued to a different address. 

How will a candidate or an elector know the date, time and place of the close of poll?

The day and hour at which the poll in university constituencies shall close is 11 am on Wednesday, 29th January 2025 in respect of the forthcoming election.
The date of the close of poll will appear on the envelope sent to each elector and on the ballot paper itself.  Candidates will be notified in writing of the time and place at which the count will take place. The information will also be available on the Trinity College Dublin website.
Votes must be returned by post.

Further information available on the University’s social media channels (#TCDSeanad) and www.tcd.ie/seanad/