The leas cathaoirleach, Mr Liam Cosgrave (FG), would be welcome on the Government side of the House should he decide to cross the floor, Mr John Dardis (PD), acting Government leader in the Seanad, said.
Earlier, Mr Cosgrave had made a thinly veiled reference to the possibility that Ms Helen Keogh (PD) may defect to Fine Gael, with a view to contesting a Dail seat in Dun Laoghaire, where he is based.
A question has arisen as to whether Ms Keogh, who was nominated to the Upper House by the Taoiseach, should retain her Seanad seat if she defects to Fine Gael.
Mr Cosgrave said it might become necessary for the Cathaoirleach to convene a meeting of the Procedure and Privileges Committee to discuss "possible changes by members who may be going on loan from one group in this House to another. This, as you are aware, Cathaoirleach, works quite well in the Premiership.
"It often is people who either cannot hold their place on the team or are not getting on with other members. Sometimes they may be going on to a different division. I am wondering if a meeting could be convened to facilitate any members who might be going on loan," added Mr Cosgrave.
The Cathaoirleach, Mr Brian Mullooly, said he would be willing to discuss the request further with Mr Cosgrave.
Responding to what Mr Cosgrave had said, Mr Dardis said he would leave the matter in the capable hands of the Chair.
Asked by Mr Maurice Manning (FG) if he had a view on the point raised by his party colleague, Mr Dardis said he did. Senator Cosgrave would be welcome "on this side of the House whenever he wishes to come across".