Green Party Senator Dan Boyle will be the deputy leader of the Seanad. Mr Boyle, who lost his Dáil seat in the general election, was appointed to the Seanad as one of the Taoiseach's 11 nominees. He was one of the key negotiators in the talks that led the Greens into coalition with Fianna Fáil.
Senator Donie Cassidy has already been appointed as the Government leader in the Seanad. The Government coalition of Fianna Fáil, the Greens and the PDs hold 33 seats in the 60-member Upper House.
The House will meet on September 13th to elect a cathaoirleach. A number of Fianna Fáil Senators, including Pat Moylan, Ann Ormonde and Terry Leyden, are campaigning for the post, which will be decided by the Fianna Fáil Seanad group.
Mr Boyle said last night he was pleased to be appointed to the position of deputy leader of the Seanad as it would allow him to be involved in helping to order the business of the House in ways that could prioritise elements of the programme for government.
"I look forward to working with the leader of the Seanad, Senator Donie Cassidy, in ensuring that the Seanad plays a vital role in progressing the legislative programme of the Government, building on the work of the previous Seanad in meeting more frequently, and in working with Dáil Éireann to bring innovative changes."
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