Taoiseach Enda Kenny has announced his 11 appointments to the 25th Seanad.
Six of those appointed are former Fine Gael TDs – James Reilly, Paudie Coffey, Michelle Mulherrin, Ray Butler, John O’Mahony and Frankie Feighan.
Five of the appointees are independents and include Joan Freeman the founder of Pieta House and Colette Kelleher the CEO of Alzheimers Ireland.
Businessman Pádraig O’Céidigh, advocate for Irish Immigrants in the US Billy Lawless and former Senator Marie Louise O’Donnell are also included.
