The Taoiseach is expected to announce his 11 nominees to the Seanad later today.

The move will allow the upper house of the Oireachtas to sit for the first time next week.

Forty-nine senators were elected to the Seanad a month ago. However, the upper house cannot meet until the Taoiseach makes his 11 appointments.

Enda Kenny could not make those appointments until he was elected Taoiseach by the 32nd Dáil, which happened three weeks ago.

The 49 people elected to the Seanad have already cost the taxpayer at least €250,000 in salaries alone, despite being unable to start their jobs. They are entitled to claim thousands more in expenses.

Among those expected to be appointed by Mr Kenny are those who lost seats in the general election, including his deputy leader and former minister James Reilly, Aine Collins, his constituency colleague Michelle Mulherin and former junior minister Paudie Coffey.

Enda Kenny has been urged to appoint some independent voices as he did in 2011, especially in the area of the Arts which lost its ministry in the new Cabinet.