The State has agreed to pay the legal costs of an unsuccessful High Court action by 10 elected senators who contended a new Seanad could convene and pass legislation before an incoming Taoiseach nominated 11 of its 60 members.

A three-judge High Court has found the first meeting of the Seanad can only lawfully take place with its full membership of 60, comprising 49 elected members and 11 nominees of an incoming Taoiseach.

A three judge High Court has begun hearing a significant constitutional action over whether there is, as of now, a validly constituted Seanad entitled to sit and pass laws.