DCU President urges graduates to register for future Seanad elections

Professor Dáire Keogh, President of Dublin City University, is urging graduates of the University to register for future Seanad elections.

Registration is currently open for the new Higher Education constituency, which will elect six members of the Seanad in future elections.

Graduates of Dublin City University, who are Irish citizens, are eligible to register for the new constituency. This includes graduates of former DCU-linked colleges St. Patrick’s College Drumcondra and Mater Dei Institute.

The current arrangements, whereby three Senators are elected by graduates of NUI and three by graduates of the University of Dublin (Trinity College), will remain in place for the current Seanad General Election that is now underway.

However, the new constituency, which will include graduates of DCU, will elect all six Senators as a single constituency in future elections.

To be eligible for inclusion in the Register of Electors a person must be an Irish citizen, be over 18, and hold a degree (of any level) from one of the relevant institutions designated under the Higher Education Authority Act 2022.

Speaking ahead of the DCU Alumni Awards 2025, Professor Dáire Keogh said;

“The creation of the Seanad Higher Education constituency gives DCU degree-holders an important new opportunity to have their say in our democratic system. I want to encourage all eligible DCU graduates to register before the upcoming deadline so that they can cast their vote in the next Seanad elections.

"The upper house of the Oireachtas plays a crucial role in our democracy, offering critical oversight of legislation and providing a forum where new and underrepresented voices can be heard. Therefore, I hope that DCU graduates will engage with this opportunity and help to inform the makeup of the next Seanad Éireann.”

Ross Munnelly, Director of Alumni Relations at DCU, said;

“At home and abroad, DCU graduates are known for being engaged, active citizens, who play their part in the University's mission to 'transform lives and societies'. By registering to vote in the Higher Education constituency our alumni will have the chance to elect senators who represent their values and priorities. The registration deadline is fast approaching but the application process is straightforward, so I would urge our alumni to take up this opportunity.”

DCU graduates will need to submit their applications and any required supporting documents either by post or directly on the application portal by the deadline of 23 January.