Enda Kenny has named five defeated TDs among his nominations to the Seanad.

The Taoiseach's 11 appointments to the Upper House of the Oireachtas have been named this evening - with three members chosen by Micheal Martin.

Our political correspondent Gavan Reilly reports.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has announced his 11 appointments to the 25th Seanad.

1. Paudie Coffey (former Senator, Dail deputy and Minister of State)
2. Joan Freeman (Founder of Pieta House)
3. Michelle Mulherrin (former Dail deputy)
4. Ray Butler (former Dail deputy)
5. Frank Feighan (former Senator and Dail deputy)
6. John O'Mahony (former Dail deputy)
7. Dr James Reilly (Former TD and Minister)
8. Billy Lawless (advocate for Irish immigrants in the U.S.)
9. Colette Kelleher (CEO Alzheimers Ireland)
10. Pádraig Ó'Céidigh (Businessman)
11. Marie-Louise O'Donnell (Former Senator)

Words can't describe how proud we are of our amazing founder Joan Freeman who has been appointed to the 25th #Seanad pic.twitter.com/GfiRmxYyuy

— Pieta House (@PietaHouse) May 27, 2016