The Taoiseach Enda Kenny has set up a working group to look at ways the Seanad could be reformed.

The new body will focus on improving the Seanad voting system.

It will also consider how the upper house runs on a day to day basis.

The group will be chaired by former senator Dr Maurice Manning.

It is due to report back to the government by March.

The electorate voted by a margin of 52% to reject a proposal by Mr Kenny to abolish the Seanad last year.