The Seanad Electoral (Panel Members) Act 1947 is amended -

(a) in section 2 -

(i) by the substitution of the following definition for the definition of "casual vacancy":

"the expression 'casual vacancy' means a vacancy in the membership of Seanad Éireann occasioned by -

(a) the death, resignation or disqualification of a member of Seanad Éireann, or

(b) the taking effect under section 17(6) of the Act of 2018 of a forfeiture of office order in respect of a member of Seanad Éireann,

who was elected at the next preceding Seanad general election or was elected at a Seanad bye-election since the next preceding Seanad general election;",

(ii) by the substitution of the following definition for the definition of "nominating bodies sub-panel casual vacancy":

"the expression 'nominating bodies sub-panel casual vacancy' means a casual vacancy occasioned by -

(a) the death, resignation or disqualification of a member of Seanad Éireann, or

(b) the taking effect under section 17(6) of the Act of 2018 of a forfeiture of office order in respect of a member of Seanad Éireann,

who was elected at the next preceding Seanad general election from a nominating bodies sub-panel or who was elected at a Seanad bye-election to fill (whether directly or indirectly) the place of a member who was so elected at such Seanad general election;",