The composition of Seanad Éireann, the upper house of the Oireachtas (parliament) of Ireland, is defined in outline by Article 18 of the Constitution of Ireland, which provides for 11 appointees that are nominated by the Taoiseach (prime minister). Additionally 6 senators are elected by the universities, and 5 Vocational Panels which together elect 43 senators, giving a total of 60 members.The original intent was to guarantee the government a majority in the upper house.