The new appointees include Professor Fionnuala Ní Aoláin, Professor Colin Harvey, Professor Donncha O’Connell and Professor Conor O’Mahony.

The other appointees are Linda Ervine, Kathleen Lynch and Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh.

In a statement, President Catherine Connolly said: “May I thank each of the nominees who have agreed to serve as a member of the Council of State.

“These seven members bring a unique expertise and range of experience to the Council of State which will be of immense value in considering the matters which may arise over the course of my term of office.

“I look forward to receiving their advice and support over the next seven years.”

The other members of the Council of State are the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, the Chief Justice, the President of the Court of Appeal, the President of the High Court, the Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann, the Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann, and the Attorney General; and every person able and willing to act as a member of the Council of State who has previously held the office of President, Taoiseach or Chief Justice.