Students at Trinity College Dublin begin voting today in a referendum on the impeachement of student union president Tom Lenihan.

Mr Lenihan, a son of former minister for finance Brian Lenihan, admitted last May to bringing a note into his third-year law exam earlier that month.

In a statement at the time, Mr Lenihan, a third year business and law student, said he took a note into his exam which was seen by an invigilator.

Mr Lenihan said he had been experiencing personal difficulties since being elected in February.

He said he regretted his actions and apologised to the college for his behaviour.

Mr Lenihan was brought before a disciplinary hearing for breach of the college examination rules and had to repeat the exam.

Trinity College has said it does not comment on individual cases but that it supports

all students “as far as is possible in continuing with their academic progress”.

It said it followed “robust academic and disciplinary procedures as set down in the college statutes in cases of infringement of regulations”.

“It also has a robust set of procedures in place to provide pastoral support and ensure that all of our students are treated with dignity and respect.”

TCT Students’ Union (TCDSU) members will begin voting on the impeachment motion today. Voting continues tomorrow and Friday.

Ballots will be tallied on Friday night and the result returned as soon as possible.

A spokeswoman for the students’ union was not immediately available for comment.