The Government is expected to move the writs for the two pending Dáil byelections in the coming week, with the two contests expected to be held on Friday, October 10th.

Coalition sources said it is now almost certain the two contests in Dublin South West and Roscommon South- Leitrim will be held on the same day as the Seanad byelection.

Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams has tabled a Dáil motion calling on the Government to move the writs for both byelections immediately. The two Dáil byelections are to fill the seats vacated by Fine Gael's Brian Hayes and Luke Ming Flanagan, who were elected to the European Parliament earlier this year.

The Seanad byelection is to fill the seat which was vacated by Deirdre Clune, who was also elected to the European Parliament.