HOW DOES THE IRISH GOVERNMENT WORK? 25 What is the role of the legislature in governing Ireland?
The legislature is the main law-making branch of government. In Ireland, that means the Oireachtas (the Dáil and Seanad) and the President. The executive branch only has authority so long as it keeps the support of the legislature.
The seating in the Dáil chamber by party after the 2016 general election
The Oireachtas The Oireachtas is made up of two houses of parliament, the Dáil and the Seanad. Both sit in Leinster House on Kildare Street in Dublin.
The Oireachtas is where laws governing Ireland are made. The Oireachtas also elects the government and approves the funding of government departments. The Oireachtas should hold the government to account by asking questions and making sure the government is doing its job properly.
The Dáil • ‘The Dáil’ is the term we use in Ireland for the lower house of the Oireachtas. • The Dáil is the main branch of government.
• As of 2018, there are 158 TDs (Teachta Dála/Deputies to the Dáil), who are elected by citizens in a general election (see page 234).
• Most TDs are members of a political party, but many are Independents (not members of any party).
• After a general election, the newly elected Dáil meets and elects the Ceann Comhairle, who acts as Chairperson of the Dáil, and a deputy chairperson, known as the Leas-Cheann Comhairle.
