1. What are the three branches of Irish government? 2. Give a brief description of the following roles: (a) Taoiseach (b) Tánaiste
(c) Cabinet minister (d) Ceann Comhairle
(e) President of Ireland
3. Name three people who have acted as Taoiseach. 4. What are the two houses of the Oireachtas called? 5. What is the name of the building that houses the Oireachtas? Where is it? 6. What is the name given to the official residency of the President of Ireland? Where is it? 7. What power does the Supreme Court have in Irish democracy? 8. What kinds of decisions are made by councillors in local authorities?
DISCUSS
Have a short discussion (5–10 minutes), in pairs or groups, on the statement ‘Irish people get the government they deserve’.
Listen to each other carefully and note down any good points that you had not considered.
Report back to your teacher and the class on what you discussed and whether you mostly agreed or disagreed, stating why.
RESPONSE JOURNAL
REFLECT Visit page 101 of your Response Journal to complete your end-of-topic reflection and see how your knowledge has developed.
