Discover which groups in Ireland have less of a voice in government.
Investigate the facts around who is, and is not, represented in power in Ireland.
Consider what can be done to make democracy include everyone.
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Does Irish democracy represent everyone?
JOURNAL TASKS
Think about whether people in your community are represented enough in Irish democracy.
Create a mock front page celebrating the election of a Taoiseach from a previously under-represented group.
Reflect on what you have learned about representation in Irish democracy.
Ireland has a representative democracy. This means all Irish citizens over 18 can vote for TDs who then represent their interests and opinions in the Dáil.
However, can we say that the people in the Dáil are truly representative of the country as a whole?
Modern Ireland has become a place with many religions, ethnic identities, languages and cultures. Do we see that diversity reflected in the people who make decisions in government?
In this chapter, we will explore how representative Irish democracy is and the possible steps we could take to make it more representative.
RESPONSE JOURNAL
THINK Before you start learning more about this topic, take a moment to think about how you already feel about it.
‘PEOPLE FROM ALL GROUPS AND COMMUNITIES ARE WELL REPRESENTED
IN THE DAIL AND THE GOVERNMENT.’ Visit page 102 of your Response Journal to give your response to this statement.
