The Oireachtas

The Oireachtas - Overview

• The Oireachtas is Ireland’s national parliament.
• It represents the people of Ireland and exercises the legislative power of the state.

Composition of the Oireachtas

• The Oireachtas consists of the President of Ireland and two Houses: the Dáil Éireann (House of Representatives) and the Seanad Éireann (Senate).
• It serves as the main law-making body in the country.

Dáil Éireann

• The Dáil Éireann is the lower house of the Oireachtas and is directly elected by the people.
• It plays a primary role in law-making, and the government must maintain the confidence of the Dáil to remain in power.
• The Taoiseach, or Prime Minister, is elected from the Dáil.

Seanad Éireann

• The Seanad Éireann is the upper house, and members are not directly chosen by the public but are selected in a variety of ways, including by the Taoiseach and by graduates of certain universities.
• The Seanad reviews legislation brought to it by the Dáil and has the power to suggest amendments or delay legislation, though it cannot ultimately veto it.

Legislative Process

• The legislative process involves proposing a bill, debating it in both Houses, and then sending the bill to the President for signature.
• While the Dáil has a prominent role in this process, the Seanad also plays an important part in scrutinising bills.

Role of the Oireachtas

• The Oireachtas holds the government to account, scrutinises public policy and public expenditure, and represents the interests of the Irish people at national and international levels.
• It is the forum in which democratic debate on major issues of public concern takes place.
• Engagement in the Oireachtas forms a core element of Ireland’s democracy.