The Irish Government & the Oireachtas — SESE Citizenship

The Irish system of government

1. 1 Bunreacht na hÉireann The Constitution of Ireland (1937). The founding legal document that sets out how Ireland is governed and the rights of its citizens.
2. 2 An Oireachtas The Irish parliament — made up of two houses: Dáil Éireann (lower house) and Seanad Éireann (upper house/senate). e.g. Oireachtas: OR-ukh-tus
3. 3 Dáil Éireann The lower house of the Oireachtas — 160 TDs (Teachta Dála — Members of Parliament) elected by proportional representation (PR-STV). The main legislative body. e.g. TD = Teachta Dála (member of the Dáil)
4. 4 An Taoiseach The head of government — Prime Minister. Appointed by the President on the nomination of the Dáil. Currently serving as head of the Cabinet. e.g. Taoiseach: TEE-shukh
5. 5 Uachtarán na hÉireann The President of Ireland. A largely ceremonial role — signs bills into law, can refer bills to the Supreme Court. Elected directly by the people every 7 years. e.g. Uachtarán: OO-ukh-tuh-rawn
6. 6 PR-STV Proportional Representation — Single Transferable Vote. The voting system used in Irish elections. Voters rank candidates 1, 2, 3... giving parties representation broadly proportional to their vote share.

• ▶ 1. A TD or Minister proposes a bill (a proposed law) in the Dáil.
• ▶ 2. The bill is debated and voted on in the Dáil (three readings).
• ▶ 3. If passed by the Dáil, the bill goes to the Seanad for further consideration.
• ▶ 4. If passed by both houses, the bill goes to the President.
• ▶ 5. The President signs the bill into law (or refers it to the Supreme Court).
• ▶ 6. The bill becomes an Act of the Oireachtas — the law of the land.
• ▶ DISCUSSION: the voting age in Ireland is 18. Should it be 16? What issues would you want the Dáil to debate?
• ▶ CHILDREN'S RIGHTS: Ireland ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Children can contact their local TD, write to the Oireachtas, or engage with the Ombudsman for Children.