ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the role of the president, emphasising the almost complete disconnection of the office from the governmental process. It outlines the role ascribed to parliament by classical liberal-democratic theory, and then shows how this role is severely qualified by the reality of political parties' domination of political life. The chapter examines the extent of the Dail's involvement in the appointment and dismissal of governments, the making of laws and policies and the scrutiny of government. It discusses the impact of the Seanad on the political process before, finally, reviewing the reasons why parliament in Ireland has difficulty in holding the government to account, and tackling the issue of whether the Oireachtas should really be regarded as a weak parliament. Once the government has approved a proposal requiring legislation, the secretary general to the government sends the Attorney General a letter requesting that legislation be drafted in accordance with the memorandum for government.
