ABSTRACT
As it enters its second century, the Irish parliament – the Oireachtas – remains the central political institution in Irish public life. This chapter presents a detailed analysis of the Oireachtas: its functions and performance as well as its strengths, weaknesses and reform efforts. First, the parliament is placed in comparative international context, before the basic features, organisation and business of both its houses – Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann – including the representative role of their members, are presented. Following this, the work of the Oireachtas is examined in respect of three defining parliamentary functions: the appointment and dismissal of governments, making law and policy, and holding the government to account. Reflecting the greater number of functions performed by Dáil Éireann, and its particular identity as a directly elected representative chamber, the analysis focuses primarily on that house. However, Seanad Éireann is discussed throughout and its unique identity and purpose is the focus of the final section.
