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Government & Politics

Government and Dáil Éireann Bunreacht na hÉireann (see Constitution) states that the Government is responsible to Dáil Eireann. This means that the Government holds office only for as long as it keeps the support of the majority of the members of Dáil Éireann. The Taoiseach may resign voluntarily and if he or she does, all of the Cabinet ministers are also considered to have resigned. A new nomination for Taoiseach will be put before the Dáiland the Dáil will approve a new Taoiseach. Citizens’ Information

Composition of the Irish Government Article 28 of Bunreacht na hÉireann (the Irish Constitution) sets out the composition of Government in Ireland. The Constitution states that the Government must not be smaller than 7 members or larger than 15 members. The Taoiseach is the head of the Irish Government. He or she is nominated by the Dáil (one of the houses of Parliament) and formally appointed by the Irish President. Normally, each of the political parties or a coalition of parties will have its own nominee for Taoiseach. The nominee who has the support of the majority of the members of the Dáil will become Taoiseach. Citizens’ Information

Dáil Debates–Díospóireachtaí Dála The Dáil, (Parliament) Debates from 2007–2012. The government is elected for five years, hence 2007 to its expected conclusion in 2012. Oireachtas Debates

Seanad Debates–Díospóireachtaí Seanaid The Seanad (Senate) Debates from 1919 to 2008 Historical Oireachtas Debates

Parliamentary Debates 2007 - 2009 (30th Dáil 23rd Seanad) Dáil and Seanad debates are published incrementally throughout a sitting day. Replies to questions tabled by Members for written response by Ministers are published at the end of each day's Dáil proceedings. The Official Report of each committee meeting is published within a week at latest, but generally within 2/3 working days. Oireachtas Debates

History of Government since 1919 Detailing Taoisigh (Prime Ministers), government ministers, Parliamentary Secretaries (later Ministers of State) and Permanent Officials. Department of the Taoiseach

Taoiseach Before the enactment of the 1937 Constitution, the head of government was referred to as the President of the Executive Council. This office was first held by W. T. Cosgrave of Cumann na nGaedhael from 1922–32, and then by Éamon de Valera from 1932–37. By convention Taoisigh are numbered to include Cosgrave. Wikipedia

Elections Ireland Thousands of details concerning elections since 1918, by–elections, referenda, boundary changes, Presidential elections, with biographies and pictures of those elected. The Irish Free State, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are detailed. The diagrammatic maps are a unique feature for both Dáil elections and recent Northern Ireland polls. Christopher Took & Seán Donnelly. Elections Ireland

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