The Government System of

Ireland
The President of
Ireland

Background
The government of Ireland was adopted in 1937 and is considered to be a parliamentary
democracy. In other words, it is a type of government in which the party with the largest
representation in the legislature creates the government. In Ireland, The National Parliament is
composed of the President and two Houses: House of Representatives and the Senate.

Local Government

The current President of Ireland

is Michael D. Higgins. He was
elected on October 29, 2011 and
his inauguration occurred on
November 11, 2011. In Ireland,
the people of the country
directly elect the President
unless a candidate runs
unopposed. The term for being
President in Ireland lasts seven
years and can be elected no
more than two terms. While the
presidency is largely considered
to be a ceremonial office, the
President does have two specific
limited powers:
1. Refusal of a Dil dissolution
2. Reference of bills to the
people

There are currently 114 local authorities in the country of Ireland.

They give assistance to a variety of services:
1. Education
2. Health
3. Transportation
4. Welfare

Three Arms of Government

1. The Legislature- Dil ireann is primary house that has the power to introduce and
amend bills for Ireland. The Seanad Eireann is the house that has the power to postpone
legislative proposals giving 90 days to amend bills.
2. Judicial- Judicial review may be used in the court of final appeal. It can also declare
certain acts and laws of the state to consider invalid in a case where they do not represent
constitutional views.
3. Executive- The prime minister of Ireland has the authority to tell the president to dismiss
ministers if needed.

The Oireachtas
Another name for Parliament... The Dil ireann is the House of Representatives and the Seanad,
whereas the Seanad Eireann is the Senate.