Ireland
Oversight
Data on parliament’s oversight role and activities
Oversight tools
Parliament has the power to summon members of the government
Source
Legal documents that stipulate parliament's role.
Dáil Standing Order 83
Parliament has the power to summon senior government officials
Source
Legal documents that stipulate parliament's role.
Dáil Standing Order 83
Parliament has the power to approve key government appointments
Key government appointments include, for example, ambassadors or the head of the central bank.
Approximate number of government appointments subject to parliamentary approval
0
Number of written questions asked, per year
68,297 (2021)
See historical data for this field.
Number of written questions answered by the government, per year
55,898 (2021)
See historical data for this field.
Notes
Figures reflect the total number of parliamentary questions processed (oral and written). Between 1,000 to 2,000 questions are answered orally each year and orally submitted questions can be answered with a written response.
Parliament has power to carry out inquiries
Yes
Source
Legal documents that stipulate parliament's role.
Houses of the Oireachtas (Inquiries, Privileges and Procedures) Act 2013.
Number of parliamentary inquiries, per year
0 (2021)
See historical data for this field.
Notes
Numbers refer to a Joint Committee Inquiry into the Banking Crisis (Nov 2014-January 2016)
Head of State and/or Government
Head of State and/or Government
Parliament’s role in the designation of the Head of Government
Some parliaments elect the Head of Government or approve the nomination for the Head of Government. Others do not play a role.
Parliament elects the Head of Government
Notes
The Dáil nominates the Taoiseach who is then appointed by the President
Source
Legal documents that stipulate parliament's role.
Constitution, Article 13
The Head of Government is also the Head of State
No
Parliament’s role
Parliament’s role in the designation of the Head of State
Some parliaments designate the Head of State or approve the nomination for the Head of Government. Others do not play a role.
Parliament does not play a role
Notes
President is the Head of State, directly elected by the people.
Source
Legal documents that stipulate parliament's role.
Constitution 12. 2
Impeachment and confidence motions
Procedure for parliament
There is a procedure for parliament to dismiss or impeach the following persons/institution
There is a procedure to dismiss or impeach the following persons/institution: Not applicable (there is no procedure); The whole Government; The Head of Government; The Head of State; Individual members of the Executive; Other (please specify)
Not applicable (there is no procedure)
Source
Legal documents that stipulate parliament's role.
Constitution Art. 28.9.4, Art 28.10, Art. 28.11
Chambers that play a role in the dismissal or impeachment
In bicameral parliaments: Chambers that play a role in the dismissal or impeachment: Lower chamber; Upper chamber; Not applicable
Not applicable
Impeachment Role
There is a procedure for parliament to express no confidence in the following persons/institution
There is a procedure for parliament to express no confidence in the following persons/institution: Not applicable (there is no procedure); The whole Government; The Head of Government; Individual members of the Executive; Other (please specify)
The whole Government
The Head of Government
Individual members of the Executive
Source
Legal documents that stipulate parliament's role.
The Dáil may pass a motion of censure or ‘no confidence’ in the Taoiseach, government or individual member. In practice Governments have chosen to resign rather than be defeated on a confidence motion.
Chambers that play a role in motions of no confidence
In bicameral parliaments: Chambers that play a role in motions of no confidence: Lower chamber; Upper chamber; Not applicable
Lower chamber
Parliament is automatically dissolved when a motion of no confidence is adopted
In some countries, the adoption of a motion of no confidence in the Government automatically leads to the dissolution of Parliament in certain countries. In other cases, a new government can be formed.
No