Ireland
Senate
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Political system
Political systems: Presidential, Parliamentary, Presidential-Parliamentary, Monarchy, Communist, Transitional.
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Parliamentary system
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Structure of parliament
Structure of parliament: Unicameral, bicameral
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Bicameral
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IPU membership
Current membership status
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Yes
Oversight
Oversight tools
- Parliament/Chamber has the power to summon members of the government
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Yes
Sources: Dáil Standing Order 96
- Parliament/chamber has the power to summon senior government officials
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Yes
Sources: Dáil Standing Order 96
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Parliament has the power to approve key government appointments
Key government appointments include, for example, ambassadors or the head of the central bank.
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No
- Parliament/chamber has the power to approve key government appointments
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Yes
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Number of written questions asked, per year
Depending on a parliament’s system – both written and oral questions may be registered.
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No information available
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Number of written questions answered by the government, per year
Depending on a parliament’s system – both written and oral questions may be registered
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No information available
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Percentage of written questions answered by the government, per year
The percentage is calculated by dividing the number of written questions answered by the number of questions that were asked.
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No information available
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Parliament/chamber has power to carry out inquiries
The power of a parliament to carry out inquiries and the way in which they are done varies across parliaments. The aims and objectives of parliamentary inquiries cover a large spectrum: from a general examination of an issue of public interest to an investigative inquiry into a specific topic, the results of which may have penal implications.
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Yes
Sources: Houses of the Oireachtas (Inquiries, Privileges and Procedures) Act 2013
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Number of parliamentary inquiries, per year
The total number of inquiries/investigations can include those carried out by any committee (permanent or ad-hoc) or specialized body within parliament. In the case an inquiry/investigation spans more than one year it is ounted once in the year it was initiated. The power of a parliament to carry out inquiries and the way in which they are done varies across parliaments.
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0(2021)
Notes: Numbers represent a Joint Committee Inquiry into the Banking Crisis (Nov 2014-January 2016)
Head of State and/or Government
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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.
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Parliament elects the Head of Government
Notes: The President shall, on the nomination of Dáil Éireann, appoint the Taoiseach, that is, the head of the Government or Prime Minister
Sources: Constitution, art. 13
- The Head of Government is also the Head of State
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No
- Parliament’s role in the designation of the Head of State
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Parliament does not play a role
Notes: The President is directly elected by the people.
Sources: Constitution, art. 12
Impeachment and confidence motions
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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.
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Yes
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Chambers that can be dissolved when a motion of no confidence is adopted
In bicameral parliaments: Chambers that can be dissolved when a motion of no confidence is adopted: Lower chamber; Upper chamber; Not applicable
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Lower chamber
Notes:
Constitution, art. 18(9-10)
The Taoiseach (Head of Government) shall resign from office upon ceasing to retain the support of a majority in the Dáil Éireann unless, on his/her advice, the President dissolves the Dáil Éireann and upon its reassembly, the Taoiseach secures the support of a majority in the Dáil Éireann.
Impeachment procedure
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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)
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Not applicable (there is no procedure)
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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
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Not applicable
No confidence processes
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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)
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The whole GovernmentThe Head of GovernmentIndividual members of the Executive
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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
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Lower chamber
Sources: According to the Dáil Standing Orders, 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.