Dáil Éireann facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dáil ÉireannAssembly of Ireland |
|
|---|---|
| 33rd Dáil | |
 |
|
| Type | |
| Type |
Lower house of the Oireachtas
|
| Leadership | |
|
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Since 10 March 2016 |
|
|
Leas-Ceann Comhairle
|
Catherine Connolly (Independent)
|
|
Government Chief Whip
|
Jack Chambers (FF)
|
|
Opposition Chief Whip
|
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (SF)
|
| Structure | |
| Seats | 160 |
 |
|
|
Political groups
|
Government (84)
Opposition (75)
|
| Elections | |
| Single transferable vote | |
|
Last election
|
8 February 2020 |
|
Next election
|
No later than 20 February 2025 |
| Meeting place | |
 |
|
| Dáil chamber Leinster House, Dublin |
|
Dáil Éireann (pronounced "Doyle Air-in") means Assembly of Ireland. It is like the main part of the Irish parliament. People in Ireland who are 18 or older can vote for its members. These members are called Teachta Dála (TDs).
Contents
History of the Dáil
The Dáil Éireann has a long and interesting history. It started during a time of big changes in Ireland.
The First Dáil
The First Dáil was formed in 1919. This happened after a British election in 1918. Many Sinn Féin politicians were elected. But instead of going to the British Parliament in London, they met in Dublin. They wanted to create their own Irish government.
At this first meeting, they declared Ireland's independence. They also wrote a Constitution and set up a new government. Countess Markiewicz was elected as a Sinn Féin member. She was the first woman elected to the British Parliament. But she chose to attend the First Dáil instead.
The Second Dáil
The Second Dáil met in 1921, during the Irish War of Independence. The British government tried to set up two parliaments in Ireland. One was for Northern Ireland and one for Southern Ireland.
However, in Southern Ireland, only Sinn Féin candidates ran for election. They decided not to join the British parliament. Instead, they met as the Second Dáil. At this time, Éamon de Valera, who was the President of the Irish Republic, spoke about Ireland's right to choose its own government.
The Second Dáil later approved the Anglo-Irish Treaty. This treaty led to the creation of the Irish Free State.
The Third Dáil
The Third Dáil began in 1922. It was important for two reasons. It continued the work of the earlier Dáils for Irish independence. It also acted as a temporary parliament for the new Irish Free State.
This Dáil passed the constitution for the Irish Free State. After December 6, 1922, it became the main house of the Oireachtas of the Irish Free State.
What is Said in the Dáil?
Everything said in the Dáil is officially recorded. This record is called the English: Dáil Debates. In Irish, it is known as Irish: Díospóireachtaí Dála. These records are kept in special books.
How TDs are Elected
Members of the Dáil, called TDs, are elected in special areas. These areas are called "constituencies." Unlike some other countries, each constituency elects several TDs. It can elect three, four, or five TDs.
When you vote, you don't just pick one person. You rank the candidates in order of your favourite. You put "1" for your top choice, "2" for your second choice, and so on. This system is called the Single Transferable Vote.
Counting all the votes can take a long time. Sometimes it takes two or three days to figure out who has been elected! The person who is the Chairman of the Dáil, called the Ceann Comhairle, does not have to be re-elected. The law says they automatically get a seat in their old constituency.
Powers of Dáil Éireann
The Dáil is the most powerful part of the Oireachtas (Ireland's parliament).
- The Taoiseach (who is like the Prime Minister), the Tánaiste (who is the deputy prime minister), and the Minister of Finance must all be members of the Dáil.
- New laws about taxes must start in the Dáil. The other house of parliament, the Seanad, cannot stop these tax laws.
- The Dáil can pass a new law even if the Seanad disagrees. However, the Supreme Court can check if the law follows the Irish Constitution. The President can also ask the Supreme Court to check a law before signing it.
Related Pages
Images for kids
-
Leinster House in Dublin is where Dáil Éireann meets.
