Table of Contents
Who is in the Seanad?
| Seanad Éireann | |
|---|---|
| Leas-Chathaoirleach | Joe O’Reilly (FG) since 18 September 2020 |
| Leader | Regina Doherty (FG) since 27 June 2020 |
| Deputy leader | Lisa Chambers (FF) since 29 June 2020 |
| Opposition Leader | Niall Ó Donnghaile (SF) since 8 July 2021 |
What is the role of the Ceann Comhairle?
The Ceann Comhairle is the sole judge of order in the house and has a number of special functions. Specifically, the Ceann Comhairle: Calls on members to speak. To ensure obedience to his rulings the Ceann Comhairle may order members to withdraw from the Dáil or suspend an individual from the House for a period.
What does TD stand for in Ireland?
listen); plural Teachtaí Dála), abbreviated as TD (plural TDanna in Irish, TDs in English), is a member of Dáil Éireann, the lower house of the Oireachtas (the Irish Parliament). It is the equivalent of terms such as Member of Parliament (MP) or Member of Congress used in other countries.
How many seats are there in Dail Eireann?
| Dáil Éireann | |
|---|---|
| Seats | 160 |
| Political groups | Government (82) Fianna Fáil (36) Fine Gael (34) Green Party (12) Opposition (77) Sinn Féin (37) Labour Party (7) Social Democrats (6) PBP/S (5) Aontú (1) RTOC (1) Independent (20) Ceann Comhairle Ceann Comhairle (1) |
| Elections | |
| Voting system | Single transferable vote |
How is the Seanad similar to the House of Lords?
The powers of Seanad Éireann are modelled loosely on those of the British House of Lords. It is intended to play an advisory and revising role rather than to be an equal of the popularly elected Dáil. While notionally every Act of the Oireachtas must receive assent of both chambers, the Seanad can only delay rather than veto decisions of the Dáil.
Where did the name Seanad Eireann come from?
The name Seanad Éireann was first used as the title of the upper house of the Oireachtas of the Irish Free State.
What are the limitations on the powers of the Seanad?
The constitution imposes the following specific limitations on the powers of the Seanad: In the event that a bill approved by Dáil Éireann has not received the assent of the Seanad within 90 days, the Dáil may, within a further 180 days, resolve that the measure is “deemed” to have been approved by the Seanad.
How are vacancies in the Seanad Eireann filled?
Initially casual vacancies in the Seanad were filled by vote of the remaining members. However this system was replaced under the Constitution (Amendment No. 11) Act 1929 by filling of vacancies by vote of both Dail and Seanad, the system that continues today for panel members.