The Dáil
Dáil Chamber
The Dáil Chamber was originally the lecture theatre of the Royal Dublin Society. The room is octagonal in shape and its original seating capacity was 700. Little alteration was needed to adapt it for parliamentary purposes - the floor was raised and the seating capacity reduced.
Image courtesy of House of the OireachtasDáil Chamber
Image courtesy of House of the Oireachtas
Image courtesy of House of the Oireachtas
Dáil Chamber
The Dáil Chamber was originally the lecture theatre of the Royal Dublin Society. The room is octagonal in shape and its original seating capacity was 700. Little alteration was needed to adapt it for parliamentary purposes - the floor was raised and the seating capacity reduced.
Image courtesy of House of the OireachtasDáil Éireann is the name given to the government of the Republic of Ireland. The Dáil has met at Leinster House in Dublin since 1922.
At present, there are 166 members in the Dáil. Each is known as a "Teachta Dála" or T.D. for short. These members are voted for by the public in a General Election, which has to take place at least once every five years, by law.
In a General Election the country gets divided into 41 different areas, known as constituencies. Depending on the population of the constituency, the public then elect either three, four or five members to the Dáil. Only people aged 18 years or above are allowed to vote in a General Election.
Seanad Éireann
Seanad Chamber
Originally the Seanad Chamber was used as a ballroom when owned by the Duke of Leinster, its proportions are the same as those of the library underneath on the ground floor. The walls of the chamber are plain, reflecting its use by the Royal Dublin Society as a picture gallery.
Image courtesy of House of the OireachtasSeanad Chamber
Image courtesy of House of the Oireachtas
Image courtesy of House of the Oireachtas
Seanad Chamber
Originally the Seanad Chamber was used as a ballroom when owned by the Duke of Leinster, its proportions are the same as those of the library underneath on the ground floor. The walls of the chamber are plain, reflecting its use by the Royal Dublin Society as a picture gallery.
Image courtesy of House of the OireachtasThe Irish parliament is made up of two Houses, namely, Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann (The Senate). In common with the Dáil, the Seanad also meets at Leinster House.
The Seanad is composed of 60 members. However, they are not elected in the same way as Dáil Éireann members. Instead, they are nominated by various groups, including the Taoiseach, who nominates 11 members, and the universities.
Áras an Uachtaráin
Aras an Uachtarain
An image of the President of Ireland's residence 'Aras an Uachtarain'.
Courtesy of Dept. of Environment, Heritage and Local GovernmentAras an Uachtarain
Courtesy of Dept. of Environment, Heritage and Local Government
Courtesy of Dept. of Environment, Heritage and Local Government
Aras an Uachtarain
An image of the President of Ireland's residence 'Aras an Uachtarain'.
Courtesy of Dept. of Environment, Heritage and Local GovernmentÁras an Uachtaráin is the official home of the President of Ireland. It is situated in the Phoenix Park.
The President of Ireland is elected directly by the public with a term of office of seven years. However, a President may not serve more than 2 terms.
Up to now, eight people have had the honour of being President of this country. They are Douglas Hyde, Seán O'Kelly, Éamon de Valera, Erskine Childers, Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh, Patrick Hillery, Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese.