The Constitution
Constitution of Ireland | Bunreacht na hÉireann
The Constitution of Ireland | Bunreacht na hÉireann sets out the rights of Irish citizens
Constitution of Ireland | Bunreacht na hÉireann
Constitution of Ireland | Bunreacht na hÉireann
The Constitution of Ireland | Bunreacht na hÉireann sets out the rights of Irish citizens
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The Constitution of Ireland was voted in the by Irish people and passed in 1937. In the Irish language it is known as 'Bunreacht na hÉireann’ which means ‘Basic Law of Ireland’. It is a detailed legal document which declares Ireland (Éire) as a sovereign state and sets out to embody characteristics of a republic. The Constitution comprises of fifty Articles which are divided into two categories as described below.
The Main Institutions of the State
This outlines the role of government and how it is organised. It defines the function of the President and their authority. It also establishes the court system and its powers.
The Fundamental Rights of the Citizens
This category includes personal rights, the family, education, private property and religion.
The Constitution sets out that it is the right of the Irish people to govern themselves and establish their own laws. The law established by the Constitution cannot be changed unless there is a constitutional referendum in which majority rules, only then can the constitutional change be enacted. Every Irish citizen over the age of eighteen is entitled to vote in a referendum.
The Constitution sets out that it is the right of the Irish people to govern themselves and establish their own laws. The law established by the Constitution cannot be changed unless there is a constitutional referendum in which majority rules, only then can the constitutional change be enacted. Every Irish citizen over the age of eighteen is entitled to vote in a referendum.
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