Government of Ireland

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Government of Ireland

The Government of Ireland (Irish: Rialtas na hÉireann) is the cabinet that exercises executive authority in the Republic of Ireland. The Government is headed by the Taoiseach, the prime minister of Ireland, who is appointed by the President of Ireland following a nomination by Dáil Éireann (the lower house of the Oireachtas, or Irish Parliament). The Taoiseach is assisted by the Tánaiste, the deputy prime minister, and the members of the Government, who are appointed by the President on the advice of the Taoiseach. Members of the Government must be members of the Oireachtas, and at least two must be members of Seanad Éireann (the upper house of the Oireachtas), though the majority are members of the Dáil.

Structure and Composition

The Government is composed of the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, and up to 15 other ministers who head various Government Departments responsible for specific areas of public policy, such as Health, Education, Finance, and Foreign Affairs. The Government may also appoint junior ministers, known as Ministers of State, to assist the ministers in their duties.

Functions and Powers

The primary functions of the Government include proposing legislation to the Oireachtas, implementing laws passed by the Oireachtas, and directing the internal and external policies of Ireland. The Government is responsible for the defense of the state, and it controls the armed forces. It also represents Ireland in international relations and treaty negotiations.

The Government exercises its executive powers in accordance with the Constitution of Ireland. These powers include the execution and maintenance of the law, the management of the public finances, and the appointment of public officials. The Government is collectively responsible to Dáil Éireann and must maintain the confidence of the Dáil to remain in office.

Appointment and Tenure

The Taoiseach is nominated by Dáil Éireann and appointed by the President. Following the appointment of the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and other members of the Government are nominated by the Taoiseach and also appointed by the President. The Government remains in office until the Taoiseach resigns, dies, or is removed from office, which usually occurs following a general election or a loss of confidence in the Dáil.

Legal Framework

The legal basis for the Government is set out in the Constitution of Ireland, particularly Articles 28 and 29, which detail the composition, powers, and functions of the Government. The Government operates within the framework of parliamentary democracy, where the executive branch is accountable to the legislature.

Recent Developments

The composition and policies of the Government of Ireland can change significantly following general elections, which are held at least every five years. Changes in the global and European political landscape, such as Brexit, have also had a substantial impact on the Government's priorities and actions in recent years.

See Also

• Politics of Ireland
• Oireachtas
• President of Ireland
• Constitution of Ireland