Ireland is a parliamentary democracy. 1937.The Houses of the Oireachtas are situated at Leinster House, Dublin. Is daonlathas parlaiminteach ire. The method of election to each House is different. The 166 Members of D il ireann are directly elected by the people.
N hionann an modh toghch in don d Theach.
The sole and exclusive power of making laws is vested in the Oireachtas subject to the obligations of Community membership as provided for in the Constitution. The primacy of D il ireann in regard to the life of the Parliament is recognised in that a general election to Seanad ireann must take place not later than 90 days after the dissolution of the D il. In matters of legislation the Constitution provides that Seanad ireann cannot delay indefinitely the passage of legislation. Bills to amend the Constitution and Money Bills i.e. financial legislation, can only be initiated in D il ireann. In addition to its legislative role, each House may examine and criticise Government policy and administration.