Dissolution of the Dail

Something that we may need to know more about over the coming months:

The Irish Constitution (Bunreacht na hÉireann) states that the Dáil (one of the houses of Parliament) shall not continue for a period longer than seven years. It also states that legislation can fix a shorter period for the duration of the Dáil. Since 1927, the law states that the maximum period for the duration of the Dáil is 5 years. This means that there must be a general election at least every 5 years. There is no minimum period for the duration of the Dáil.

The President of Ireland has the power to dissolve the Dáil so that a general election must be held. If the Taoiseach has the support of the majority of the members of the Dáil, and he or she advises the President to dissolve the Dáil, the President must do so. If the Taoiseach does not have the support of the majority of the members of the Dáil, the President may refuse to dissolve the Dáil.

The Constitution states that once the President issues a proclamation dissolving the Dáil, a general election must be held within 30 days. Legislation limits this further by requiring that the general election take place between the 17th and the 25th day after the dissolution of the outgoing Dáil.

After the President issues the proclamation dissolving the Dáil, a writ is issued to the returning officer in every constituency directing him or her to hold an election. The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government will then set the polling day.

Credit: Citizens Information