Dáil Éireann

Information

Dáil Éireann is one of the Houses of the Oireachtas (Ireland's national parliament). Dáil Éireann is located in Dublin.

The Dáil consists of members of the Dáil or TDs - Teachta Dála. TDs are elected directly to the Dáil by the people of Ireland in a general election. If a vacancy occurs at the Dáil, the seat will be filled by a by-election. A list of TDs, grouped alphabetically by name or TDs grouped by constituency is available.

The Constitution states that the number of TDs cannot be more than one for every 20,000 of the population and cannot be less than one for every 30,000. There are currently 166 TDs.

The country is divided into 43 constituencies and every constituency must elect at least three members to the Dáil. As far as possible, the ratio of population to TD must be equal in each constituency.

The constituencies must be revised at least once every 12 years, although in practice they are revised after the census is published every 5 years. An independent Constituency Commission is appointed to draw up a revised scheme of constituencies which is then given effect by an Act of the Oireachtas.

The terms of reference of the Commission were amended by the Electoral (Amendment) Act 2011. The revised terms of reference provide that a Constituency Commission will now recommend Dáil constituencies based on a reduced number of TDs between a minimum of 153 and a maximum of 160. Previously, the range was 164 to 168. The number of members of Dáil Éireann recommended by a Commission will still be subject to the limits set out in the Constitution.

TDs represent and work on behalf of the electors in their constituency.

The maximum life of the Dáil is 5 years, although at any time the Taoiseach may advise the President to dissolve the Dáil.

You can view information on the weekly schedule in the Houses of the Oireachtas.