Functions of the President of Ireland
Information
The President is the Irish Head of State, although he or she plays a mainly ceremonial role in the running of the State. The current President of Ireland is Michael D. Higgins, who commenced his first term on 11 November, 2011.
The Government must approve all Presidential communications, messages or addresses, both to the Oireachtas (Irish houses of Parliament) and to the public.
Many of the powers of the President can only be exercised on the advice of the Government. This means that if the President wishes to exercise a power, he or she must first obtain the advice and agreement of the Government.
The President also possesses some powers that he or she cannot exercise without first consulting with the Council of State.
The President's powers include
Appointing members of the Government, judges and other officials
Summoning and dissolving the Dáil
Language
Related Documents
- President of Ireland and legislation
The President of Ireland has certain powers in relation to legislation in Ireland. Overview of President's powers. - President - Summoning and Dissolving the Dáil
This document describes the functions of the President of Ireland in summoning and dissolving the Dail - Unconstitutional Legislation
The High Court has the power to cancel any law or part of any law that is unconstitutional. Discusses what constitutes unconstitutional legislation in Ireland and how legislation is judged to be unconstitutional.
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