Decision Maker

Government of Ireland

The Government of Ireland operates under the framework of a parliamentary democratic republic. It is divided into three central areas of power: the executive (led by the Taoiseach who is the prime minister), the legislative (consisting of two Houses known as Oireachtas which includes the Dáil Éireann and the Seanad Éireann) and the judiciary. The President acts as the head of the State, while the Taoiseach is the head of the government. Laws are created by the Oireachtas, interpreted by the judiciary, and carried out by the executive. However, the real political power is held by the Taoiseach and the Cabinet.