| Government of Ireland | |
|---|---|
| Irish: Rialtas na hÉireann | |
 | |
| Overview | |
| Established | 29 December 1937; 85 years ago |
| Country | Ireland |
| Polity | Unitary parliamentary republic |
| Leader | Taoiseach (Simon Harris) |
| Appointed by | President of Ireland (Michael D Higgins) on successful nomination from Dáil Éireann[1] |
| Ministries | 18[2] (list) |
| Responsible to | Oireachtas Éireann |
| Annual budget | €90.4 billion (2023)[3] |
| Headquarters | Government Buildings, Merrion Street, Dublin |
| Website | www |
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The Government of Ireland (Irish: Rialtas na hÉireann) is the executive authority of the Republic of Ireland, headed by the Taoiseach, the head of government. The government – also known as the cabinet – is composed of ministers, each of whom must be a member of the Oireachtas, which consists of Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann. Most ministers have a portfolio of specific responsibilities such as departments or policy areas, although ministers without portfolio can be appointed.
The Taoiseach must be nominated by the Dáil, the house of representatives. Following the nomination of the Dáil, the President of Ireland appoints the Taoiseach to their role. The President also appoints members of the government, including the Tánaiste, the deputy head of government, on the nomination of the Taoiseach and their approval by the Dáil. The government is dependent on the Oireachtas to pass primary legislation and as such, the government needs to command a majority in the Dáil in order to ensure support and confidence for budgets and government bills to pass.
The current government entered office on 9 April 2024 with Simon Harris, leader of Fine Gael, as Taoiseach. The Tánaiste is Micheál Martin, leader of Fianna Fáil. It is a majority coalition government of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party.[4] It was formed after protracted government negotiations following a general election on 8 February 2020.
- ^ "Constitution of Ireland, Article 13.1.1°". Irish Statute Book. 29 December 1937. Retrieved 11 January 2023.
The President shall, on the nomination of Dáil Éireann, appoint the Taoiseach, that is, the head of the Government or Prime Minister.
- ^ "Departments". Government of Ireland. 19 December 2022. Retrieved 12 January 2023.
- ^ McGrath, Michael (27 September 2022). "Statement by Minister McGrath on Budget 2023". Government of Ireland. Retrieved 9 January 2023.
Overall, in 2023, I am providing €90.4 billion in public expenditure. €85.9 billion of this is core expenditure. This is facilitating a €5.8 billion expenditure budgetary package in 2023.
- ^ Thomas, Cónal (27 June 2020). "Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has been elected Taoiseach". TheJournal.ie. Retrieved 27 June 2020.