ISL glossary | Parliamentary terms

Definition: A proposed change to the detail of a Bill.

Definition: Additional information or details attached at the end of a document or report. Think of it as extra information that might be useful but isn't part of the main content.

Definition: Is the legal adviser to the Government and is therefore the chief law officer of the State.

Definition: The seats where TDs or Senators sit if they are not Ministers or spokespersons for their party.

Definition: The process where the United Kingdom decided to leave the European Union, affecting how they trade, cooperate, and make laws with other European countries.

Definition: Group of senior Ministers chosen by the Taoiseach which is collectively responsible for government policy and oversees and co-ordinates the work of the various government departments.

Definition: Capital spending generally involves the creation of an asset where benefits accrue to the public over time e.g., a road, a rail line, a school, or a hospital.

Definition: The Government Chief Whip provides support to the Taoiseach in relation to Dáil business and ensures the attendance of all Government Deputies and Ministers for votes in the House.

Definition: A person who is legally recognised as a member of a country. Citizens have certain rights and responsibilities within that country.

Definition: When two or more political parties come together to work as a team in government. They cooperate to achieve common goals even though they might have different ideas.

Definition: A matter for discussion which a Senator raises in the Seanad and to which a Minister will respond, time is allocated at the commencement of a Seanad sitting.

Definition: Groups of TDs and Senators which deal with specific areas of Oireachtas business including receiving submissions from interest groups, discussing legislative proposals and Committee Stage of Bills.

Definition: Smaller regions within a country that elect representatives. Members of the Dáil (TDs) are elected to represent their constituencies and speak for the people in them in the Dáil.

Definition: A group which advises the President, and which comprise past Taoisigh (Irish Prime Ministers), Presidents, Chief Justices, the Ceann Comhairle, the Cathaoirleach of Seanad Eireann, the Attorney General and people appointed by the President.

Definition: A person elected to represent a local area, such as a town or city, in a local government council.

Definition: Involves connections or activities that cross the boundaries between different regions or countries. For example, cross-border trade involves buying and selling goods between two different places.

Definition: An agreement between countries where they agree to trade goods without charging each other customs duties (taxes) while also following similar trade rules.

Definition: A group of people who are authorised to act on behalf of a larger group. In the context of Parliamentary work, a delegation might be sent to a foreign country to represent the interests of Parliament.

Definition: A system of government where people have the power to make decisions by voting. It's about the citizens having a say in how the country is run.

Definition: An important or respected person, often associated with high-ranking officials or diplomats.

Definition: A rule or instruction issued by a higher authority, like a government or the European Union, to guide the actions of individuals or organisations.

Definition: The point in parliamentary proceedings where a question or amendment is put to a formal vote by Members.

Definition: Two-way process involving interaction and listening with the goal of generating mutual benefit.

Definition: A document which sets out the amount planned to be spent by Government Departments and certain agencies in the coming year.

Definition: Relating to finances or money matters, especially in terms of government revenue (taxes) and spending.

Definition: An outline or structure that provides a basis for organising or understanding something. In legislation, it could be a set of guiding principles for making laws.

Definition: The seats where Government Ministers and party spokespersons sit in the Dáil and Seanad.

Definition: The way a country, organisation, or institution is managed and controlled. It's about decision-making and leadership.

Definition: A restriction on the time allocated to debate a Bill in one of the Houses, which may result in the Bill being passed without being fully debated.

Definition: The top leaders of a country, often with symbolic and ceremonial roles. For instance, the President is the head of state in Ireland.

Definition: Lower house of the UK Parliament.

Definition: The second chamber of UK Parliament.

Definition: The national parliament of Ireland which consists of the President, Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann.

Definition: Putting plans or laws into action. It's the process of making sure what's decided happens.

Definition: A Committee which comprises of Members of both Dáil and Seanad Éireann.

Definition: The branch of government responsible for interpreting and applying the law. Courts and judges are part of the judiciary.

Definition: Documents officially presented to the Dáil and the Seanad for the information of TDs and Senators.

Definition: Refers to political beliefs that lean towards social equality, government intervention in the economy, and progressive change.

Definition: Laws created by a legislative body, like a parliament. They set the rules and regulations that people and organisations must follow.

Definition: The building in which Irish parliament sits.

Definition: A document outlining the goals and promises of a political party or individual. It explains what they intend to do if they're elected.

Definition: A formal proposal made in the Dáil or Seanad which may be debated and voted on by the Members.

Definition: No trade deal agreed between the UK and the EU.

Definition: The act of proposing someone as a candidate for a position, like an election or appointment.

Definition: The devolved legislature for Northern Ireland. It has the power to make laws in a wide range of areas.

Definition: The Northern Ireland Protocol is an agreement within the broader Brexit. It aims to regulate trade between Northern Ireland (part of the United Kingdom) and the Republic of Ireland (an independent country) while avoiding the reintroduction of a...

Definition: Political parties or individuals not in the ruling government. They provide alternative views and critique the government's actions.

Definition: Monitoring and supervising to ensure that things are done correctly, especially in government or organisations.

Definition: A group of persons organized to acquire and exercise political power.

Definition: The person who has been chosen to become the next President but hasn't officially taken office yet.

Definition: The head of government in a parliamentary system. They lead the executive branch and manage the day-to-day operations of the country.

Definition: Priority Questions are questions put formally to a minister about a matter they are responsible for by a TD. Questions can be asked orally or in writing. Priority questions are used to seek information or to press for action from the government...

Definition: A Bill initiated by a TD or Senator who is not a member of the Government.

Definition: A Government work plan for its time in office.

Definition: Laws, rules and points of law.

Definition: A Bill that is applicable to the general body of citizens.

Definition: A quorum of 20 Members is required to begin a Dáil sitting, except on a Friday sitting when the quorum is 10.

Definition: A vote by the electorate, usually on a single issue such as a change to the Constitution or a European treaty.

Definition: Group of Independents elected to the Dáil.

Definition: Rules or laws that control how certain activities or industries operate, often set by government agencies.

Definition: Political beliefs that favour limited government intervention, traditional values, and free-market capitalism.

Definition: Group of Independents elected to the Dáil.

Definition: An official stamp that represents the authority and approval of the Irish government or President. For example, when someone is appointed as a Minister, they are presented with a Seal of Office by the President to make their appointment officia...

Definition: In the Houses of the Oireachtas, a "seat" refers to a specific place where a TD sits when the Dáil is in session. The TD sitting in that seat is there to represent the people who live in their constituency.

Definition: A voting method where each person's vote is kept private, so nobody knows how an individual voted.

Definition: The administrative support or office that assists and coordinates the work of an organisation or group.

Definition: A select committee includes members from either the Dáil or the Seanad, but not both.

Definition: A member of the Seanad.

Definition: Unity and support among a group of people who share common goals or interests, often used in social and political contexts.

Definition: A Special committee is established for the sole purpose of considering a specific matter usually for a specified time after which it must report back to the Houses(s).

Definition: Any person or organisation that has a legitimate interest in a specific project or policy decision.

Definition: A permanent committee required by standing orders of either House to be established after a general election.

Definition: The rules of either Dáil Éireann or Seanad Éireann.

Definition: A form of delegated or “secondary” legislation, such as ministerial orders and regulations.

Definition: Information relevant to an inquiry. Submissions inform members about an individual, organisation, or community about an issue.

Definition: Elected members to the Dáil. Directly translates into English as Deputy to the Dáil.

Definition: This is like a set of rules or guidelines that explain the scope and purpose of a particular project or investigation conducted by the Oireachtas. It helps outline what needs to be done and what the goals are.

Definition: An issue of concern which a TD raises in the Dáil and to which a Minister responds: time is allocated on each Dáil sitting day to take up to four topical issues.

Definition: A trade deal is an agreement between countries, including Ireland, that outlines how they will buy and sell goods and services with each other. It usually includes rules about tariffs (taxes on imports and exports), trade regulations, and other...

Definition: This means something goes against the rules and principles set out in the Irish constitution, Bunreacht na hÉireann, the rules of the country. If something is deemed unconstitutional, it cannot be legally enforced.

Definition: This is an agreement between the UK and the European Union (EU) that outlines the terms of the UK's departure from the EU.