Public Law and Legal System

The President

Role The President is Head of State. In this capacity, he plays a number of roles. Most are ceremonial in nature. Most presidential functions are performed on the advice of the Government. In these cases, the President has no discretion.… Read the rest

The Ombudsman

Office of Ombudsman The Ombudsman’s office was established in 1980, in order to offer redress to persons who have suffered loss or harm, due to “maladministration”. It offers the possibility of redress without the expense of court action and with the need to show identify illegality in administrative action.… Read the rest

The Civil Service

Ministers Ministers are responsible under the Ministers and Secretaries Acts for the administration of their departments. Technically the ministers themselves are the legal incorporation of the department. The ministry is an office of which the particular holder is holder from time to time. … Read the rest

The Cabinet

The Government The Government is the body designated by the Constitution to govern and administer the State. They are at the apex of the “executive” arm of the State. The Constitution lays down that there should be between seven and fifteen government Ministers.… Read the rest

Structures (Pre-2014 Act Reforms)

The Constitution provides for local authorities to represent local communities democratically. They are to be elected every five years. There are 29 local authorities in the state consisting of 29 county councils and five city councils. … Read the rest

Statutory Interpretation

Many legal disputes turn on the interpretation of legislation in the context of the circumstances. If the matter is adjudicated upon by a Court the Court will apply the legislation to the facts as found. In many cases the facts will not be disputed but the question will turn on how the law applies to them.… Read the rest

Statutes II

Commencement A bill becomes law when it is signed by the President. However, the legislation may not take effect immediately. Commonly, there is provision for particular parts of an Act or the Act as a whole, to be commenced by on or more commencement orders.… Read the rest

Statutes I

Legislation Legislation refers to laws made formally. Primary legislation refers to Statutes or Acts made by the Oireachtas. The Oireachtas in the Iegislature in the Republic of Ireland. The Oireachtas comprises the Dáil, Seanad and the President.… Read the rest

State Agencies

Overview I There are a significant number of State agencies and bodies which perform various governmental functions and services. State agencies deal with a wide variety of matters. They may be State-sponsored companies or bodies established by law.… Read the rest

Sources of Law

Nature of Law Law refers to the collection of rules making up the legal system as a whole. Rules differ radically in their nature and purpose. Some rules prohibit specific behaviour. Breach is punishable under the law.… Read the rest