Dáil Éireann

Teachtaí Dála (Deputies)

The 166 Members of Dail Éireann are directly elected by the people. Citizens aged 18 years and over may vote. To stand for election to Dáil Éireann a person must be at least 21 years of age.

Deputies to the Dáil have many functions and duties. A typical week of a Deputy involves:

• meeting constituents and holding advice clinics,
• attending the Dáil to raise and discuss matters of local and national interest,
• attending Committee meetings,
• representing constituents,
• attending official functions etc.

This ensures that all Deputies from all 43 (three, four or five-seat) constituencies represent the entire electorate within their constituency and provide an essential democratic link between constituents, Parliament and Government.