Dáil Éireann

Teachtaí Dála (Deputies)

The 158 Members of Dail Éireann are directly elected by the people. Every person, aged 18 years and over, who is an Irish or British citizen and is included in the register of Dáil electors in force on polling day is entitled to vote at a general election. 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 40 (three, four or five-seat) constituencies represent the entire electorate within their constituency and provide an essential democratic link between constituents, Parliament and Government.