3R Visit to Dáil Éireann
On the 22nd of May, we were lucky to get a chance to visit the Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann. However, before going to the Dáil, we had to learn a brief history of the Dáil.
The Dáil is referred to as the Lower House of the Houses of the Oireachtas and is elected by the people of Ireland. The First Dáil was convened form 1919 to 1921 and was the first meeting of the unicameral parliament of the Irish Republic, In the infamous 1918 election, the Irish republicanism party Sinn Féin won a landslide victory in Ireland, and in line with their manifestos its MOs refused to take their seats. On the 2nd of January, 1919, they founded the Dáil Éireann, which translates to the Assembly of Ireland. We are now at the 34th Dáil, and it has 174 members repressing 43 various constituencies. We learned of the different ministers and how they are referred to as Deputy.
We first arrived at Dawson Luas station, around 09:50, and walked to Dáil, where we were greeted by Ivana Bacik, leader of the Labour Party and Alex alumna. We then met our wonderful tour guide, Sláine who took us into the main building. Our form group were enticed by what Deputy Mary Lou McDonald reported, that “Ireland has, by comparison with our European partners, one of the highest levels of public expenditure for housing, yet one of the poorest outcomes." Why is that the case? It is because the Government decided to pass the State's responsibility for housing people to private landlords. Last week, I referred to the €3 billion the Government is forking over to wealthy property funds to lease homes that neither the State nor the tenants will ever own. In one case, the Government is coughing up close to €1 million leasing one property in Dublin that goes back to the fund after 25 years. That is incredible incompetence. However, there is even worse.”
Unfortunately, we had to leave quickly. We walked through the building and soon then reached the Seanad Éireann, the Upper House of the Oireachtas. The Seanad was in the middle of debating key issues like housing, healthcare, and EU affairs. A major focus was the Planning and Development Bill, which aims to reform Ireland’s planning system. Senators from all parties examined amendments closely, showing the Seanad’s role in refining laws. Although less prominent than the Dáil, we learned that the Seanad plays a crucial part in Ireland’s democracy, offering expert scrutiny and holding the government to account. Seeing it in action gave us a real insight into how legislation is shaped.
Soon our trip came to an end. Overall it was an amazing experience. This trip provided valuable insight into Ireland’s democratic process, from Deputy Mary Lou McDonald's address in the Dáil to the Seanad’s legislative review, which has taught all of us the importance of diverse perspectives in government.
