Legislating against minority governments: Ireland’s “money message” procedure as an instrument of executive dominance

The configuration of Dáil Éireann after 2016, with no assured government majority, seemed to open new possibilities for unexpected and novel forms of legislative activity, and a revitalised role for the Dáil independently of the Government.  However, the current minority Government has made extensive use of a hitherto obscure constitutional mechanism called the “money message”, which has allowed it an effective veto power over most opposition bills that otherwise have majority support in the House. This paper will, on the one hand, explain the controversy surrounding the constitutionality of the Government’s actions. On the other hand, it will also show how this controversy highlights a wider ambiguity concerning the relationship between the legislative and executive branches of the State, and particularly the extent to which executive dominance in the legislative process is constitutionally formalised.

This is one of a series of seminars in the Whitaker Ideas Forum. Eoin will be representing the Conflict, Humanitarianism and Security research cluster.

The Whitaker Ideas Forum is a weekly seminar, running Wednesday’s throughout the semester from 1:00pm-2:00pm in CA110. It provides the opportunity for members of the Institute to showcase their research. The result are presentations that highlight the diversity of the research being undertaken, while allowing for an opportunity to engage in discussions and, sometimes, collaboration with attendees. Below, you will find a list of this semester’s seminars, please click the title for more information on that seminar.