The Dáil in the 21st Century

Download or read book The Dáil in the 21st Century written by Anthony O'Halloran and published by Mercier Press Ltd. This book was released on 2010 with total page 288 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Much of the public commentary dismisses the Dáil as an irrelevant or peripheral political institution, but The Dáil in the 21st Century argues that the position of Dáil Éireann, far from declining, has actually been enhanced, particularly since the mid 1980s. Dáil Éireann's position in Irish politics has improved significantly over time. Coming from a weak base since its establishment, it has acquired a strong institutional identity, with improved resources and staff giving it a stronger voice. This book suggests a future role for the Lower House, extending its democratic reach to areas such as social partnership, an area coming under increased attention in these troubled economic times.Texts on the Dáil are rare, particularly work which examines the Dáil in the context of the fundamental shifts which have occurred in contemporary Irish politics, and this book offers a unique and fresh perspective on the Dáil and its operations.