Constitution of Ireland 1937, as amended to 2019
Citizenship and Nationality
  • English
    It is the entitlement and birthright of every person born in the island of Ireland, which includes its islands and seas, to be part of the Irish Nation. That is also the entitlement of all persons otherwise qualified in accordance with law to be citizens of Ireland.
    … (Art. 2)
  • Irish Gaelic
    Tá gach duine a shaolaítear in oileán na hÉireann, ar a n-áirítear a oileáin agus a fharraigí, i dteideal, agus tá de cheart oidhreachta aige nó aici, a bheith páirteach i náisiún na hÉireann. Tá an teideal sin freisin ag na daoine go léir atá cáilithe ar shlí eile de réir dlí chun bheith ina saoránaigh d’Éirinn.
    … (Airteagal 2)
Citizenship and Nationality
  • English
    1 1° On the coming into operation of this Constitution any person who was a citizen of Saorstát Éireann immediately before the coming into operation of this Constitution shall become and be a citizen of Ireland.
    2° The future acquisition and loss of Irish nationality and citizenship shall be determined in accordance with law.
    3° No person may be excluded from Irish nationality and citizenship by reason of the sex of such person.
    2 1° Notwithstanding any other provision of this Constitution, a person born in the island of Ireland, which includes its islands and seas, who does not have, at the time of the birth of that person, at least one parent who is an Irish citizen or entitled to be an Irish citizen is not entitled to Irish citizenship or nationality, unless provided for by law.
    2° This section shall not apply to persons born before the date of the enactment of this section.
    … (Art. 9)
  • Irish Gaelic
    1 1° Ar theacht i ngníomh don Bhunreacht seo is saoránach d’Éirinn aon duine ba shaoránach de Shaorstát Éireann díreach roimh theacht i ngníomh don Bhunreacht seo.
    2° Is de réir dlí a chinnfear fáil agus cailleadh náisiúntacht agus saoránacht Éireann feasta.
    3° Ní cead náisiúntacht agus saoránacht Éireann a cheilt ar dhuine ar bith toisc gur fireann nó toisc gur baineann an duine sin.
    2 1° D’ainneoin aon fhorála eile den Bhunreacht seo, maidir le duine a shaolaítear in oileán na hÉireann, ar a n-áirítear a oileáin agus a fharraigí, agus nach bhfuil aige nó aici, an tráth a shaolaítear an duine sin, tuismitheoir amháin ar a laghad is saoránach d’Éirinn nó atá i dteideal a bheith ina shaoránach nó ina saoránach d’Éirinn, níl teideal ag an duine sin chun saoránacht nó náisiúntacht Éireann, mura ndéanfar socrú ina chomhair sin le dlí.
    2° Ní bhainfidh an t-alt seo le daoine a saolaíodh roimh dháta achtaithe an ailt seo.
    … (Airteagal 9)
Jurisdiction and Access
  • English

    1 1° The President may, after consultation with the Council of State, refer any Bill to which this Article applies to the Supreme Court for a decision on the question as to whether such Bill or any specified provision or provisions of such Bill is or are repugnant to this Constitution or to any provision thereof.
    … (Art. 26)
  • Irish Gaelic

    1 1° Is cead don Uachtarán, tar éis comhairle a ghlacadh leis an gComhairle Stáit, aon Bhille lena mbaineann an tAirteagal seo a chur faoi bhreith na Cúirte Uachtaraí féachaint an bhfuil an Bille sin nó aon fhoráil nó aon fhorálacha áirithe de in aghaidh an Bhunreachta seo nó in aghaidh aon fhorála de.
    … (Airteagal 26)
Jurisdiction and Access
  • English

    3 2° Save as otherwise provided by this Article, the jurisdiction of the High Court shall extend to the question of the validity of any law having regard to the provisions of this Constitution, and no such question shall be raised (whether by pleading, argument or otherwise) in any Court established under this or any other Article of this Constitution other than the High Court, the Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court.
    3° No Court whatever shall have jurisdiction to question the validity of a law, or any provision of a law, the Bill for which shall have been referred to the Supreme Court by the President under Article 26 of this Constitution, or to question the validity of a provision of a law where the corresponding provision in the Bill for such law shall have been referred to the Supreme Court by the President under the said Article 26.

    4 2° No law shall be enacted excepting from the appellate jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal cases which involve questions as to the validity of any law having regard to the provisions of this Constitution.

    5 5° No law shall be enacted excepting from the appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court cases which involve questions as to the validity of any law having regard to the provisions of this Constitution.
    … (Art. 34)
  • Irish Gaelic

    3 2° Taobh amuigh de chás dá socraítear a mhalairt leis an Airteagal seo, beidh dlínse ag an Ard-Chúirt maidir leis an gceist sin bail a bheith nó gan a bheith ar aon dlí áirithe ag féachaint d’fhorálacha an Bhunreachta seo, agus ní cead aon cheist den sórt sin a tharraingt anuas (trí phléadáil ná argóint ná eile) i gCúirt ar bith, arna bunú faoin Airteagal seo nó faoi aon Airteagal eile den Bhunreacht seo, seachas an Ard-Chúirt, an Chúirt Achomhairc nó an Chúirt Uachtarach.
    3° Ní bheidh dlínse ag Cúirt ar bith chun bailíocht dhlí nó fhorála ar bith de dhlí a chur in amhras is dlí a ndearna an tUachtarán an Bille lena aghaidh a chur faoi bhreith na Cúirte Uachtaraí faoi Airteagal 26 den Bhunreacht seo, ná chun bailíocht fhorála de dhlí a chur in amhras má rinne an tUachtarán an fhoráil chomhréire sa Bhille le haghaidh an dlí sin a chur faoi bhreith na Cúirte Uachtaraí faoin Airteagal sin 26.

    4 2° Ní cead aon dlí a achtú a chuirfeadh ar an taobh amuigh de dhlínse achomhairc na Cúirte Achomhairc cásanna ina mbeadh ceisteanna le réiteach i dtaobh bail a bheith nó gan a bheith ar aon dlí, ag féachaint d’fhorálacha an Bhunreachta seo.

    5 5° Ní cead aon dlí a achtú a chuirfeadh ar an taobh amuigh de dhlínse achomhairc na Cúirte Uachtaraí cásanna ina mbeadh ceisteanna le réiteach i dtaobh bail a bheith nó gan a bheith ar aon dlí, ag féachaint d’fhorálacha Bhunreachta seo.
    … (Airteagal 34)
Education
  • English
    1 The State acknowledges that the primary and natural educator of the child is the Family and guarantees to respect the inalienable right and duty of parents to provide, according to their means, for the religious and moral, intellectual, physical and social education of their children.
    2 Parents shall be free to provide this education in their homes or in private schools or in schools recognised or established by the State.
    3 1° The State shall not oblige parents in violation of their conscience and lawful preference to send their children to schools established by the State, or to any particular type of school designated by the State.
    2° The State shall, however, as guardian of the common good, require in view of actual conditions that the children receive a certain minimum education, moral, intellectual and social.
    4 The State shall provide for free primary education and shall endeavour to supplement and give reasonable aid to private and corporate educational initiative, and, when the public good requires it, provide other educational facilities or institutions with due regard, however, for the rights of parents, especially in the matter of religious and moral formation. (Art. 42)
  • Irish Gaelic
    1 Admhaíonn an Stát gurb é an Teaghlach is múinteoir príomha dúchasach don leanbh, agus ráthaíonn gan cur isteach ar cheart doshannta ná ar dhualgas doshannta tuistí chun oideachas de réir a n-acmhainne a chur ar fáil dá gclainn i gcúrsaí creidimh, moráltachta, intleachta, coirp agus comhdhaonnachta.
    2 Tig le tuistí an t-oideachas sin a chur ar fáil dá gclainn ag baile nó i scoileanna príobháideacha nó i scoileanna a admhaítear nó a bhunaítear ag an Stát.
    3 1° Ní cead don Stát a chur d’fhiacha ar thuistí, in aghaidh a gcoinsiasa nó a rogha dleathaí, a gclann a chur ar scoileanna a bhunaítear ag an Stát nó ar aon chineál áirithe scoile a ainmnítear ag an Stát.
    2° Ach ós é an Stát caomhnóir leasa an phobail ní foláir dó, toisc cor an lae, é a dhéanamh éigeantach minimum áirithe oideachais a thabhairt do na leanaí i gcúrsaí moráltachta, intleachta agus comhdhaonnachta.
    4 Ní foláir don Stát socrú a dhéanamh chun bunoideachas a bheith ar fáil in aisce, agus iarracht a dhéanamh chun cabhrú go réasúnta agus chun cur le tionscnamh oideachais idir phríobháideach agus chumannta agus, nuair is riachtanas chun leasa an phobail é, áiseanna nó fundúireachtaí eile oideachais a chur ar fáil, ag féachaint go cuí, áfach, do chearta tuistí, go mór mór maidir le múnlú na haigne i gcúrsaí creidimh is moráltachta. (Airteagal 42)
Employment Rights and Protection
  • English
    ...
    2 1° In particular, the State recognises that by her life within the home, woman gives to the State a support without which the common good cannot be achieved.
    2° The State shall, therefore, endeavour to ensure that mothers shall not be obliged by economic necessity to engage in labour to the neglect of their duties in the home.
    ... (Art. 41)
  • Irish Gaelic
    ...
    2 1° Go sonrach, admhaíonn an Stát go dtugann an bhean don Stát, trína saol sa teaghlach, cúnamh nach bhféadfaí leas an phobail a ghnóthú dá éagmais.
    2° Uime sin, féachfaidh an Stát lena chur in áirithe nach mbeidh ar mháithreacha clainne, de dheasca uireasa, dul le saothar agus faillí a thabhairt dá chionn sin ina ndualgais sa teaghlach.
    ... (Airteagal 41)
Employment Rights and Protection
  • English

    2 The State shall, in particular, direct its policy towards securing:–
    i That the citizens (all of whom, men and women equally, have the right to an adequate means of livelihood) may through their occupations find the means of making reasonable provision for their domestic needs.

    4 2° The State shall endeavour to ensure that the strength and health of workers, men and women, and the tender age of children shall not be abused and that citizens shall not be forced by economic necessity to enter avocations unsuited to their sex, age or strength. (Art. 45)
  • Irish Gaelic

    2 Déanfaidh an Stát, go sonrach, a bheartas a stiúradh i slí go gcuirfear in áirithe:–
    i Go bhfaighidh na saoránaigh (agus tá ceart acu uile, idir fhear is bean, chun leorshlí bheatha), trína ngairmeacha beatha, caoi chun soláthar réasúnta a dhéanamh do riachtanais a dteaghlach.

    4 2° Déanfaidh an Stát iarracht chun a chur in áirithe nach ndéanfar neart agus sláinte lucht oibre, idir fheara is mná, ná maoth-óige leanaí a éagóradh, agus nach mbeidh ar shaoránaigh, de dheasca uireasa, dul le gairmeacha nach n-oireann dá ngné nó dá n-aois nó dá neart. (Airteagal 45)
Equality and Non-Discrimination
  • English
    1 All citizens shall, as human persons, be held equal before the law.
    This shall not be held to mean that the State shall not in its enactments have due regard to differences of capacity, physical and moral, and of social function.
    … (Art. 40)
  • Irish Gaelic
    1 Áirítear gurb ionann ina bpearsain daonna na saoránaigh uile i láthair an dlí.
    Ach ní intuigthe as sin nach bhféachfaidh an Stát go cuí, ina chuid achtachán, don difríocht atá idir daoine ina mbuanna corpartha agus ina mbuanna morálta agus ina bhfeidhm chomhdhaonnach.
    … (Airteagal 40)
Obligations of the State
  • English

    3 1° The State guarantees in its laws to respect, and, as far as practicable, by its laws to defend and vindicate the personal rights of the citizen.
    … (Art. 40)
  • Irish Gaelic

    3 1° Ráthaíonn an Stát gan cur isteach lena dhlíthe ar chearta pearsanta aon saoránaigh, agus ráthaíonn fós na cearta sin a chosaint is a shuíomh lena dhlíthe sa mhéid gur féidir é.
    … (Airteagal 40)
Limitations and/or Derogations
  • English

    3 3° Nothing in this Constitution other than Article 15.5.2° shall be invoked to invalidate any law enacted by the Oireachtas which is expressed to be for the purpose of securing the public safety and the preservation of the State in time of war or armed rebellion, or to nullify any act done or purporting to be done in time of war or armed rebellion in pursuance of any such law. In this subsection “time of war” includes a time when there is taking place an armed conflict in which the State is not a participant but in respect of which each of the Houses of the Oireachtas shall have resolved that, arising out of such armed conflict, a national emergency exists affecting the vital interests of the State and “time of war or armed rebellion” includes such time after the termination of any war, or of any such armed conflict as aforesaid, or of an armed rebellion, as may elapse until each of the Houses of the Oireachtas shall have resolved that the national emergency occasioned by such war, armed conflict, or armed rebellion has ceased to exist.
    … (Art. 28)
  • Irish Gaelic

    3 3° Ní cead aon ní dá bhfuil sa Bhunreacht seo seachas Airteagal 15.5.2° a agairt chun aon dlí dá n-achtaíonn an tOireachtas a chur ó bhail má luaitear ann gur dlí é chun slándáil an phobail a chur in áirithe agus chun an Stát a chaomhnú in aimsir chogaidh nó ceannairce faoi arm, ná chun aon ghníomh dá ndéantar nó a bheireann le tuiscint gur gníomh é a dhéantar in aimsir chogaidh nó ceannairce faoi arm de bhun aon dlí den sórt sin, a chur ar neamhní. San fho-alt seo, folaíonn “aimsir chogaidh” tráth a bheidh coinbhleacht faoi arm ar siúl nach mbeidh an Stát páirteach ann ach go mbeidh beartaithe ag gach Teach den Oireachtas ina thaobh le rún go bhfuil ann, de dheasca an choinbhleachta sin faoi arm, staid phráinne náisiúnta a dhéanann difear do bhonn beatha an Stáit agus folaíonn “aimsir chogaidh nó ceannairce faoi arm” an tréimhse aimsire sin a bheidh idir an tráth a chuirfear deireadh le haon chogadh, nó le haon choinbhleacht faoi arm den sórt sin réamhráite, nó le ceannairc faoi arm agus an tráth a bheartóidh gach Teach den Oireachtas le rún nach ann a thuilleadh don staid phráinne náisiúnta arbh é an cogadh sin, nó an coinbhleacht sin faoi arm, nó an cheannairc sin faoi arm faoi deara é.
    … (Airteagal 28)
Marriage and Family Life
  • English
    1 1° The State recognises the Family as the natural primary and fundamental unit group of Society, and as a moral institution possessing inalienable and imprescriptible rights, antecedent and superior to all positive law.
    2° The State, therefore, guarantees to protect the Family in its constitution and authority, as the necessary basis of social order and as indispensable to the welfare of the Nation and the State.
    2 1° In particular, the State recognises that by her life within the home, woman gives to the State a support without which the common good cannot be achieved.
    2° The State shall, therefore, endeavour to ensure that mothers shall not be obliged by economic necessity to engage in labour to the neglect of their duties in the home.
    3 1° The State pledges itself to guard with special care the institution of Marriage, on which the Family is founded, and to protect it against attack.
    2° A Court designated by law may grant a dissolution of marriage where, but only where, it is satisfied that –
    i there is no reasonable prospect of a reconciliation between the spouses,
    ii such provision as the Court considers proper having regard to the circumstances exists or will be made for the spouses, any children of either or both of them and any other person prescribed by law, and
    iii any further conditions prescribed by law are complied with.
    3° Provision may be made by law for the recognition under the law of the State of a dissolution of marriage granted under the civil law of another state.
    4 Marriage may be contracted in accordance with law by two persons without distinction as to their sex. (Art. 41)
  • Irish Gaelic
    1 1° Admhaíonn an Stát gurb é an Teaghlach is buíon-aonad príomha bunaidh don chomhdhaonnacht de réir nádúir, agus gur foras morálta é ag a bhfuil cearta doshannta dochloíte is ársa agus is airde ná aon reacht daonna.
    2° Ós é an Teaghlach is fotha riachtanach don ord chomhdhaonnach agus ós éigeantach é do leas an Náisiúin agus an Stáit, ráthaíonn an Stát comhshuíomh agus údarás an Teaghlaigh a chaomhnú.
    2 1° Go sonrach, admhaíonn an Stát go dtugann an bhean don Stát, trína saol sa teaghlach, cúnamh nach bhféadfaí leas an phobail a ghnóthú dá éagmais.
    2° Uime sin, féachfaidh an Stát lena chur in áirithe nach mbeidh ar mháithreacha clainne, de dheasca uireasa, dul le saothar agus faillí a thabhairt dá chionn sin ina ndualgais sa teaghlach.
    3 1° Ós ar an bPósadh atá an Teaghlach bunaithe gabhann an Stát air féin coimirce faoi leith a dhéanamh ar ord an phósta agus é a chosaint ar ionsaí.
    2° Féadfaidh Cúirt a bheidh ainmnithe le dlí scaoileadh ar phósadh a thabhairt sa chás, ach sa chás amháin, gur deimhin léi –
    i nach bhfuil ionchas réasúnach ar bith ann go mbeidh comhréiteach idir na céilí,
    ii go bhfuil cibé socrú ann, nó go ndéanfar cibé socrú, is dóigh leis an gCúirt a bheith cuí ag féachaint do na himthosca, le haghaidh na gcéilí, le haghaidh aon leanaí le ceachtar acu nó leis an mbeirt acu agus le haghaidh aon duine eile a bheidh forordaithe le dlí, agus
    iii go gcomhlíontar aon choinníollacha breise a bheidh forordaithe le dlí.
    3° Féadfar socrú a dhéanamh le dlí chun aitheantas a thabhairt faoi dhlí an Stáit do scaoileadh ar phósadh arna thabhairt faoi dhlí sibhialta stáit eile.
    4 Féadfaidh beirt, gan beann ar a ngnéas, conradh pósta a dhéanamh de réir dlí. (Airteagal 41)
Marriage and Family Life
  • English
    1 The State acknowledges that the primary and natural educator of the child is the Family and guarantees to respect the inalienable right and duty of parents to provide, according to their means, for the religious and moral, intellectual, physical and social education of their children.
    2 Parents shall be free to provide this education in their homes or in private schools or in schools recognised or established by the State.
    3 1° The State shall not oblige parents in violation of their conscience and lawful preference to send their children to schools established by the State, or to any particular type of school designated by the State.
    … (Art. 42)
  • Irish Gaelic
    1 Admhaíonn an Stát gurb é an Teaghlach is múinteoir príomha dúchasach don leanbh, agus ráthaíonn gan cur isteach ar cheart doshannta ná ar dhualgas doshannta tuistí chun oideachas de réir a n-acmhainne a chur ar fáil dá gclainn i gcúrsaí creidimh, moráltachta, intleachta, coirp agus comhdhaonnachta.
    2 Tig le tuistí an t-oideachas sin a chur ar fáil dá gclainn ag baile nó i scoileanna príobháideacha nó i scoileanna a admhaítear nó a bhunaítear ag an Stát.
    3 1° Ní cead don Stát a chur d’fhiacha ar thuistí, in aghaidh a gcoinsiasa nó a rogha dleathaí, a gclann a chur ar scoileanna a bhunaítear ag an Stát nó ar aon chineál áirithe scoile a ainmnítear ag an Stát.
    … (Airteagal 42)
Political Rights and Association
  • English
    1 2° i All citizens, and
    ii such other persons in the State as may be determined by law,
    without distinction of sex who have reached the age of eighteen years who are not disqualified by law and comply with the provisions of the law relating to the election of members of Dáil Éireann, shall have the right to vote at an election for members of Dáil Éireann.
    3° No law shall be enacted placing any citizen under disability or incapacity for membership of Dáil Éireann on the ground of sex or disqualifying any citizen or other person from voting at an election for members of Dáil Éireann on that ground.
    … (Art. 16)
  • Irish Gaelic
    1 2° i Gach uile shaoránach, agus
    ii cibé daoine eile sa Stát a cinnfear le dlí,
    cibé acu fir nó mná, ag a bhfuil ocht mbliana déag slán agus ná cuirtear faoi dhícháilíocht le dlí, agus a chomhlíonann coinníollacha an dlí i dtaobh toghcháin comhaltaí do Dháil Éireann, tá ceart vótála acu i dtoghchán comhaltaí do Dháil Éireann.
    3° Ní cead aon dlí a achtú a chuirfeadh saoránach ar bith, toisc gur fear nó toisc gur bean an saoránach sin, faoi mhíchumas nó faoi mhíthreoir maidir lena bheith ina chomhalta de Dháil Éireann nó a dhícháileodh saoránach ar bith nó duine ar bith eile, ar an bhforas céanna sin, ó bheith i dteideal vótála i dtoghchán comhaltaí do Dháil Éireann.
    … (Airteagal 16)
Political Rights and Association
  • English

    6 1° The State guarantees liberty for the exercise of the following rights, subject to public order and morality: –

    iii The right of the citizens to form associations and unions.
    Laws, however, may be enacted for the regulation and control in the public interest of the exercise of the foregoing right.
    2° Laws regulating the manner in which the right of forming associations and unions and the right of free assembly may be exercised shall contain no political, religious or class discrimination. (Art. 40)
  • Irish Gaelic

    6 1° Ráthaíonn an Stát saoirse chun na cearta seo a leanas a oibriú ach sin a bheith faoi réir oird is moráltachta poiblí: –

    iii Ceart na saoránach chun comhlachais agus cumainn a bhunú.
    vAch is cead dlíthe a achtú chun oibriú an chirt réamhráite a rialú agus a stiúradh ar mhaithe leis an bpobal.
    2° Ní cead aon idirdhealú maidir le polaitíocht nó creideamh nó aicmí, a bheith i ndlíthe a rialaíos modh oibrithe an chirt chun comhlachais agus cumainn a bhunú agus an chirt chun teacht le chéile ar saorthionól. (Airteagal 40)
Political Rights and Association
  • English

    3 Every citizen who has the right to vote at an election for members of Dáil Éireann shall have the right to vote at a Referendum.
    … (Art. 47)
  • Irish Gaelic

    3 Gach saoránach ag a bhfuil sé de cheart vótáil i dtoghchán do chomhaltaí de Dháil Éireann tá sé de cheart aige vótáil i Reifreann.
    … (Airteagal 47)
Head of State
  • English
    1 There shall be a President of Ireland (Uachtarán na hÉireann), hereinafter called the President, who shall take precedence over all other persons in the State and who shall exercise and perform the powers and functions conferred on the President by this Constitution and by law.
    2 1° The President shall be elected by direct vote of the people.
    2° Every citizen who has the right to vote at an election for members of Dáil Éireann shall have the right to vote at an election for President.
    3° The voting shall be by secret ballot and on the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote.

    4 1° Every citizen who has reached his thirty-fifth year of age is eligible for election to the office of President.
    2° Every candidate for election, not a former or retiring President, must be nominated either by
    i not less than twenty persons, each of whom is at the time a member of one of the Houses of the Oireachtas, or
    ii by the Councils of not less than four administrative Counties (including County Boroughs) as defined by law.
    … (Art. 12)
  • Irish Gaelic
    1 Beidh Uachtarán ar Éirinn (.i. Uachtarán na hÉireann), ar a dtugtar an tUachtarán sa Bhunreacht seo feasta; beidh tosach aige ar gach uile dhuine sa Stát, agus ní foláir dó na cumhachtaí agus na feidhmeanna a bheirtear don Uachtarán leis an mBunreacht seo agus le dlí a oibriú agus a chomhlíonadh.
    2 1° Le vóta lomdíreach an phobail a thoghfar an tUachtarán.
    2° Gach saoránach ag a bhfuil ceart vótála i dtoghchán do chomhaltaí de Dháil Éireann, beidh ceart vótála aige i dtoghchán don Uachtarán.
    3° Is le rúnbhallóid agus de réir na hionadaíochta cionúire agus ar mhodh an aonghutha inaistrithe a dhéanfar an vótáil.

    4 1° Gach saoránach ag a bhfuil cúig bliana tríochad slán, is intofa chun oifig an Uachtaráin é.
    2° Gach iarrthóir d’oifig an Uachtaráin, seachas duine atá nó a bhí ina Uachtarán cheana, is uathu seo a leanas nach foláir a ainmniú a theacht
    i fiche duine ar a laghad agus gach duine faoi leith díobh sin ina chomhalta, in alt na huaire, de Theach de Thithe an Oireachtais, nó
    ii Comhairlí ceithre Chontae riaracháin ar a laghad (agus Contae-Bhuirgí a áireamh) mar a mhínítear le dlí.
    … (Airteagal 12)
Government
  • English
    1 1° The President shall, on the nomination of Dáil Éireann, appoint the Taoiseach, that is, the head of the Government or Prime Minister.
    2° The President shall, on the nomination of the Taoiseach with the previous approval of Dáil Éireann, appoint the other members of the Government.
    … (Art. 13)
  • Irish Gaelic
    1 1° Ceapfaidh an tUachtarán an Taoiseach .i. an Ceann Rialtais nó an Príomh-Aire, arna ainmniú sin ag Dáil Éireann.
    2° Arna n-ainmniú ag an Taoiseach le comhaontú Dháil Éireann roimh ré, ceapfaidh an tUachtarán na comhaltaí eile den Rialtas.
    … (Airteagal 13)
Government
  • English
    1 The Government shall consist of not less than seven and not more than fifteen members who shall be appointed by the President in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.
    2 The executive power of the State shall, subject to the provisions of this Constitution, be exercised by or on the authority of the Government.
    ... (Art. 28)
  • Irish Gaelic
    1 Mórsheisear ar a laghad, agus cúig dhuine dhéag ar a mhéid, líon comhaltaí an Rialtais, agus is é an tUachtarán a cheapfas na comhaltaí sin de réir forálacha an Bhunreachta seo.
    2 Faoi chuimsiú forálacha an Bhunreachta seo, is é an Rialtas a oibreos, nó is le húdarás an Rialtais a oibreofar, cumhacht chomhallach an Stáit.
    ... (Airteagal 28)
Legislature
  • English
    1 1° The National Parliament shall be called and known, and is in this Constitution generally referred to, as the Oireachtas.
    2° The Oireachtas shall consist of the President and two Houses, viz.: a House of Representatives to be called Dáil Éireann and a Senate to be called Seanad Éireann.

    2 1° The sole and exclusive power of making laws for the State is hereby vested in the Oireachtas: no other legislative authority has power to make laws for the State.
    … (Art. 15)
  • Irish Gaelic
    1 1° An tOireachtas is ainm don Pharlaimint Náisiúnta, agus sin é a bheirtear uirthi de ghnáth sa Bhunreacht seo.
    2° An tUachtarán agus dhá Theach atá san Oireachtas: Teach Ionadóirí ar a dtugtar Dáil Éireann, agus Seanad ar a dtugtar Seanad Éireann.

    2 1° Bheirtear don Oireachtas amháin leis seo an t-aon chumhacht chun dlíthe a dhéanamh don Stát; níl cumhacht ag údarás reachtaíochta ar bith eile chun dlíthe a dhéanamh don Stát.
    … (Airteagal 15)
Legislature
  • English
    1 1° Every citizen without distinction of sex who has reached the age of twenty-one years, and who is not placed under disability or incapacity by this Constitution or by law, shall be eligible for membership of Dáil Éireann.

    3° No law shall be enacted placing any citizen under disability or incapacity for membership of Dáil Éireann on the ground of sex or disqualifying any citizen or other person from voting at an election for members of Dáil Éireann on that ground.

    2 5° The members shall be elected on the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote.
    … (Art. 16)
  • Irish Gaelic
    1 1° Gach saoránach, cibé acu fear nó bean, ag a bhfuil bliain agus fiche slán agus nach gcuirtear faoi mhíchumas nó faoi mhíthreoir leis an mBunreacht seo ná le dlí, tá sé intofa ar chomhaltas Dháil Éireann.

    3° Ní cead aon dlí a achtú a chuirfeadh saoránach ar bith, toisc gur fear nó toisc gur bean an saoránach sin, faoi mhíchumas nó faoi mhíthreoir maidir lena bheith ina chomhalta de Dháil Éireann nó a dhícháileodh saoránach ar bith nó duine ar bith eile, ar an bhforas céanna sin, ó bheith i dteideal vótála i dtoghchán comhaltaí do Dháil Éireann.

    2 5° Is de réir na hionadaíochta cionúire agus ar mhodh an aonghutha inaistrithe a thoghfar na comhaltaí.
    … (Airteagal 16)
Legislature
  • English
    1 Seanad Éireann shall be composed of sixty members, of whom eleven shall be nominated members and forty-nine shall be elected members.
    2 A person to be eligible for membership of Seanad Éireann must be eligible to become a member of Dáil Éireann.
    3 The nominated members of Seanad Éireann shall be nominated, with their prior consent, by the Taoiseach who is appointed next after the reassembly of Dáil Éireann following the dissolution thereof which occasions the nomination of the said members.
    4 1° The elected members of Seanad Éireann shall be elected as follows:—
    i Three shall be elected by the National University of Ireland.
    ii Three shall be elected by the University of Dublin.
    iii Forty-three shall be elected from panels of candidates constituted as hereinafter provided.
    2° Provision may be made by law for the election, on a franchise and in the manner to be provided by law, by one or more of the following institutions, namely:
    i the universities mentioned in subsection 1° of this section,
    ii any other institutions of higher education in the State,
    of of so many members of Seanad Éireann as may be fixed by law in substitution for an equal number of the members to be elected pursuant to paragraphs i and ii of the said subsection 1°.
    A member or members of Seanad Éireann may be elected under this subsection by institutions grouped together or by a single institution.

    5 Every election of the elected members of Seanad Éireann shall be held on the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote, and by secret postal ballot.
    6 The members of Seanad Éireann to be elected by the Universities shall be elected on a franchise and in the manner to be provided by law.
    7 1° Before each general election of the members of Seanad Éireann to be elected from panels of candidates, five panels of candidates shall be formed in the manner provided by law containing respectively the names of persons having knowledge and practical experience of the following interests and services, namely:–
    i National Language and Culture, Literature, Art, Education and such professional interests as may be defined by law for the purpose of this panel;
    ii Agriculture and allied interests, and Fisheries;
    iii Labour, whether organised or unorganised;
    iv Industry and Commerce, including banking, finance, accountancy, engineering and architecture;
    v Public Administration and social services, including voluntary social activities.
    2° Not more than eleven and, subject to the provisions of Article 19 hereof, not less than five members of Seanad Éireann shall be elected from any one panel.
    … (Art. 18)
  • Irish Gaelic
    1 Seasca comhalta líon Sheanad Éireann, .i. aon duine dhéag a ainmneofar agus naonúr is daichead a thoghfar.
    2 Ionas go mbeadh duine inghlactha ar chomhaltas Sheanad Éireann ní foláir é a bheith inghlactha ar chomhaltas Dháil Éireann.
    3 Na comhaltaí a ainmneofar do Sheanad Éireann ainmneofar iad le réamhchead uathu féin ag an Taoiseach a cheapfar ar Dháil Éireann d’ationól i ndiaidh an lánscoir ar Dháil Éireann is siocair leis na comhaltaí sin a ainmniú.
    4 1° Na comhaltaí a thoghfar do Sheanad Éireann, is ar an gcuma seo a leanas a thoghfar iad:—
    i Toghfaidh Ollscoil na hÉireann triúr.
    ii Toghfaidh Ollscoil Bhaile Átha Cliath triúr.
    iii Toghfar triúr is daichead as rollaí d’iarrthóirí a chóireofar ar an gcuma a shocraítear anseo inár ndiaidh.
    2° Féadfar foráil a dhéanamh le dlí chun go dtoghfar de réir toghchórais, agus ar an modh, a shocrófar le dlí, ag ceann amháin nó níos mó de na forais seo a leanas, eadhon:
    i na hOllscoileanna a luaitear i bhfo-alt 1° den alt seo,
    ii aon fhorais eile ardoideachais sa Stát,
    an líon sin comhaltaí de Sheanad Éireann a shocrófar le dlí in ionad líon comhionann de na comhaltaí a bheas le toghadh de bhun míreanna i agus ii den fho-alt sin 1°.
    Féadfar comhalta nó comhaltaí de Sheanad Éireann a thoghadh faoin bhfo-alt seo ag forais a bheas tiomsaithe le chéile nó ag foras aonair.

    5 Gach toghchán dá mbeidh ann do na comhaltaí a thoghfar do Sheanad Éireann is de réir na hionadaíochta cionúire a dhéanfar é agus ar mhodh an aonghutha inaistrithe, le rúnbhallóid phoist.
    6 Na comhaltaí a thoghfar do Sheanad Éireann ag na hOllscoileanna is de réir toghchórais, agus ar an modh, a shocrófar le dlí a thoghfar iad.
    7 1° Roimh gach olltoghchán do na comhaltaí do Sheanad Éireann a thoghfar as rollaí d’iarrthóirí cóireofar ar an gcuma a shocrófar le dlí cúig rolla d’iarrthóirí ar a mbeidh ainmneacha daoine ag a mbeidh eolas agus cleachtadh ar na gnóthaí agus na seirbhísí seo a leanas faoi seach:–
    i An Ghaeilge agus an tSaíocht Náisiúnta, Litríocht, Ealaíonacht, Oideachas agus cibé gairmeacha a léireofar le dlí chun críche an rolla seo;
    ii Talmhaíocht, maille le gnóthaí a bhaineas léi, agus Iascaireacht;
    iii Oibreachas, cibé comheagraithe é nó nach ea;
    iv Tionscal is Tráchtáil ar a n-áirítear baincéireacht, airgeadas, cuntasaíocht, innealtóireacht agus foirgníocht;
    v Riarachán Poiblí agus seirbhísí comhdhaonnacha, agus obair chomhdhaonnach dheonach a áireamh.
    2° Ní cead níos mó ná aon duine dhéag ná, faoi chuimsiú forálacha Airteagail 19 den Bhunreacht seo, níos lú ná cúigear de chomhaltaí Sheanad Éireann a thoghadh as aon rolla áirithe.
    … (Airteagal 18)
Property, Inheritance and Land Tenure
  • English

    3 2° The State shall, in particular, by its laws protect as best it may from unjust attack and, in the case of injustice done, vindicate the life, person, good name, and property rights of every citizen.
    … (Art. 40)
  • Irish Gaelic

    3 2° Déanfaidh an Stát, go sonrach, lena dhlíthe, beatha agus pearsa agus dea-chlú agus maoinchearta an uile shaoránaigh a chosaint ar ionsaí éagórach chomh fada lena chumas, agus iad a shuíomh i gcás éagóra.
    … (Airteagal 40)
Property, Inheritance and Land Tenure
  • English
    1 1° The State acknowledges that man, in virtue of his rational being, has the natural right, antecedent to positive law, to the private ownership of external goods.
    2° The State accordingly guarantees to pass no law attempting to abolish the right of private ownership or the general right to transfer, bequeath, and inherit property.
    … (Art. 43)
  • Irish Gaelic
    1 1° Admhaíonn an Stát, toisc bua an réasúin a bheith ag an duine, go bhfuil sé de cheart nádúrtha aige maoin shaolta a bheith aige dá chuid féin go príobháideach, ceart is ársa ná reacht daonna.
    2° Uime sin, ráthaíonn an Stát gan aon dlí a achtú d’iarraidh an ceart sin, ná gnáthcheart an duine chun maoin a shannadh agus a thiomnú agus a ghlacadh ina hoidhreacht, a chur ar ceal.
    … (Airteagal 43)
Protection from Violence
  • English

    4 2° The State shall endeavour to ensure that the strength and health of workers, men and women, and the tender age of children shall not be abused and that citizens shall not be forced by economic necessity to enter avocations unsuited to their sex, age or strength. (Art. 45)
  • Irish Gaelic

    4 2° Déanfaidh an Stát iarracht chun a chur in áirithe nach ndéanfar neart agus sláinte lucht oibre, idir fheara is mná, ná maoth-óige leanaí a éagóradh, agus nach mbeidh ar shaoránaigh, de dheasca uireasa, dul le gairmeacha nach n-oireann dá ngné nó dá n-aois nó dá neart. (Airteagal 45)
Public Institutions and Services
  • English
    1 1° The State recognises the Family as the natural primary and fundamental unit group of Society, and as a moral institution possessing inalienable and imprescriptible rights, antecedent and superior to all positive law.
    2° The State, therefore, guarantees to protect the Family in its constitution and authority, as the necessary basis of social order and as indispensable to the welfare of the Nation and the State.
    … (Art. 41)
  • Irish Gaelic
    1 1° Admhaíonn an Stát gurb é an Teaghlach is buíon-aonad príomha bunaidh don chomhdhaonnacht de réir nádúir, agus gur foras morálta é ag a bhfuil cearta doshannta dochloíte is ársa agus is airde ná aon reacht daonna.
    2° Ós é an Teaghlach is fotha riachtanach don ord chomhdhaonnach agus ós éigeantach é do leas an Náisiúin agus an Stáit, ráthaíonn an Stát comhshuíomh agus údarás an Teaghlaigh a chaomhnú.
    … (Airteagal 41)
Public Institutions and Services
  • English
    The principles of social policy set forth in this Article are intended for the general guidance of the Oireachtas. The application of those principles in the making of laws shall be the care of the Oireachtas exclusively, and shall not be cognisable by any Court under any of the provisions of this Constitution.

    2 The State shall, in particular, direct its policy towards securing:–

    v That there may be established on the land in economic security as many families as in the circumstances shall be practicable.

    4 1° The State pledges itself to safeguard with especial care the economic interests of the weaker sections of the community, and, where necessary, to contribute to the support of the infirm, the widow, the orphan, and the aged.
    … (Art. 45)
  • Irish Gaelic
    Is mar ghnáth-threoir don Oireachtas a ceapadh na bunrialacha do bheartas chomhdhaonnach atá leagtha amach san Airteagal seo. Is ar an Oireachtas amháin a bheidh sé de chúram na bunrialacha sin a fheidhmiú i ndéanamh dlíthe, agus ní intriailte ag Cúirt ar bith ceist i dtaobh an fheidhmithe sin faoi aon fhoráil d’fhorálacha an Bhunreachta seo.

    2 Déanfaidh an Stát, go sonrach, a bheartas a stiúradh i slí go gcuirfear in áirithe:–

    v Go mbunófar ar an talamh faoi shlándáil gheilleagrach an oiread teaghlach agus is féidir de réir chor an tsaoil.

    4 1° Gabhann an Stát air féin cosaint sonrach a dhéanamh ar leas gheilleagrach na n-aicmí is lú cumhacht den phobal agus, nuair a bheas riachtanas leis, cabhair maireachtála a thabhairt don easlán, don bhaintreach, don dílleacht agus don sean.
    … (Airteagal 45)
Sexual and Reproductive Rights
  • English

    3 3° Provision may be made by law for the regulation of termination of pregnancy.
    … (Art. 40)
  • Irish Gaelic

    3 3° Féadfar socrú a dhéanamh le dlí chun foirceannadh toirchis a rialáil.
    … (Airteagal 40)
Status of the Constitution
  • English

    2 These powers of government are exercisable only by or on the authority of the organs of State established by this Constitution. (Art. 6)
  • Irish Gaelic

    2 Is leis na horgain Stáit a chuirtear ar bun leis an mBunreacht seo, agus leo sin amháin nó lena n-údarás, is féidir na cumhachtaí riala sin a oibriú. (Airteagal 6)
Status of the Constitution
  • English

    4 1° The Oireachtas shall not enact any law which is in any respect repugnant to this Constitution or any provision thereof.
    2° Every law enacted by the Oireachtas which is in any respect repugnant to this Constitution or to any provision thereof, shall, but to the extent only of such repugnancy, be invalid.
    … (Art. 15)
  • Irish Gaelic

    4 1° Ní cead don Oireachtas aon dlí a achtú a bheadh ar aon chuma in aghaidh an Bhunreachta seo nó in aghaidh aon fhorála den Bhunreacht seo.
    2° I gcás aon dlí dá n-achtóidh an tOireachtas a bheith ar aon chuma in aghaidh an Bhunreachta seo nó in aghaidh aon fhorála den Bhunreacht seo beidh sé gan bhail sa mhéid go mbeidh sé in aghaidh an Bhunreachta seo agus sa mhéid sin amháin.
    … (Airteagal 15)
Status of the Constitution
  • English
    1 Subject to this Constitution and to the extent to which they are not inconsistent therewith, the laws in force in Saorstát Éireann immediately prior to the date of the coming into operation of this Constitution shall continue to be of full force and effect until the same or any of them shall have been repealed or amended by enactment of the Oireachtas.
    ... (Art. 50)
  • Irish Gaelic
    1 Na dlíthe a bheas i bhfeidhm i Saorstát Éireann díreach roimh lá an Bunreacht seo a theacht i ngníomh leanfaid de bheith i lánfheidhm agus i lánéifeacht, faoi chuimsiú an Bhunreachta seo agus sa mhéid nach bhfuilid ina choinne, go dtí go n-aisghairtear nó go leasaítear iad nó aon chuid díobh le hachtú ón Oireachtas.
    ... (Airteagal 50)
Status of International Law
  • English

    4 4° Ireland affirms its commitment to the European Union within which the member states of that Union work together to promote peace, shared values and the well-being of their peoples.
    5° The State may ratify the Treaty of Lisbon amending the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty establishing the European Community, signed at Lisbon on the 13th day of December 2007 (“Treaty of Lisbon”), and may be a member of the European Union established by virtue of that Treaty.
    6° No provision of this Constitution invalidates laws enacted, acts done or measures adopted by the State, before, on or after the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon, that are necessitated by the obligations of membership of the European Union referred to in subsection 5° of this section or of the European Atomic Energy Community, or prevents laws enacted, acts done or measures adopted by—
    i the said European Union or the European Atomic Energy Community, or institutions thereof,
    ii the European Communities or European Union existing immediately before the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon, or institutions thereof, or
    iii bodies competent under the treaties referred to in this section,
    from having the force of law in the State.

    6 No international agreement shall be part of the domestic law of the State save as may be determined by the Oireachtas.

    9 The State may ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court done at Rome on the 17th day of July, 1998. (Art. 29)
  • Irish Gaelic

    4 4° Dearbhaíonn Éire a tiomantas i leith an Aontais Eorpaigh ar laistigh de a oibríonn ballstáit an Aontais sin le chéile chun an tsíocháin, comhluachanna agus leas a bpobal a chur chun cinn.
    5° Tig leis an Stát Conradh Liospóin ag leasú an Chonartha ar an Aontas Eorpach agus an Chonartha ag bunú an Chomhphobail Eorpaigh, arna shíniú i Liospóin an 13ú lá de Nollaig 2007 (“Conradh Liospóin”), a dhaingniú agus tig leis a bheith ina chomhalta den Aontas Eorpach a bhunaítear de bhua an Chonartha sin.
    6° Ní dhéanann aon fhoráil atá sa Bhunreacht seo dlíthe a d'achtaigh, gníomhartha a rinne nó bearta a ghlac an Stát roimh theacht i bhfeidhm do Chonradh Liospóin, ar theacht i bhfeidhm dó nó tar éis teacht i bhfeidhm dó, de bhíthin riachtanais na n-oibleagáidí mar chomhalta den Aontas Eorpach dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt 5° den alt seo nó den Chomhphobal Eorpach um Fhuinneamh Adamhach, a chur ó bhail dlí ná cosc a chur le dlíthe a d'achtaigh, gníomhartha a rinne nó bearta a ghlac—
    i an tAontas Eorpach sin nó an Comhphobal Eorpach um Fhuinneamh Adamhach nó institiúidí den chéanna,
    ii na Comhphobail Eorpacha nó an tAontas Eorpach a bheidh ar marthain díreach roimh theacht i bhfeidhm do Chonradh Liospóin, nó institiúidí den chéanna, nó
    iii comhlachtaí atá inniúil faoi na conarthaí dá dtagraítear san alt seo,
    ó fheidhm dlí a bheith acu sa Stát.

    6 Ní bheidh aon chonradh idirnáisiúnta ina chuid de dhlí inmheánach an Stáit ach mar a chinnfidh an tOireachtas.

    9 Tig leis an Stát Reacht na Róimhe den Chúirt Choiriúil Idirnáisiúnta, a rinneadh sa Róimh an 17ú lá d’Iúil, 1998, a dhaingniú. (Airteagal 29)
Religious Law
  • English
    In the Name of the Most Holy Trinity, from Whom is all authority and to Whom, as our final end, all actions both of men and States must be referred,
    … (Preamble)
  • Irish Gaelic
    In Ainm na Tríonóide Ró-Naofa is tobar don uile údarás agus gur chuici, ós í is críoch dheireanach dúinn, is dírithe ní amháin gníomhartha daoine ach gníomhartha Stát,
    … (Preamble)
Religious Law
  • English
    1 The State acknowledges that the homage of public worship is due to Almighty God. It shall hold His Name in reverence, and shall respect and honour religion.
    2 2° The State guarantees not to endow any religion.
    … (Art. 44)
  • Irish Gaelic
    1 Admhaíonn an Stát go bhfuil ag dul do Dhia na nUilechumhacht é a adhradh le hómós go poiblí. Beidh urraim ag an Stát dá ainm, agus bhéarfaidh oirmhidin agus onóir do Chreideamh.
    2 2° Ráthaíonn an Stát gan aon chóras creidimh a mhaoiniú.
    … (Airteagal 44)
1

Constitution of Ireland 1937, as amended to 2019 (English). According to Art. 8(1): "The Irish language as the national language is the first official language.”

Links to all sites last visited 12 February 2024