Role of An Cathaoirleach
As Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann (Chair of the Senate of Ireland), Mark takes on a number of roles that come with the position.
Chair of the Seanad Éireann
- The Cathaoirleach is the "Judge of Order" in the Seanad. They determinesmatters of order including compliance with Standing Orders of proposals made by Senators, preside over proceedings of the House and has the authority to suppress disorder.
- They are the Chairperson of the Committee on Procedure & Privileges.
- The Cathaoirleach is Deputy Chair of the Executive of the Irish Parliamentary Association which maintains and nurtures contacts among parliamentarians internationally.
- The Cathaoirleach represents Seanad Éireann at international meetings of parliamentarians including the Inter Parliamentary Union, Conferences of Speakers of Parliament and the Association of European Senates.
- They are an ex-officio Member of the Presidents (Speakers) of Parliament of the EU.
- They are co-host, with the Ceann Comhairle, to visiting parliamentary delegations.
Council of State
- The Constitution provides that the Cathaoirleach be a member of the Council of State which aids and counsels the President on certain matters in relation to the exercise and performance, by the President, of his powers and functions.
Presidential Commission
- The Constitution provides that the Cathaoirleach, with the Chief Justice and the Ceann Comhairle, be a member of the Presidential Commission which exercises the powers and functions of the President in his absence, incapacity etc.
Oireachtas Commission
- The Cathaoirleach is Deputy Chairperson of the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission, the statutory governing body which provides for the running of the Houses of the Oireachtas.
Comhairle na Míre Gaile
- The Cathaoirleach is a member of Comhairle na Míre Gaile (Deeds of Bravery Council), a body established by the Government to recognise acts of bravery which attempt to save life.
Provision in the Constitution
-The role of Cathaoirleach is one of the very few positions of Government which is given specific mention in Bunreacht na hÉireann. Article 9.1 states;
" Each House of the Oireachtas shall elect from its members its own Chairman and Deputy Chairman, and shall prescribe their powers and duties".
Chair of the Seanad Éireann
- The Cathaoirleach is the "Judge of Order" in the Seanad. They determinesmatters of order including compliance with Standing Orders of proposals made by Senators, preside over proceedings of the House and has the authority to suppress disorder.
- They are the Chairperson of the Committee on Procedure & Privileges.
- The Cathaoirleach is Deputy Chair of the Executive of the Irish Parliamentary Association which maintains and nurtures contacts among parliamentarians internationally.
- The Cathaoirleach represents Seanad Éireann at international meetings of parliamentarians including the Inter Parliamentary Union, Conferences of Speakers of Parliament and the Association of European Senates.
- They are an ex-officio Member of the Presidents (Speakers) of Parliament of the EU.
- They are co-host, with the Ceann Comhairle, to visiting parliamentary delegations.
Council of State
- The Constitution provides that the Cathaoirleach be a member of the Council of State which aids and counsels the President on certain matters in relation to the exercise and performance, by the President, of his powers and functions.
Presidential Commission
- The Constitution provides that the Cathaoirleach, with the Chief Justice and the Ceann Comhairle, be a member of the Presidential Commission which exercises the powers and functions of the President in his absence, incapacity etc.
Oireachtas Commission
- The Cathaoirleach is Deputy Chairperson of the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission, the statutory governing body which provides for the running of the Houses of the Oireachtas.
Comhairle na Míre Gaile
- The Cathaoirleach is a member of Comhairle na Míre Gaile (Deeds of Bravery Council), a body established by the Government to recognise acts of bravery which attempt to save life.
Provision in the Constitution
-The role of Cathaoirleach is one of the very few positions of Government which is given specific mention in Bunreacht na hÉireann. Article 9.1 states;
" Each House of the Oireachtas shall elect from its members its own Chairman and Deputy Chairman, and shall prescribe their powers and duties".