Role of the Chair

Cathaoirleach

The Cathaoirleach is elected by the Seanad and serves for the term of the Seanad existing at the time of election.

The Cathaoirleach is the judge of order in the Seanad. He or she is responsible for interpreting and applying the Standing Orders of the House and procedural rules and practice generally. The rulings of the Cathaoirleach should not be challenged. The Cathaoirleach calls on Members to speak, maintains order, puts the questions that the House must decide and conducts and declares the result of any division. The Constitution also confers on the Cathaoirleach a casting vote if there is an equality of votes in the Seanad.

The Cathaoirleach is assisted by the Leas-Chathaoirleach and a panel of temporary chairpersons. However, unless the Cathaoirleach is in the Chair, a Member may not be named for disorderly conduct in the House under Standing Order 57, nor may a Senator claim to move the closure of debate under Standing Order 61.

The Constitution provides that the Cathaoirleach, along with the Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann, is a member of the three-person Presidential Commission which discharges the powers of the President if he or she is out of the State or unable to act for any other reason. The Cathaoirleach is also an ex officio member of the Council of State.

The Cathaoirleach is, ex officio, chair of the Committee on Parliamentary Privileges and Oversight and deputy chair of the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission.

Visiting delegations are welcomed to the Seanad by the Cathaoirleach who also attends international conferences of Presidents of Parliaments.

Leas-Chathaoirleach

The Leas-Chathaoirleach is the deputy chairperson of the Seanad. He or she is elected by the Seanad and serves for the term of the Seanad existing at the time of his or her election. When a vacancy occurs in the office of Cathaoirleach, the Leas-Chathaoirleach acts as Cathaoirleach until a successor is elected. During any absence of the Cathaoirleach, the Leas-Chathaoirleach performs the duties and exercises the authority of the Cathaoirleach.

The Leas-Chathaoirleach is ex officio chairperson of the Committee of Selection and may be nominated as the chair of the Joint Committee on Standing Orders (Private Business).