Cathaoirleach (/kəˈhɪərləx/ ;[2] Irish for chairperson; plural: Cathaoirligh) is the title of the chair (or presiding officer) of Seanad Éireann, the sixty-member upper house of the Oireachtas, the legislature of Ireland. The current Cathaoirleach is Fine Gael Senator Jerry Buttimer, who has held the office since 16 December 2022.
| Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Appointer | Elected by the members of Seanad Éireann |
| Term length | No term limits |
| Inaugural holder | Lord Glenavy |
| Formation | 6 December 1922 |
| Salary | €114,130 annually[1] |
| Website | Official website |
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Powers and functions
editThe Cathaoirleach is the sole judge of order, and has a range of powers and functions, namely:[3]
- Calls on members to speak and all speeches must be addressed to the Chair.
- Puts such questions to the House as are required, supervises Divisions and declares the results.
- Has authority to suppress disorder, to enforce prompt obedience to Rulings and may order members to withdraw from the House or name them for suspension by the House itself for a period.
- In the case of great disorder can suspend or adjourn the House.
The Cathaoirleach is also an ex officio member of the Council of State, which advises the president of Ireland in the exercise of their discretionary powers, and of the Presidential Commission, which performs the powers and functions of the office of president in their absence.
List of office-holders
editCathaoirleach
editThis list includes the panel (since 1938) and political affiliation of each Cathaoirleach, as well as the number of the Seanad and time they spent in the position.
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Leas-Chathaoirleach
editThe Cathaoirleach's deputy is the Leas-Chathaoirleach.
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See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "TDs and Senators salaries". Houses of the Oireachtas. 21 February 2020. Archived from the original on 15 January 2020. Retrieved 21 February 2020.
- ^ For the pronunciation in Irish, see here Archived 27 July 2020 at the Wayback Machine.
- ^ "Cathaoirleach". Houses of the Oireachtas. Archived from the original on 21 January 2019. Retrieved 20 January 2019.
- ^ "Former Cinn Comhairle and Cathaoirligh". Houses of the Oireachtas. Archived from the original on 26 October 2018. Retrieved 20 January 2019.
- ^ a b c The final sitting of Seanad Éireann of the Irish Free State was held on 19 May 1936. The Seanad was abolished on 29 May 1936. The election for the new Seanad, set up in accordance with the 1937 Constitution of Ireland, was held on 28 March 1938, and the first sitting was held on 27 April 1938.