How does Ireland's government function?

Ireland is a parliamentary democracy. There are two houses, the Dáil and the Seanad. The Dáil is where elected representatives of the people serve. From these a government is chosen. There has to be an election at least once every five years, but an election can happen sooner than that, should a government fall. In the early 1980s, there were actually 3 general elections in 18 months. The Seanad are where Irish senators sit. Some are elected and some are nominated. The head of an Irish government is known as a Taoiseach. The Taoiseach is normally the leader of the main government party in government. Ireland has a multi-party system and there are often coalition governments. The Taoiseach selects the ministers to serve in office.

Ireland also has a president, but the president is just the head of state and has no real political power, except to present seals of office to a Taoiseach and ministers and to sign new legislation into law when it has got the approval of the Dáil and Seanad. Check the site below for more information on the Irish government.