Government of the 21st Dáil
There were two Governments of the 21st Dáil, which was elected at the 1977 general election on 16 June 1977. The 15th Government of Ireland (5 July 1977 – 11 December 1979) was led by Jack Lynch as Taoiseach, while the 16th Government of Ireland (11 December 1979 – 30 June 1981) was led by Charles Haughey. Both were single-party majority Fianna Fáil governments.
The 15th Government lasted for 889 days and the 16th Government lasted for 567 days.
15th Government of Ireland
| Government of the 21st Dáil | |
|---|---|
| 15th Government of Ireland | |
.jpg) | |
| Date formed | 5 July 1977 |
| Date dissolved | 11 December 1979 |
| People and organisations | |
| President | Patrick Hillery |
| Taoiseach | Jack Lynch |
| Tánaiste | George Colley |
| Total no. of members | 15 |
| Member party | Fianna Fáil |
| Status in legislature | Majority Government |
| Opposition party | Fine Gael |
| Opposition leader | Garret FitzGerald |
| History | |
| Election(s) | 1977 general election |
| Legislature term(s) | 21st Dáil 14th Seanad |
| Predecessor | 14th Government |
| Successor | 16th Government |
Nomination of Taoiseach
The members of the 21st Dáil first met on 5 July 1977. In the debate on the nomination of Taoiseach, Fianna Fáil leader Jack Lynch was proposed, and this proposal was carried with 82 votes in favour and 61 votes against.[1] Lynch was then appointed as Taoiseach by president Patrick Hillery.[2]
| 5 July 1977 Nomination of Jack Lynch (FF) for Taoiseach[3] Motion proposed by Vivion de Valera and seconded by Kit Ahern Absolute majority: 75/148 | ||
| Vote | Parties | Votes |
|---|---|---|
 | Fianna Fáil (82) | 82 / 148 |
| No | Fine Gael (43), Labour Party (16), Independent (2) | 61 / 148 |
| Not voting | Ceann Comhairle (1), Fianna Fáil (1), Labour Party (1), Independent Fianna Fáil (1), Independent (1) | 5 / 148 |
Members of the Government
After his appointment as Taoiseach by the president, Jack Lynch proposed the members of the government and they were approved by the Dáil.[2] They were appointed by the president on the same day.[4]
| Office | Name | Term | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taoiseach | Jack Lynch | 1977–79 | |
| Tánaiste | George Colley | 1977–79 | |
| Minister for Finance | |||
| Minister for the Public Service | |||
| Minister for Agriculture | Jim Gibbons | 1977–79 | |
| Minister for Defence | Bobby Molloy | 1977–79 | |
| Minister for Economic Planning and Development[lower-alpha 1][7] | Martin O'Donoghue | 1977–79 | |
| Minister for Education | John Wilson | 1977–79 | |
| Minister for the Environment[lower-alpha 2] | Sylvester Barrett | 1977–79 | |
| Minister for Fisheries[lower-alpha 3] | Brian Lenihan | 1977–79 | |
| Minister for Foreign Affairs | Michael O'Kennedy | 1977–79 | |
| Minister for the Gaeltacht | Denis Gallagher | 1977–79 | |
| Minister for Health | Charles Haughey | 1977–79 | |
| Minister for Social Welfare | |||
| Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy[lower-alpha 4] | Desmond O'Malley | 1977–79 | |
| Minister for Justice | Gerry Collins | 1977–79 | |
| Minister for Labour | Gene Fitzgerald | 1977–79 | |
| Minister for Posts and Telegraphs | Pádraig Faulkner | 1977–79 | |
| Minister for Tourism and Transport[lower-alpha 5] | |||
- Notes
- The Department of Economic Planning and Development was established by the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Act 1977 which was commenced on 13 December 1977.[5][6]
- The Department of Local Government was renamed as the Department of the Environment on 17 August 1977.[8]
- The Department of Fisheries was renamed as the Department of Fisheries and Forestry on 15 July 1978.[9]
- The Department of Industry and Commerce was renamed as the Department of Industry, Commerce and Energy on 23 January 1980.[10]
- The Department of Tourism and Transport was renamed as the Department of Transport on 25 January 1980.[11]
Attorney General
On 5 July 1977, Anthony J. Hederman SC was appointed by the president as Attorney General on the nomination of the Taoiseach.[2][4]
Parliamentary Secretaries (5 July 1977 – 1 January 1978)
On 5 July 1977, the Government appointed Parliamentary Secretaries on the nomination of the Taoiseach.[4]
| Name | Office | |
|---|---|---|
| Patrick Lalor | Government Chief Whip | |
| Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence | ||
| David Andrews | Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs | |
| Jim Tunney | Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Education | |
| Tom Fitzpatrick | Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs | |
| Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Transport and Power | ||
| Pearse Wyse | Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance | |
| Thomas Hussey | Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture | |
| Máire Geoghegan-Quinn | Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry and Commerce | |
Ministers of State (1 January 1978 – 11 December 1979)
Following the enactment of the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) (No.2) Act 1977, the post of Parliamentary Secretary was abolished and replaced by a new post of Minister of State. A maximum of 10 Ministers of State could be appointed.
| Name | Office | |
|---|---|---|
| Patrick Lalor | Government Chief Whip | |
| Minister of State at the Department of Defence | ||
| David Andrews | Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs | |
| Jim Tunney | Minister of State at the Department of Education | |
| Tom Fitzpatrick | Minister of State at the Department of Posts and Telegraphs | |
| Minister of State at the Department of Transport and Power | ||
| Pearse Wyse | Minister of State at the Department of Finance | |
| Thomas Hussey | Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture | |
| Máire Geoghegan-Quinn | Minister of State at the Department of Industry, Commerce and Energy | |
| John O'Leary | Minister of State at the Department of the Environment | |
| Ray MacSharry | Minister of State at the Department of the Public Service | |
| Ray Burke | Minister of State at the Department of Industry, Commerce and Energy | |
Changes 1 January 1979David Andrews was appointed Minister of State at the Department of Justice in addition to his existing post. | ||
Changes 1 July 1979Changes following the election of Patrick Lalor to the European Parliament. | ||
| Name | Office | |
| Michael Woods | Government Chief Whip | |
| Minister of State at the Department of Defence | ||
Decisions of the government
This government approved the Nuclear Energy Board plans for a plant at Carnsore Point to go ahead. Desmond O'Malley, as the minister with responsibility for the board was central to this policy. Later the 16th Government, under the same Dáil, dropped these plans.
Resignation
Following the resignation of Jack Lynch as leader of Fianna Fáil, Charles Haughey won the leadership election held on 7 December 1979. Lynch resigned as Taoiseach on 11 December 1979.[12]
16th Government of Ireland
| Government of the 21st Dáil | |
|---|---|
| 16th Government of Ireland | |
 | |
| Date formed | 11 December 1979 |
| Date dissolved | 30 June 1981 |
| People and organisations | |
| President | Patrick Hillery |
| Taoiseach | Charles Haughey |
| Tánaiste | George Colley |
| Total no. of members | 15 |
| Member party | Fianna Fáil |
| Status in legislature | Majority Government |
| Opposition party | Fine Gael |
| Opposition leader | Garret FitzGerald |
| History | |
| Legislature term(s) | 21st Dáil 14th Seanad |
| Predecessor | 15th Government |
| Successor | 17th Government |
The 16th Government was formed by Charles Haughey following the resignation of Jack Lynch.
Nomination of Taoiseach
On 11 December 1979, Haughey was proposed for the nomination of the Dáil for the position of Taoiseach, and this proposal was carried with 82 votes in favour and 62 votes against.[13] Haughey was then appointed as Taoiseach by president Patrick Hillery.[14]
| 11 December 1979 Nomination of Charles Haughey (FF) for Taoiseach Motion proposed by Jack Lynch Absolute majority: 75/148 | ||
| Vote | Parties | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Fianna Fáil (82) | 82 / 148 |
| No | Fine Gael (44), Labour Party (17), Independent (1) | 62 / 148 |
| Not voting | Ceann Comhairle (1), Fine Gael (1), Independent Fianna Fáil (1), Independent (1) | 4 / 148 |
Members of the Government
After his appointment as Taoiseach by the president, Charles Haughey proposed the members of the government and they were approved by the Dáil on 12 December.[15] They were appointed by the president on the same day.[16]
- Notes
- The Department of Tourism and Transport was renamed as the Department of Transport on 21 January 1980.[17]
- The functions of the Department of Economic Planning were transferred to the Department of Finance on 1 January 1980.[18]
- The Department of Economic Planning and Development was renamed as the Department of Energy on 21 January 1980.[19]
- The Department of Industry, Commerce and Energy was renamed as the Department of Industry, Commerce and Tourism on 23 January 1980.[20]
- Held in addition to the Posts and Telegraphs portfolio.
- Held in addition to the Labour portfolio.
- Held in addition to the Public Service portfolio.
Attorney General
On 11 December 1979, Anthony J. Hederman SC was re-appointed by the president as Attorney General on the nomination of the Taoiseach.[15][16]
Ministers of State
On 12 December 1979, the Government appointed Ministers of State on the nomination of the Taoiseach.[28]
| Name | Office | |
|---|---|---|
| Seán Moore | Government Chief Whip | |
| Minister of State at the Department of Defence | ||
| Jackie Fahey | Minister of State at the Department of the Environment | |
| Jim Tunney | Minister of State at the Department of Education | |
| Thomas Hussey | Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture | |
| Ray Burke | Minister of State at the Department of Industry, Commerce and Energy | |
| Lorcan Allen | Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture | |
| Ger Connolly | Minister of State at the Department of the Environment | |
| Tom McEllistrim | Minister of State at the Department of Finance | |
| Seán Calleary | Minister of State at the Department of the Public Service | |
| Minister of State at the Department of Labour | ||
| Mark Killilea Jnr | Minister of State at the Department of Posts and Telegraphs | |
Changes 25 March 1980The number of Ministers of State was increased from 10 to 15 following the enactment of the | ||
| Name | Office | |
| Thomas Meaney | Minister of State at the Department of Industry, Commerce and Energy | |
| Tom Nolan | Minister of State at the Department of Health and Social Welfare | |
| Brendan Daly | Minister of State at the Department of Labour | |
| Pádraig Flynn | Minister of State at the Department of Transport | |
| Seán Doherty | Minister of State at the Department of Justice | |
Changes 15 October 1980Changes following the appointment of Ray Burke to cabinet.[24] | ||
| Name | Office | |
| Denis Gallagher | Minister of State at the Department of Industry, Commerce and Trade | |
Changes 17 December 1980Changes following the appointment of Tom Nolan to cabinet.[27] | ||
| Name | Office | |
| Thomas Hussey | Minister of State at the Department of Health and Social Welfare | |
| Michael Smith | Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture | |
Footnotes
- "Nomination of Taoiseach – Dáil Éireann (21st Dáil) – Tuesday, 5 July 1977". Houses of the Oireachtas. Retrieved 1 February 2020.
- "Appointment of Taoiseach and Nomination of Members of Government – Dáil Éireann (21st Dáil) – Tuesday, 5 July 1977". Houses of the Oireachtas. Retrieved 1 February 2020.
- "Nomination of Taoiseach – Votes – Dáil Éireann (21st Dáil) – Tuesday, 5 July 1977". Houses of the Oireachtas. Retrieved 1 February 2020.
- "Ceapachain mar Airí agus Rúnaí Parlaiminte – Dáil Éireann (21st Dáil) – Wednesday, 6 July 1977". Houses of the Oireachtas. Retrieved 1 February 2020.
- "Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Act 1977". Irish Statute Book. 6 December 1977. Retrieved 14 August 2019.
- "Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Act 1977 (Appointed Day) Order 1977". Irish Statute Book. 9 December 1977. Retrieved 1 February 2020.
- "Assignment of Department: Statement by Taoiseach – Dáil Éireann (21st Dáil) – Tuesday, 13 December 1977". Houses of the Oireachtas. Retrieved 1 February 2020.
- "Local Government (Alteration of Name of Department and Title of Minister) Order 1977". Irish Statute Book. 16 August 1977. Retrieved 27 September 2019.
- "Fisheries (Alteration of Name of Department and Title of Minister) Order 1978". Irish Statute Book. 18 February 1978. Retrieved 7 April 2020.
- "Industry and Commerce (Alteration of Name of Department and Title of Minister) Order, 1977". Irish Statute Book. 23 September 1977. Retrieved 7 April 2020.
- "Tourism and Transport (Alteration of Name of Department and Title of Minister) Order 1980". Irish Statute Book. 15 January 1980. Retrieved 28 August 2019.
- "Resignation of Taoiseach – Dáil Éireann (21st Dáil) – Tuesday, 11 December 1979". Houses of the Oireachtas. Retrieved 19 August 2019.
- "Nomination of Taoiseach – Dáil Éireann (21st Dáil) – Tuesday, 11 December 1979". Houses of the Oireachtas. Retrieved 19 August 2019.
- "Appointment of Taoiseach – Dáil Éireann (21st Dáil) – Tuesday, 11 December 1979". Houses of the Oireachtas. Retrieved 19 August 2019.
- "Nomination of Members of Government – Dáil Éireann (21st Dáil) – Tuesday, 11 December 1979". Houses of the Oireachtas. Retrieved 19 August 2019.; "Nomination of Members of Government (Resumed) – Dáil Éireann (21st Dáil) – Wednesday, 12 December 1979". Houses of the Oireachtas. Retrieved 19 August 2019.; "Nomination of Members of Government (Resumed) – Dáil Éireann (21st Dáil) – Wednesday, 12 December 1979". Houses of the Oireachtas. Retrieved 19 August 2019.
- "Appointment of Ministers – Dáil Éireann (21st Dáil) – Tuesday, 13 December 1979". Houses of the Oireachtas. Retrieved 1 February 2020.
- "Tourism and Transport (Alteration of Name of Department and Title of Minister) Order 1980". Irish Statute Book. 15 January 1980. Retrieved 19 August 2019.
- "Economic Planning and Development (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order 1980". Irish Statute Book. 2 January 1980. Retrieved 1 February 2020.
- "Economic Planning and Development (Alteration of Name of Department and Title of Minister) Order 1980". Irish Statute Book. 15 January 1980. Retrieved 19 August 2019.
- "Industry, Commerce and Energy (Alteration of Name of Department and Title of Minister) Order 1980". Irish Statute Book. 15 January 1980. Retrieved 19 August 2019.
- "Wednesday, 20 Feb 1980: Ministerial Titles and Functions – Dáil Éireann (21st Dáil) – Wednesday, 20 February 1980". Houses of the Oireachtas. Retrieved 19 August 2019.
- "Announcement by Taoiseach – Dáil Éireann (21st Dáil) – Tuesday, 24 March 1980". Houses of the Oireachtas. Retrieved 19 August 2019.
- "Appointment of Member of Government: Motion – Dáil Éireann (21st Dáil) – Wednesday, 15 October 1980". Houses of the Oireachtas. Retrieved 19 August 2019.
- "Appointment of Ministers – Dáil Éireann (21st Dáil) – Thursday, 16 October 1980". Houses of the Oireachtas. Retrieved 1 February 2020.
- "Resignation of Member of Government – Dáil Éireann (21st Dáil) – Tuesday, 16 December 1980". Houses of the Oireachtas. Retrieved 19 August 2019.
- "Nomination of Member of Government: Motion – Dáil Éireann (21st Dáil) – Tuesday, 16 December 1980". Houses of the Oireachtas. Retrieved 19 August 2019.
- "Appointment of Ministers – Dáil Éireann (21st Dáil) – Wednesday, 17 December 1980". Houses of the Oireachtas. Retrieved 1 February 2020.
- "Appointment of Ministers of State – Dáil Éireann (21st Dáil) – Thursday, 13 December 1979". Houses of the Oireachtas. Retrieved 23 November 2019.
- "Appointment of Ministers of State – Dáil Éireann (21st Dáil) – Thursday, 27 March 1980". Houses of the Oireachtas. Retrieved 23 November 2019.