Powers
The Presidential Commission fulfills all functions and duties of the office of President of Ireland when the office of President is vacant, or when the President is unavailable.
Vacancy may occur:
- on the death of the incumbent, as in 1974;
- on the resignation of the incumbent, as in 1976 and 1997;
- by impeachment of the incumbent, which has never happened.
- in the short interval between the conclusion of one president's term of office and the inauguration of a successor the next day — although the Presidential Commission has never been required to act in this time;
The Presidential Commission has often acted when the President is abroad, typically while making a state visit. When the government of the 26th Dáil collapsed in November 1992, president Mary Robinson was abroad. The resignation of the Progressive Democrats ministers, the appointment by Taoiseach Albert Reynolds of caretaker Fianna Fáil replacement ministers, and Reynolds' request for a dissolution of the Dáil, were all effected by the Presidential Commission. Temporary illness may also indispose the President. No President has ever refused to fulfil any of the duties of office.
Read more about this topic: Presidential Commission (Ireland)
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