In Ireland, the term Father of the Dáil () is an unofficial title applied to the current member of Dáil Éireann with the longest unbroken period of service in the Dail, regardless of their position. The 'Father' has no official role in the business of the House as the title is honorific.
On a number of occasions two or more men have shared the position of Father of the Dáil; there has never been a female holder of the title. However, the term "Mother of the Dáil" is used on occasion to refer to the current female member of Dáil Éireann with the longest unbroken period of service.
James Everett was joint Father of the Dáil at his death in 1967. Oliver J. Flanagan's death occurred two months after his retirement in 1987. Neil Blaney's death in 1995 occurred while he was Father of the Dáil.
The current Father of the Dáil is Willie O'Dea who was first elected to the Dáil at the February 1982 general election, while the current Mother of the Dáil is Mary Lou McDonald who was first elected at the 2011 general election.
Fathers of the Dáil NameEntered DáilBecame FatherLeft DáilPartyFrank Fahy1918 election4 February 1948 12 July 1953 Éamon de Valera23 June 1959 Gerald Boland1923 election 23 June 1959 4 October 1961 James Ryan7 April 1965 Patrick McGilligan7 April 1965 James Everett18 December 1967 Thomas McEllistrim18 June 1969 Frank Aiken28 February 1973 Paddy Smith5 July 1977 Liam Cosgrave1943 election 5 July 1977 11 June 1981 Dan Spring11 June 1981 Oliver J. Flanagan17 February 1987 Neil BlaneyDec. 1948 by-election 17 February 1987 8 November 1995 Paddy Harte1961 election 8 November 1995 6 June 1997 Seán Treacy6 June 1997 Séamus Pattison14 June 2007 Enda KennyNov. 1975 by-election 14 June 2007 14 January 2020 Richard BrutonFeb. 1982 election 14 January 20208 November 2024 Willie O'DeaIncumbent
Mothers of the Dáil NameEntered DáilBecame MotherLeft DáilPartyConstance Markievicz1918 election14 December 1918 15 July 1927 Caitlín Brugha1923 election 15 July 192715 September 1927 Margaret Collins-O'Driscoll24 January 1933 Helena Concannon1933 election 24 January 19331 July 1937 Margaret Mary Pearse Bridget Redmond3 May 1952 Mary Reynolds1932 election3 May 19524 October 1961 Honor CrowleyDec. 1945 by-election4 October 196118 October 1966 Celia Lynch1954 election18 October 19666 June 1977 Joan BurkeJul. 1964 by-election6 June 197711 June 1981 Máire Geoghegan-QuinnMar. 1975 by-election11 June 19816 June 1997 Mary Harney1981 election6 June 1997 25 February 2011 Róisín Shortall1992 election25 February 201129 November 2024 Mary Lou McDonald2011 election29 November 2024Incumbent
See also Father of the House Baby of the Dáil Records of members of the Oireachtas
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