In Ireland, the term Father of the Dáil ([1]) 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.
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.[2]
The current Fathers of the Dáil are Richard Bruton and Willie O'Dea having both been first elected to the Dáil in the February 1982 general election. Bernard Durkan was elected at the 1981 general election, but lost his seat in February 1982 and was re-elected in November 1982, so he does not have an unbroken record of service.
| Name | Entered Dáil | Became Father | Left Dáil | Party | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frank Fahy | 1918 election | 4 February 1948 | 12 July 1953 | ||
| Éamon de Valera | 23 June 1959 | ||||
| Gerald Boland | 23 June 1959 | 4 October 1961 | |||
| James Ryan | 7 April 1965 | ||||
| Patrick McGilligan | 7 April 1965 | ||||
| James Everett | 18 December 1967 | ||||
| Thomas McEllistrim | 18 June 1969 | ||||
| Frank Aiken | 28 February 1973 | ||||
| Paddy Smith | 5 July 1977 | ||||
| Liam Cosgrave | 5 July 1977 | 11 June 1981 | |||
| Dan Spring | 11 June 1981 | ||||
| Oliver J. Flanagan | 17 February 1987 | ||||
| Neil Blaney | 17 February 1987 | 8 November 1995 | |||
| Paddy Harte | 8 November 1995 | 6 June 1997 | |||
| Seán Treacy | 6 June 1997 | ||||
| Séamus Pattison | 14 June 2007 | ||||
| Enda Kenny[3] | 14 June 2007 | 14 January 2020 | |||
| Richard Bruton | 14 January 2020 | Incumbent | |||
| Willie O'Dea | |||||