Page "President of Ireland" Paragraph 40

There is no office of Vice President of Ireland.

In the event of a premature vacancy a successor must be elected within sixty days.

In a vacancy or where the President is unavailable, the duties and functions of the office are carried out by a Presidential Commission, consisting of the Chief Justice, the Ceann Comhairle ( speaker ) of the Dáil, and the Cathaoirleach ( chairperson ) of the Seanad.

Routine functions, such as signing uncontentious bills into law, have often been fulfilled by the Presidential Commission when the President is abroad on a state visit.

The government's power to prevent the President leaving the state is relevant in aligning the diplomatic and legislative calendars.