Although many consider the Irish Presidency a largely ceremonial role, one significant constitutional power which the President has is the right to refer bills to the Supreme Court to check their constitutionality before they are made law. One such case considered whether a law requiring property developers to sell up to 20% of their new houses to the state for use as social housing. We discussed the merits of this case and the pitfalls of letting the President get involved.

This episode is brought to you in association with LawSchool.ie. LawSchool.ie is Ireland’s leading provider of tuition for the FE1 or King’s Inns Entrance exams. Each course is delivered live online with a specific exam focus and supported by the latest manuals. Shorter pre-recorded workshops are also available. Courses commence June and November. Register anytime at LawSchool.ie. For a 10% discount on any course, use the discount code 'legallyfond'.