Government of the 22nd Dáil

The members of the 22nd Dáil first met on 30 June 1981. In the debate on the nomination of Taoiseach, Fianna Fáil leader and outgoing Taoiseach Charles Haughey, and Fine Gael leader Garret FitzGerald were both proposed.[1] The nomination of Haughey was defeated with 79 votes in favour to 83 against, while the nomination of FitzGerald was carried with 81 in favour and 78 against. FitzGerald was then appointed as Taoiseach by President Patrick Hillery.[2]

30 June 1981 Nomination of Garret FitzGerald (FG) as Taoiseach[3] Motion proposed by Oliver J. Flanagan and seconded by Ivan Yates Absolute majority: 84/166
Vote	Parties	Votes
Y Yes	Fine Gael (65), Labour Party (15), Independent (1)	81 / 166
No	Fianna Fáil (78)	78 / 166
Not voting	Ceann Comhairle (1), Socialist Labour Party (1), Sinn Féin – Workers' Party (1), Independent Fianna Fáil (1), Independent (1)	5 / 166
In prison	Anti H-Block (2)	2 / 166

After his appointment as Taoiseach by the president, Garret FitzGerald proposed the members of the government and they were approved by the Dáil.[2] They were appointed by the president on the same day.[4]

Notes

On 30 July 1981, Peter Sutherland SC was appointed by the president as Attorney General on the nomination of the Taoiseach.[2][4]

On 30 June 1981, the Government appointed Ministers of State on the nomination of the Taoiseach.[4]

On 27 January 1982, the Minister for Finance John Bruton proposed the budget.[10] The budget was defeated with 81 votes cast in favour and 82 votes cast against.[11] The Taoiseach sought a dissolution of the Dáil, which was granted by the president, leading to the February 1982 general election.