The Supreme Court also has appellate jurisdiction to ensure compliance with the Constitution of Ireland by governmental bodies and private citizens.

[4] Prior to 1924, a transitory provision of the 1922 Constitution permitted the Supreme Court of Judicature to continue,[5] the latter established in 1877 in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.

The Supreme Court consists of its president called the Chief Justice, and not more than nine ordinary members.

Judges appointed prior to the coming into operation of that Act continued in office until aged 72.

A former Chief Justice may continue as a member of the Court until reaching the statutory retirement age.

The power to refer bills is personally exercised by the President after consulting the Council of State.

It was also the case that under the 1922 Constitution there was a right of appeal to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council which was exercised on a number of occasions.

In matters relating to the correct interpretation of European Union law, decisions of the ECJ take precedence over those of the Irish Supreme Court.

The European Convention on Human Rights is a treaty binding on the state in international law.

However, in Irish courts, the Convention must give way both to clear legislative intent and to any countermanding requirement of the Constitution.