Dáil Éireann (/dɔɪl ˈɛərən/ doyl AIR-ən, Irish: [d̪ˠaːlʲ ˈeːɾʲən̪ˠ]; lit. '"Assembly of Ireland"') is the lower house, and principal chamber, of the Oireachtas (Irish legislature), which also includes the President of Ireland and Seanad Éireann (the upper house). It consists of 160 members, known as Teachta Dála (plural Teachtaí Dála, commonly abbreviated as TDs). TDs represent 39 constituencies and are directly elected at least once every five years, by the single transferable vote (STV) form of proportional representation. Its powers are similar to those of lower houses under many other bicameral parliamentary systems and it is by far the dominant branch of the Oireachtas. Subject to the limits imposed by the Constitution of Ireland, it has power to pass any law it wishes, and to nomi