The 2nd executive council of the Irish Free State (19 September 1923 – 23 June 1927) was formed after the general election to the 4th Dáil held on 27 August 1923. It was a minority Cumann na nGaedheal government led by W. T. Cosgrave as President of the Executive Council. It lasted .
President of the Executive Council The 4th Dáil first met on 19 September 1923. The nomination of W. T. Cosgrave as President of the Executive Council was proposed by Richard Mulcahy and seconded by William Magennis. It was approved by the Dáil and Cosgrave was re-appointed by the governor-general.
Members of the Executive Council The members of the Executive Council were proposed by the president and approved by the Dáil on 20 September 1923. Office NamePresident of the Executive CouncilW. T. CosgraveVice-President of the Executive CouncilKevin O'HigginsMinister for Home AffairsMinister for DefenceRichard MulcahyMinister for EducationEoin MacNeillMinister for External AffairsDesmond FitzGeraldMinister for FinanceErnest BlytheMinister for Industry and CommerceJoseph McGrathChange on 20 March 1924 Richard Mulcahy resigned after criticism by the Executive Councilof his handling of the Army Mutiny.Office NameMinister for DefenceW. T. Cosgrave (acting)Change on 4 April 1924 Joseph McGrath resigned on 7 March 1924 because of dissatisfaction withgovernment attitude to IRAO army officers.Office NameMinister for Industry and CommercePatrick McGilliganChange on 21 November 1924 Permanent Minister for Defence.Office NameMinister for DefencePeter HughesChange on 28 January 1926 Eoin MacNeill resigned in November 1925 after a leak of the report of the Irish Boundary Commissionwas published in a newspaper. MacNeill had represented the Free State on the commission.Office NameMinister for EducationJohn M. O'Sullivan
Ministers not members of the Executive Council Extern Ministers were appointed by the Dáil on 10 October. Office NameMinister for AgriculturePatrick HoganMinister for FisheriesFionán LynchMinister for Local GovernmentSéamus BurkePostmaster-GeneralJ. J. Walsh
Parliamentary secretaries The Executive Council appointed Parliamentary secretaries, with Daniel McCarthy continuing as Chief Whip from the beginning of the term.
Name Office TermDaniel McCarthyGovernment Chief Whip1922–1924Appointment 21 April 1924Name Office TermEamonn DugganParliamentary secretary to the Executive Council1924–1926Appointment 1 December 1924Name Office TermJohn M. O'SullivanParliamentary secretary to the Minister for Finance1924–1926Change 19 June 1924 Following the resignation of Daniel McCarthy from the Dáil.Name Office TermJames DolanGovernment Chief Whip1924–1927Appointment 15 January 1925Name Office TermGeorge NicollsParliamentary secretary to the Minister for Defence1925–1927Change 10 May 1926 Following the appointment of John O'Sullivan to the Executive Council in January.Name Office TermEamonn DugganParliamentary secretary to the Minister for Finance1926–1927
Ministers and Secretaries Act 1924 The Ministers and Secretaries Act 1924 came into effect on 2 June 1924. On this date, the following ministerial titles were renamed:
Old titleNew titleMinister for Home AffairsMinister for JusticeMinister for Local GovernmentMinister for Local Government and Public HealthMinister for AgricultureMinister for Lands and AgriculturePostmaster-GeneralMinister for Posts and Telegraphs
Amendments to the Constitution of the Irish Free State The following amendments to the Constitution of the Irish Free State were proposed by the Executive Council and passed by the Oireachtas: Amendment No. 1 (11 July 1925): Provided that the first Senators would vacate office in December 1925, made changes relating to the terms of office of senators, and the date on which Seanad elections were to be held. Amendment No. 3 (4 March 1927): Removed the requirement that the day of any general election would be declared a public holiday. Amendment No. 4 (4 March 1927): Extended the maximum term of the Dáil from four to six years. Amendment No. 2 (19 March 1927): Introduced a system of automatic re-election of the Ceann Comhairle in a general election. Amendment No. 5 (5 May 1927): Increased the maximum membership of the Executive Council from seven to twelve members.
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