This chapter of Foreign Policy in the Republic of Ireland examines the nature of executive-legislative relations and, more broadly, the policy-making process in the conduct of Irish foreign policy. Amongst other phenomena it analyzes the institutional actors that assert most influence within the foreign policy-making sphere; the nature and intensity of the interaction between the government and Oireachtas in external affairs, the level of engagement of members of the Oireachtas with foreign affairs, including EU affairs; and the opportunity structures for parliamentary scrutiny and oversight of executive action. It goes without saying that no foreign policy can be carried out successfully without being underpinned by an effective governmental machinery. But it is important to understand that the machinery includes not only the core ministries of government and the civil service which support decision-making, but crucially the legitimacy of decision-making will revolve around the ability, willingness and opportunities afforded to parliament to participate in and scrutinize decisions in the foreign affairs sphere.