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Ireland: Government

Key Figures

Chief of State:
President Michael D. Higgins
Head of Government:
Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Leo Varadkar

Overview

Government Name:
Ireland
Constitution:
Adopted: 1937; mainly focused upon guaranteeing certain fundamental rights and defining the structure of government. Constitution can only be amended by means of a referendum.
Government Type:
Parliamentary Republic
Ireland Flag
Coat of Arms of Ireland

Index of Economic Freedom

Grades each country on a scale of 0 to 100, based on ten freedoms, with 100 representing the greatest amount of economic autonomy from government intervention. Source: Heritage Foundation (2023)

Country Risk Rating

A4
A somewhat shaky political and economic outlook and a relatively volatile business environment can affect corporate payment behavior. Corporate default probability is still acceptable on average. Source: Coface (2022)

Government Branches

Main Powers Election Process Election Cycle 1
Executive

The president is largely a ceremonial office, but does have discretionary powers. The Taioseach (prime minister) can instruct the president to dismiss ministers and also request, based upon his own initiative, for a parliamentary dissolution.

The president is elected by a majority system with preferential vote. The Taoiseach is appointed by the president.

7 years
Judicial

The court of final appeal may use judicial review, and declare laws and acts of the state to be invalid if they do not represent the constitutional views.

Judges are nominated by the prime minister and cabinet, and are appointed by the president.

Mandatory retirement age of 70
Legislative

The Dail Eireann is the only house that is able to introduce and amend money bills. The Seanad Eireann has the power to delay legislative proposals and is allowed 90 days to consider and amend bills.

The Seanad Eireanns are elected by indirect vote. 11 members are appointed by the prime minister, and 6 members are elected by indirect vote. The Dail Eireann are elected through a single transferable vote (STV) proportional representation system.

5 years

Regional Trade Blocs
European Union

International Organization Participation [2]

Environmental Agreements [3]

Tax Information [2]

Tax Authority:
The Revenue Commissioners
Tax Name:
VAT

Sources:

  1. ElectionGuide http://www.electionguide.org/
  2. EY, http://www.ey.com
  3. CIA World Factbook, https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/
  4. U.S. Bilateral Relations Fact Sheets http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/