| Current Government: |
Head of state: President Michael D Higgins from 11 November 2011, elected for a seven-year term. The President's powers are largely ceremonial but include appointing the Taoiseach on the nomination of Parliament.
Head of government: Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Leo Varadkar since June 2017 |
| Constitution: |
Parliamentary democracy |
Bicameral Parliament
* The Dail or House of Representatives has 166 members elected every five years on a single transferable vote form of proportional representation. The next election is not later than 2021.
* The Senate is the upper house with 60 members. Twelve are nominated by the Taoiseach, six by universities and 43 are elected by public representatives. |
Joined the EU in January 1973. Number of MEPs: 12
Membership of NATO since 2004. |
