Title: Ireland | European Union
Headings: Ireland
Ireland
Overview
Political system
Trade and economy
Ireland in the EU
European Parliament
Council of the EU
Presidency of the Council of the EU
European Commission
European Economic & Social Committee
European Committee of the Regions
Permanent representation to the EU
Budgets and Funding
How much does Ireland pay and receive?
EU-funded projects in Ireland

Content: Euro area member since 1 January 1999
Schengen: Ireland has negotiated an opt-out from Schengen area. Figures: Geographical size - population - gross domestic product (GDP) per capita in PPS
Political system
Ireland is a parliamentary republic consisting of 26 counties. The head of government - the prime minister - is appointed by the president after nomination by the Lower House (Dail) and exercises executive power. The head of state - the president - mostly has ceremonial powers. The Parliament has 2 chambers (an Upper and Lower House). Location on the EU map
Trade and economy
The most important sectors of Ireland’s economy in 2018 were industry (36.5%), information and communication (12.1%) and wholesale and retail trade, transport, accommodation and food service activities (11.7%) and public administration, defence, education, human health and social work activities (10.5%). Intra-EU trade accounts for 50% of Ireland’s exports (Belgium 13% and Germany 7%), while outside the EU 28% go to the United States and 5% to Switzerland. In terms of imports, 64% come from EU Member States (France and Germany both 12%), while outside the EU 17% come from the United States and 4% from China.