Ireland has an independent judicial system that includes a district court with 23 districts, a circuit court with eight circuits, the high court, the court of criminal appeals, and the supreme court. The president appoints judges on the advice of the government. In 1999, the credibility of the Irish judicial system was seriously damaged by the mishandling of a high-profile criminal case, which led to the resignation of a high court judge and a supreme court judge in February. Discrimination against women in the workplace is unlawful, but inequalities persist regarding pay and promotions in both the public and private sectors. Only about 12 percent of the members of parliament are women.
Labor unions are free to organize and bargain collectively.
About 55 percent of workers in the public and private sectors are union members. Police and military personnel are prohibited from striking, but they may form associations to represent themselves in matters of pay and working conditions.