Ireland Living and Working

GEOGRAPHY Geographically Ireland is divided into two parts: The Republic of Ireland which is made up of 26 Counties Northern Ireland which is made up of 6 Counties and is part of U.K.

Ireland’s Demography Total Population 4.4 million Population Aged 15+ 3.8 million Employment 2.1 million Unemployment rate 12.5%

the Irish Economy is Changing… Employment Growth 1998-2009

Unemployment Rising Rapidly

Opportunities – Skills and Labour Shortages Software Engineers (with experience in networks and specific software applications (e.g. Java). Accountants (with expertise in regulation, compliance and risk) Actuaries Marketing Managers (with considerable experience) Technical Sales Representatives with knowledge of particular products/services Scientists (highly qualified and experienced professionals and technicians) IT specialists with fluent foreign language skills Engineers (experienced design and process engineers for manufacturing subsectors)

Opportunities – Skills and Labour Shortages Sales Assistants (i.e. shops) Clerical (office work, accounts) Caring (health care, child care, elder care) Catering (Chefs, waiters, fast food) Hairdressing Security (shops, office, factories) Health sector (e.g. Doctors and Nurses)

Know before You Go Essential Preparation Contact your local EURES Adviser before you leave the country Seek pre-departure advice on “L & W” Bring relevant personal documentation, relevant ‘E’ forms and European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) Speak at least basic English Have enough money to live for 1 month at least

Know before You Go Essential Preparation Try to find a job before you arrive or be prepared to look for it Discuss any queries relating to your contract of employment directly with your new employer Have somewhere to stay on arrival – Friend www.hostelbookers.com www.hosteldublin.com

Qualification recognition The National Qualifications Authority of Ireland www.nqai.ie is the Irish centre for the recognition of international qualifications. The Authority represents Ireland in a European network of Centres known as ENIC/NARIC www.enic-naric.net (European National Information Centre/National Academic Recognition Information Centre).

FÁS – The Training & Employment Authority Looking Work in Ireland FÁS – The Training & Employment Authority Public Employment Service www.fas.ie Vacancies - Training Courses CV on line www.eures.europa.eu Living & Working in all the EU Countries

On arrival - What you need to do Register for PPS Number – Social Security Register for Tax – Tax free allowance Cert. Open a Bank Account

More information on: www.welfare.ie PPS Number A PPS (Personal Public Service) Number is your unique reference number. This PPS Number will help you to access benefits and information from public service agencies more quickly and more easily. This includes services such as Social Welfare, Revenue, Public Healthcare and Education. More information on: www.welfare.ie

PPS Number – How to apply? In your local Welfare office you need to show: Current Valid Passport or National Identity Card and Evidence of either birth /work /unemployment /residency /tax liability /education and Evidence of address in Ireland!!! (Household Bill, Official letter/document, financial statement, property lease or tenancy agreement, verified employers letter. All documents must show the applicants name and address)

Opening a bank account Introduction Letter from employer with exact details as per Passport or The letter from PPS application received back from Social Welfare Department Driving Licence or Passport Details of Irish Address – Utility Bill

Minimum Wage €8.65 per hour Please note: The minimum rate of pay increases from time to time. Details of current minimum rates are always available from the Employment Rights Information Unit or on the Department’s website www.entemp.ie

Personal Taxation Tax system: PAYE = Pay As You Earn 2 rates of Tax 20% on the first €36,400.00 earned 41% on all earnings above €36,400.00 Personal tax allowances granted to individuals by a system of Tax Credits More information on: www.revenue.ie

Average rents in Dublin per month Fully furnished € 1 bedroom apartment 700+ 2 bedroom apartment 750+ 3 Bedroom House 1100+ Bedsit/Studio 500+

Renting a House or Apartment Landlords usually require: 1 month’s rent in advance 1 month’s rent as security Generally require 1 year’s lease Rental agreements are legal Custom is for young people to share accommodation.

IRELAND Head of State: Mary McAleese – President The Dáil (Parliament) + Senate Current Prime Minister – Brian Cowen Coalition Government Currency € - Euro Time = GMT -Irish time minus1 hour

IRELAND Ireland offers a good quality of life Temperate climate – lots of rain! English speaking – the Irish language is still spoken in some areas but for work English is essential. Many young people – a variety of interests – football, Gaelic games, golf, fishing, rugby, music (U2), theatre, cinema etc

Thank you Tom McEnroe EURES adviser Midlands Region Ireland FÁS activities are funded by the Irish Government and the National Training Fund