1. Ireland
Living and Working

3. 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.

5. Labour Market Factors Young highly educated workforce
Immigration & Irish returnees
National wage agreements
English language
High female participation rate

6. Ireland’s Demography (2007)
Total Population million
Population Aged million
Employment million
Employment rate 68 %
Unemployment rate 6.1%
(September 2008)

7. But the Irish economy is changing…
Employment Growth

8. Opportunities Financial & Business Sector Wholesale & Retail Sector
Industry (General Operatives, Managers, Engineers)
Pharmaceutical Sector
Mechanics
Managers
Health Services
Meat Sector (Boners, Trimmers)
Hotel and Catering
Call Centres

9. Know before You Go Essential Preparation
Bring relevant personal documentation, relevant ‘E’ forms and European Health Insurance Card
Speak at least basic English
Have enough money to live for 1 month at least
Have somewhere to stay on arrival – Friend

10. 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
Seek pre-departure advice on “L & W”

11. FÁS – The Training & Employment Authority
Looking for job in Ireland
FÁS – The Training & Employment Authority
Employment - 5,300 Jobs (September 2008)
Training Courses
CV on line
Living & Working in all the EU Countries

12. Private Recruitment Agencies
Looking for job in Ireland
Private Recruitment Agencies
Irish Federation of Personnel Services (IFPS
No Charge to Jobseekers
Agencies generally charge employers 12% to 20% of first year’s salary.

13. Some Useful Web Sites Irish Government www.irlgov.ie
Citizens Information
Irish Times:
Irish Independent:
Sunday Business Post:
Irish Examiner:

14. On arrival - what you need to do
Register for PPS Number – Social Security
Register for Tax – Tax free allowance Cert.
Open a Bank Account
Introduction Letter from employer with exact
details as per Passport or
The letter from PPS application received back from Department of Social & Family Affairs (Social Welfare)
Driving Licence or Passport
Details of Irish Address – Utility Bill

15. 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:

16. 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)

17. 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

18. Personal Taxation Tax system: PAYE = Pay As You Earn 2 rates of Tax
20% on the first €35, earned
41% on all earnings above €35,400.00
Personal tax allowances granted to individuals by a system of Tax Credits
More information on:

19. Example: INCOME TAX – Single Person
Income tax - example
Single Person - Tax Credit €1,830
Married Person - Tax Credit €3,660
Example: INCOME TAX – Single Person
Salary of €26,000 euro
A single person pays 20% tax on €26,000 = €5,200
Less €1,830 tax credit = €3370 taxable pay

20. Social Security PRSI = Pay related Social Security
No payment on first € of earnings
On a basic salary the social security deduction is 4% on earnings over €127
A health contribution of 2% is deducted from all income
More information on:

21. Accommodation Rough guide
Housing situation
45% Owned outright
35% Owned but with a mortgage
18% Rented (private/local)

22. Average rents in Dublin per month
Fully furnished €
1 bedroom apartment
2 bedroom apartment
3 Bedroom House
Bedsit/Studio

23. 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.

24. Some approximate prices from a typical shopping basket
Eggs (6) €1.25
Chicken (medium) €7.70
Potatoes (2.5kg) €3.80
Milk (1 litre) €0.90
Bottle wine (average) €10.00
Washing up liquid 500ml €1.50

25. IRELAND Head of State: Mary McAleese – President
The Dáil (Parliament) + Senate
Current Prime Minister – Brian Cowen
Coalition Government
Currency € - Euro
Time = GMT -Irish time plus 1 hour

26. 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

27. Thank you Patrick Gibney EURES adviser Ireland
FÁS activities are funded by the Irish Government and the National Training Fund

28. Go Raibh Míle Máith Agat
Thank You