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.

4. Ireland’s Demography Total Population 4.4 million
Population Aged million
Employment million
Unemployment rate 12.5%

5. the Irish Economy is Changing…
Employment Growth

6. Unemployment Rising Rapidly

7. 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)

8. 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)

9. 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

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
Have somewhere to stay on arrival – Friend

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

12. FÁS – The Training & Employment Authority
Looking Work in Ireland
FÁS – The Training & Employment Authority
Public Employment Service
Vacancies
- Training Courses
CV on line
Living & Working in all the EU Countries

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

14. 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:

15. 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)

16. 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

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 €36, earned
41% on all earnings above €36,400.00
Personal tax allowances granted to individuals by a system of Tax Credits
More information on:

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

20. 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.

21. 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

22. 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

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