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Working in Ireland -
Home of St Patrick
Located off the North west coast of
Europe, the Republic of Ireland has become a popular location for foreign
companies and has one of the fastest growing economies in Europe
.
The recent rapid industrial
development has been achieved by a deliberate policy of promoting
export-led and advanced technology businesses, partly by offering
attractive packages for foreign investors.
These include a special low rate of
Corporation tax and reduced personal taxation for expatriates. Ireland
joined the European Union in 1973 and has been a member of the European
Monetary System since 1979. It has benefited both from various EU
development grants and consistency in the Irish government's policies.
The country is primarily Roman Catholic and has one of the fastest growing
youngest populations in Europe and a well-educated workforce, but there is
a strong demand for labour in the country. IT workers are particularly in
demand - as they are all over the world, but demand exists in most
sectors.
However, much of Ireland's economic development in the 1990s was in the
service industries, with banking and finance growing rapidly to the extent
that Dublin, (which originally began its existence as a Viking trading
post called Dubh Linn, Dark Pool in Gaelic), now supports a sizeable
international financial centre.
Originally, its primary industry sector was farming and Ireland is noted
for its meat, bacon, poultry and dairy produce. The seas, inland lakes and
rivers mean an excellent supply of fresh fish including salmon, trout,
lobster, Dublin Bay prawns, oysters, mussels etc.
Dublin has a wide selection of
restaurants offering sophisticated cuisine, as do most of the country's
larger towns. It also has other eating places that suit the more budget
conscious. A meal in a restaurant is likely to cost anywhere in the range
of €25-75 ($23-70USD), but expect prices to be a little lower in some of
the cafés and bars.
If there is one thing of which Ireland has no shortage, it is Pubs,
sometimes called 'lounges' or 'bars'. These are highly informal places and
usually have counter service, sometimes provided by the barman standing on
the counter during peak periods! Most drink is imported into Ireland but
the two most internationally famous homegrown products are Irish whiskey
and Guinness stout.
Public transport in Ireland is run by the state-supported train and bus
companies. It is reliable, although infrequent and slow. Logic does not
appear to play a significant factor in routing policy, so when planning a
visit to nearby towns, don't assume that they are necessarily going to be
connected.
A national bus service, Bus Éireann
operates throughout the Republic, but routings can be complex and as
previously mentioned - slow. However, fares are generally far lower than
those on the trains, especially in midweek. If visiting remote areas check
the timetable, there might only be a couple of buses a week to some
villages.
Irish Rail (Iarnród Éireann) operates
trains to most of the major cities and towns, so on direct routes it's
much the fastest way of covering long distances. Train travel is
relatively expensive, but there are a complex variety of different fares -
peak and off-peak, so it is sensible to enquire about any special deals
that might be available.
Irish roads are not congested and driving is an attractive option.
However, gas is expensive - about €1 per litre ($0.93USD) and some of the
minor roads are pretty frightful. There are also many unmarked junctions
and animals crossing the roads, so care is needed. The countryside is
stunningly beautiful and within easy reach of the major towns - County
Wicklow is just a short drive south of Dublin.
The monthly budget needed by a single expatriate living in Dublin is about
€970 ($876USD), a couple will require around €1545 ($1420USD) and a couple
with 2 children will need €2920 ($2687USD).
For accommodation, expect to pay between €450 - 650 for an unfurnished one
room apartment or studio - that's about $408 USD, while a furnished one
room apartment will be in the range of €520-730 or $472-662USD. Rent for a
1 to 2 bedroom apartment will cost anything from €650-1295 ($587-1174USD)
and for a 2 to 3 bedroom apartment €970 - 1780 ($880-1612USD). It should
be possible to find an unfurnished 4 to 5 bedroom apartment or more likely
a house for between £1295-2110 ($1174-1911USD). All these rental charges
are exclusive of utilities and will depend on the location.
Allow about 2 to 3 weeks to make a search and check out the real estate
agents and the classified ads. The main residential areas are south of
Dublin and leases are usually for 1 year. Agencies charge a registration
fee prior to making a search and a deposit is required to reserve an
apartment or house. This money is returned once the final lease is signed.
Housekeeping staff to assist in a home expect an hourly wage of between
€5-12 ($4.60-10.40USD) plus the contribution to Social Security at the
rate of 12%. If a hotel room is necessary while the home search is carried
out, budget for between €64-115 ($58-104USD) for one in a medium standard
hotel and €127-200 ($115-179USD) in a top class one.
Health costs will depend on insurance, but expect to pay a General
Practitioner or PCP a fee of between €20-25 IEP per visit ($17-23USD),
while a specialist will charge a fee in the range of €40-50
($34.50-46.00USD).
One day of hospitalisation in a
private clinic costs between €100-130 ($93-115USD). It's worth bearing in
mind that citizens of other EU countries are entitled to special
arrangements for healthcare as the EU members have reciprocal agreements.
Housekeeping staff: hourly wage
between 5 and 11 € plus the affiliation to Social Security at the rate of
12%.
It is important to remember that as with all EU countries, VAT is levied
on purchases and services. The Irish government has the rate of VAT
currently set at 21%
For those relocating with children, there are the following international
schools available. Ecole Franco Irlandaise in Dublin and also in Dublin,
but overlooking Dublin Bay is the Sutton Park School. There are also
numerous Catholic schools that provide a first rate academic education.
Debbie O'Halloran -
Career Columnist,
www.irishjobs.ie
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