Discovering Ireland Guide 2021

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Discovering Ireland A Resource Guide for Daily Living

www.dwellworks.com

The information contained in this publication is provided by Dwellworks, LLC and its affiliated entities (the “Company”) as a service to relocating employees and should be used for general informational purposes only. While the Company undertakes measures to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information in this publication, the Company cannot assure its accuracy or completeness and does not commit that it maintains updated information. This publication, in its entirety, is the sole copyrighted property of the Company and may not be modified, reproduced, sold, or otherwise distributed without the express written consent of the Company.

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Discovering Ireland

Discovering Ireland Fáilte roimh chách! Welcome to Ireland!

An international move can be both an exciting and challenging experience. This Dwellworks Resource Guide is intended to provide important information to consider as you relocate to Ireland. Ireland is divided between the Republic of Ireland, officially known as Ireland, which covers five-sixths of the island, and Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom. The Dwellworks team is focused on alleviating any of the concerns you may have to ensure your transition to Ireland is as smooth as possible for both you and your family. Your assigned Destination Consultant will assist you as you transition to your new community in Ireland and will expand on the topics covered in this guide according to the guidelines of your authorised program. Rest assured we will help prepare you for a smooth transition to your new destination. On behalf of the Dwellworks team, we welcome you to Ireland and hope you will find this information helpful.

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Discovering Ireland

Contents Facts About the Ireland ............................................................................... 4 General Information...................................................................................... 4 Geographic Overview.................................................................................... 7 People and Culture ....................................................................................... 8 Registrations................................................................................................ 12 Money and Banking .................................................................................... 16 Safety and Security..................................................................................... 18 Communication and Media ....................................................................... 21 Driving........................................................................................................... 23 Health............................................................................................................ 27 Education...................................................................................................... 29 Pets ............................................................................................................... 31 Housing......................................................................................................... 32 Utilities.......................................................................................................... 36

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Facts About Ireland

+ Official Country Names: The Republic of Ireland + Capital City: Dublin + Official Language: Irish and English + Official Religion: Christianity, the largest church being the Roman Catholic Church. + Currency: Euro € + Weights and Measurements: Metric System + Electricity/Voltage: The standardized voltage is 230 volts. Ireland uses three-point plugs termed as Plug Type G.

General Information Business Hours

It’s important to become familiar with the hours of each individual business. Hours may vary based on industry, location, or time of the year. Time is often expressed in the 24-hour clock and 12-hour clock. + Typical Office Work Hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30/9.00 to 17.30/18.00 + Banks: Monday to Friday, 9.30 to 16.00; with some banks opening on a Saturday 9.00 to 12.00 + Shopping Centres : Monday to Saturday, 9.00/9.30 to 18.00, Sunday 11.00 to 16.00/17.00. Shopping centers offer extended hours during the holiday season + Post Offices: Monday through Friday, 9.00 to 18.00, Saturday 9.00 to 12.00 Government The Irish republic is a parliamentary democracy. The Government of Ireland “ Rialtas na hÉireann” is the cabinet, they exercise executive authority over Ireland. Executive power is vested in the prime minister, who heads the cabinet and presides over its meetings. The president “uachtarán” , is elected directly by the public for a term of seven years and is eligible for reelection for a second term. The president normally acts on the advice of the government but also consults an advisory Council of State in the exercise of certain functions. Economy Ireland is an open economy, and the fifth largest internationally by nominal gross domestic product (GDP). The economy is focused on services into high-tech, life sciences, financial services and agribusiness. Ireland is the world's largest exporter of software. Foreign-owned multinationals continue to contribute significantly to Ireland's economy, employing 23% of the private sector labor-force.

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Public Holidays Ireland public holidays require most businesses and non-essential services to close. If a bank holiday falls on a weekend, the first working day following will be deemed the bank holiday.

Holiday

Date

New Year’s Day

1 January

St. Patrick’s Day

Celebrated 17 March

Bank Holiday – Not a Public Holiday

Good Friday

Easter Monday

The Monday following Easter Sunday.

May Day

First Monday of May

June Bank Holiday

First Monday of June

August Bank Holiday

First Monday of August. Summer holiday.

October Bank Holiday

Last Monday of October. Halloween or Samhain holiday.

Christmas Day

Celebrated 25 December

St. Stephen’s Day

Celebrated 26 December

Time Zones Local Time Zone

The Ireland is Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) in winter, Irish Standard Time in summer. Like most European countries, summertime (daylight- saving) is observed in Ireland by shifting one hour ahead of the GMT (GTM+1). After the summer months the time is shifted back by one hour (GMT+0). Telling Time The 12-hour clock is most commonly used to tell time in Ireland. The context of the situation will determine how to say the time. In Ireland the abbreviation a.m. is used, but it stands for “ ar maidin” in the morning rather than ante meridian. Times after 12:00 are described as follows 3:00 i.n , short for afternoon “ iarnóin”. The 24-hour clock is used in some circumstances.

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Discovering Ireland

Weather The weather in Ireland is mild, moist and changeable with abundant rainfall. Ireland's climate is defined as a temperate oceanic climate, it is rarely extreme. The country receives generally cool summers and mild winters. + Summer: July and August are the warmest, with daily temperatures of 17 to 20 °C (62.6 to 68 °F), whilst daily maximums in July and August vary from 19 to 23 °C (66.2 to 73.4 °F) near the coast, to 19 to 22°C (66.2 to 71.6 °F) + Autumn: September through November. This season’s temperatures dip from the summer and can range from dry and mild to wet and windy + Winter: December through

February. Average temperatures in winter are 2-7ºC (36-44ºF). On occasion, the temperatures will drop under 0ºC (32ºF). The rain can make it feel colder than it is

+ Spring: March through May.

Temperatures rise as the rainfall begins to increase

Severe Weather Situations As stated above, extreme weather in the Ireland is usually rare. The National Severe Weather Warning Service is provided by Met Eireann in Ireland and are sent out on the

television and radio, social media, and weather mobile apps. Visit Met Eireann online for updates in your area: www.met.ieie + Severe Gales: This type of powerful wind activity, measured on the Beaufort Scale, can cause damage to property + Dense Fog: Dense fog can be extremely dangerous and makes travel very difficult. It can drift rapidly and contain pockets of denser fog + Floods: Flooding can be local, impacting a neighborhood or community, or regional, affecting entire river basins. Some floods develop slowly, over a period of days; however, flash floods can develop quickly and without any visible signs of rain

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Geographic Overview The Republic of Ireland consists of 26 counties, and Northern Ireland of six, to a total of 32 counties. The island of Ireland is traditionally divided into the four provinces of Connaught, Leinster, Munster and Ulster. Country:

+ Connaught : Also known as Connacht, this province has the most inhabitants speaking official Irish language + Leinster: The province is situated in the east of Ireland, Leinster had a population of 2,630,720, is the most populous province in the country + Munster: Located south west of Ireland, this province. Total area of 24,675 km 2 and has a population of 1,280,020. Significant urban centers include Limerick and Waterford + Ulster: The province north of Ireland, Ulster contains 9 counties, 6 of which are in Northern Ireland and 3 of which are in the Republic of Ireland

Other Notable Cities Other major cities include: + Dublin: The capital city in Ireland. Over 25 percent of the entire population of Ireland lives in or around Dublin + Galway City: Centered around Eyre Square, famous for the Galway Races and home of the National University of Ireland + Waterford City: Located in the south east of the Republic of Ireland. Oldest Viking city of Ireland + Cork: Set on the banks of the River Lee, Cork is a small town with a welcoming attitude + Limerick: Set at the banks of the Shannon River. Fourth-most populous city on the island of Ireland

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People and Culture Ireland is an island in the North Atlantic and is divided between the Republic of Ireland (officially named Ireland), which covers five-sixths of the island, and Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom. The culture of Ireland includes language, literature, music, art, folklore, cuisine, and sport associated with Ireland and the Irish people. For most of its recorded history, Irish culture has been primarily Gaelic and Celtic. Demographics The population in the Ireland amounts to about 5.2 million people. One-quarter of the Ireland’s population is located in the Dublin metro area. The diversity of Ireland contains many immigrant communities, including people from Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Nigeria. Most of the diversity within Ireland comes from European descent, with exactly 5% of the population identifying as non-Caucasians. Language English is the primary language spoken in Ireland; the native language is Gaeilge (Irish). As is typical in most countries, accents, colloquialisms, and pronunciations vary greatly throughout the country.

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Religion The predominant religion in Ireland is Christianity, with the largest church being the catholic church, the second largest in the church of Ireland also known as Anglican church. The Irish constitution does not endorse any particular religion, ensuring freedom of creed. Etiquette Proper etiquette is important in Ireland and is followed until individuals become more familiar with one another; here are some general guidelines to help navigate different situations. Greetings and Introductions In Ireland, a handshake is a very common form of greeting. When making an introduction, introduce the younger person to the older person, the person of lower status to the person of higher status, and when two people are similar in age and status, introduce the one you are most familiar with to the other person. Addressing People In a business setting, using formal titles initially is important. It is polite to ask, “What should I call you?” if the person has not yet introduced him/herself. It is also polite to use “Mr.” and “Mrs.” when introducing someone with titles on the side of formality. It is up to the individual with a title to determine their preference of formality by saying, “Just call me…” Business Etiquette Meetings tend to be open and relaxed. Even if there is an agenda, it very likely may not be strictly followed. If everyone is on the same level of management, there will be a free flow of ideas in conversation. In contrast, if there is a senior-ranking person in the room, that person will do most of the speaking in the meeting. Many times, there will be a brief amount of small talk before getting to the business at hand. Most Irish executives are approachable and willing to meet to discuss business, though you may have to get through a number of gatekeepers first. Although the meeting will be mostly business, the Irish are typically looking to establish long-term relationships, so a “quick deal” will not be welcomed. Punctuality Punctuality is very important in Ireland, especially when it comes to business. When travelling to Ireland to do business, you should ensure that you arrive on time. Being late is seen as impolite and inconsiderate, it is essential to plan your appointments carefully and to ensure you allocate enough time for transport arrangements. If you happen to be running late, you are expected to phone the other party to apologise and inform them about the time of your arrival. If your delay is significant, you should consider postponing the meeting.

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Food Although the Irish are quite fond of dining out, there are a variety of dishes that are distinctly their own. A traditional Irish meal is based on meat, potatoes and vegetables. Some of the traditional dishes are below. Ingredients and Typical Dishes + Irish Stew: Basic ingredients include lamb or mutton, as well as potatoes, onions, and parsley. It may sometimes also include carrots. Irish stew is also made with kid

goat but definitely not made with beef + Bacon and Cabbage: Consists of sliced back bacon boiled with cabbage and potatoes. Smoked bacon is sometimes used as well, is served with white bechamel like sauce + Boxty: Traditional Irish potato pancake. It contains finely grated, raw potatoes, fried or bake in a pan. They can be served on their own or a side dish to any meal + Colcannon: Traditionally made with butter, milk and kale. Some recipes add mash potatoes and cabbage. It is served with ham or Irish bacon as a side + Soda Bread: Also known as brown bread made of a coarser flour, served at any meal with various topping like salmon or as side with a stew

Daily Meals The standard practices for each meal are: + Breakfast: The Irish are fond of cereal or toast with a tea or coffee for an everyday morning. A full Irish breakfast, much like the English breakfast includes rasher (bacon), eggs, grilled tomatoes, fried mushrooms, toast, sausages, black and white pudding and baked beans. Full Irish breakfast is reserve for the weekends and special occasions + Lunch: It is served between 12.30-14.00. Typically, soda bread, sandwich or soup + Dinner : The biggest meal of the day typically includes a meat or fish with two vegetables and potatoes

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Discovering Ireland

Buying Groceries A supermarket is a large grocery store selling a variety of groceries, including dry goods, meat produce, fish, seafood, frozen foods, and bakery items in addition to household supplies like cleaning products, toiletries, and cosmetics. Supermarkets are often stocked with a small variety of multinational food but not as wide as other European countries.

They are open seven days a week with Sunday hours typically shorter. The most predominant stores in the Ireland are Tesco, Dunnes, Eurospar, and Supervalu. In recent years, German supermarket chains like Aldi and Lidl have become the most popular in Ireland.

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Registrations Personal Public Service Number

A Personal Public Service number (PPSN) number is a unique number that Irish government uses for identification purposes. You will need to give this number to your employer as soon as possible so that they can advise the Revenue Commissioners for your tax deductions. You may also need it to access public services. When you are allocated your PPSN, you will be issued a Public Services Card. On the front of the card will be your name, photograph and signature, along with the card expiry date. The back of the card holds your PPS number and a card number. It also holds a magnetic stripe to enable social welfare payments such as pensions to be collected at post offices. You cannot apply for a PPS number before you arrive in Ireland. You must be living in Ireland in order to apply. Evidence of an address must be presented, you will also need to show that you have a requirement for one, otherwise it won’t be issued. You will only be issued with a PPS number if you are about to commence employment. Looking for employment is not a considered a requirement. Be aware that an employer requiring a PPS number as part of the application process is in breach of the legislation. Proof of address can be difficult to provide if you have only just arrived in Ireland and are immediately commencing employment. In this case, your employer may assist you with a letter. Required Documents may include: + Non-EU/EEA your current passport + EU/EEA current passport or national identity card + Proof of address, such as a household bill with your name on it or an employment letter confirming your address. Helpful Hint: It is critical that the spelling of your name is exactly the same on all of the required documentation. Pay Related Social Insurance The pay related social insurance “PRSI” is a compulsory contribution to Ireland’s Social Insurance Fund. In certain cases, if your income falls below a certain amount you do not have to pay a social insurance contribution, however, you will still be covered by social insurance because your employer must pay social insurance. You can find more details here www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/home.aspx

Some benefits obtained from complying with the insurance are: + Jobseeker’s Benefit + Health and Safety Benefit + Occupational Injuries Benefit + Illness Benefit

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Irish Residence Permit This registration is required by all Non-EU Citizens and grants you permission to reside in Ireland. In order to register, you need to visit your local immigration registration office and ask for the registration officer as soon as possible following your arrival in Ireland. You will be required to make an appointment to attend the registration at the Irish Naturalization and Immigration Service (INIS) office. The INIS website has more information available: www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/first-time-registration You will need to provide the following information: + Your passport + Your nationality, how and when you acquired it and your previous nationality, if you have had any + Date and place of your birth e.g. your birth certificate + Your profession or occupation + Documentation supporting your residence permission, e.g. your work permit + Your Irish employment contracts + Your Irish address – with Post Code noting IRP card is posted out within 7-10 days of application + The address where you last lived outside the State + A credit/debit card for payment of €300 fee The registration officer will also take your fingerprints, signature, and photo and may ask for further details. On successful completion of your GNIB registration you will be issued with a GNIB number and card. Work Permits A work permits is available for occupations with an annual salary of €30,000 or more. Only in exceptional cases will jobs earning less than this be considered. Normally, a labor market needs test is required. After 12 months of working in Ireland, General Employment Permit holders can apply for their family members to join them. U.K Citizens The U.K citizen are entitled to live and work in Ireland without any conditions or restrictions and are entitled to be treated the same as Irish workers. Eu Citizens EU member and Swiss Nationals have the right to stay in Ireland with their family members for up to 3 months. However, if you plan to stay more than 3 months, you must either: + Be engaged in economic activity (employed or self-employed) + Have sufficient resources and sickness insurance to ensure that you do not become a burden on the social services of Ireland + Be a family member of a Union citizen in one of the previous categories You do not need an Irish employment permit or residence card to live here and are entitled to be treated the same as Irish workers.

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Non-EU citizens If you are from outside the EU or Switzerland, you need a work permit in order to live and work in Ireland. These can be very difficult to obtain depending on your circumstances. When you apply for a work permit, you will be required to pay a fee. Your employer may help with the process. All non-EU citizen are subject to ordinary immigration controls when they arrive in the country. Although you may have successfully obtained a work permit, you can still be refused entry by the Irish immigration officials when you arrive. Make sure that you have all of your documents ready and easily accessible as you go through immigration. As well as your work permit, you should also have all of the documents that you submitted as part of your permit application. Visas Part of moving to Ireland is applying for your visa. Your employer will inform you of which one to apply for, to obtain an Irish short stay visa, you need to apply to the Irish embassy or consulate in your country of permanent residence. For more information, you can visit the Irish Visa and Immigration website at: www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/Irish%20Visa%20Information Driving Licence If you have a full, valid driving licence issued in your home country, you will be able to drive in Ireland for 12 months before needing to exchange your licence, or take lessons and you driving test. Continuing to drive on your licence after the 12-month period is illegal and subject to prosecution. You will need to prepare to take your driving test prior to the 12- month deadline, and you may also need to take driving lessons. Further information can be found at www.ndls.ie/index.php# EU/EEA Licence: If you hold a full licence issued in a country within the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA), you can drive in Ireland on your original licence until it expires, without having to exchange it or retake your driving test. After expiry it will have to be renewed in Ireland. International Licence If your license was not issued in an EU/EEC or designated country, you are still permitted to drive in Ireland for 12 months. If you want to continue driving in Ireland after this point, you will need to apply for a provisional Irish licence and pass the Irish driving test to gain your full license. You are not required to take any driving lessons in Ireland before taking your test, but you may find it useful to review your driving skills and knowledge of Irish roads. Some requirement to apply are: + Reside in Ireland for at least 185 days per year + Have resided in Ireland for 12 months prior to undertaking the testing process + Have an Irish PPS number

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Child Benefit Child Benefit is a monthly payment to the parents or guardians of children under 16 years of age. It is paid for children under 18 years of age if they are in full-time education, full-time training or have a disability and cannot support themselves. Child Benefit is not paid for any child dependent aged 18. Child Benefit is not taxable. You should apply for Child Benefit within 12 months of: + The birth of your baby + The month the child became a member of your family + The month your family came to live in Ireland + The date you started working in Ireland if your child(ren) are living in another EU country To qualify for Child Benefit, you must satisfy the Habitual Residence Condition. See our documents required here www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare

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Money and Banking Banks

There are five main banking options in your area. Most expatriates find it easier to open an account with an Irish bank since many foreign banks only provide corporate services. If your employer does not already have a preferred banker, your Dwellworks Consultant will be happy to provide information about the banking system and fast track processes. This service greatly speeds up the overall process. If you are interested in this service, please let your consultant know. Bank Accounts Organising banking in Ireland is a straightforward process is a straightforward process with Dwellworks. Your DSC can make an appointment with any local bank of your choice to establish an account.

You will need the following information to open a bank account: + Passport + An employee’s reference from your company + Proof of your address

It is helpful to have an Irish bank account for payment of rent, utility bills, broadband, etc. when you arrive. This will help to avoid extra bank charges for using your overseas card or credit card. The banks now offer internet and telephone banking for convenience, and in recent years they have adjusted their hours to stay open later during the week, with some open on Saturday mornings. Exchange In the Republic of Ireland, the official currency is the euro. Notes are €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500, while coins are 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1 and €2. Shops will no longer give change of 1c or 2c, this will be rounded up to the nearest 5c.

Helpful Hint: It is useful to exchange some money before arriving so you can grab a cab or a bite to eat right away.

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Payment Methods Most payments in shops, restaurants, and petrol stations are made by debit or credit card. You will be asked to enter your personal identification number (PIN) into a handset. The PIN is the same one used to withdraw cash from ATMs. The PIN is issued to you on opening an account and can be changed at an ATM. You can usually also order statements and look at your balance. All major banks also provide on-line and telephone banking . In some larger retailers you can pay using contactless technology if both your card and the retailer's card machine shows the contactless logo. Hold your card briefly over the card machine when instructed, and the payment will be taken with no need to enter your PIN. Every now and then, you will be asked to enter your PIN for additional security. Visa, MasterCard, and American Express all support this system. Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) and Debit Cards All banks have ATMs (cash machines) through which you can withdraw cash (Euro only) using your PIN. (Note some cash machines may charge a fee for the withdrawal). Provided your debit card bears the Visa or MasterCard symbol, you will be able to use it in virtually any machine. However, to arrange cash transfers, and standing orders, you will need to go into your own bank or use online banking. Credit Cards The major international credit cards are widely accepted for goods and services. Debit cards are also popular. Almost all credit card providers have a credit scoring system and newly arrived foreign nationals may find they do not score enough points. Credit History Banks require proof of identity and references to open an account, which is needed to establish a credit rating. We recommend asking your home country bank for a letter of reference before departure. Alternatively, your employers may help with an introduction. Bringing copies of your home country bank statements can make this process easier.

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Safety and Security When moving to a new location it is important to consider safety in your everyday life. At Home + Keep doors and windows locked when you are not actively using them + Turn on any alarm system your residence may have every time you leave the house or are at home at night + Draw your curtains slightly and have lights on a timer so it looks like the house is occupied On the Streets + Be aware of your surroundings, be vigilant and avoid traveling alone to unsafe areas at night + Pay attention to personal belongings in large crowds to avoid pick-pocketing + Keep photocopies of important documents at home in case of theft

In the Car

+ Leave valuables out of sight + Lock your vehicle each time you leave the car (and while in it) + Tell your children to never accept rides from people they don’t know

Emergency IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY, DIAL 999 FOR FIRE, POLICE, COAST GUARD, AND AMBULANCE If there is a serious emergency, dial 999, the Ireland emergency number, and ask to be connected to the fire, police, coast guard, or ambulance service. The call is free, and you will be asked which of the emergency services you require. Try to remain calm and provide precise details of your location and the emergency. In Ireland, each city and town has its own fire, police, and ambulance services that are linked to the major hospitals in the area. In an emergency you can also call 112, which is an emergency services number in numerous countries and throughout Europe. If you require a doctor out of normal surgery hours and the emergency is not life threatening, it is not necessary to call the 112 or 999 number, unless the situation requires one of the emergency services. For non-emergency instances you can call your local Doctor/GP and there will be an out of hours number to call for your local GP out of hours service.

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Personal Data Security In today’s digital world, personal and business data is at risk of being compromised. Hackers and scammers are getting creative as to the ways they manipulate or coerce individuals. As Relocation Service Providers, Dwellworks and its clients place great emphasis on ensuring comprehensive precautions to prevent data breaches. A recent trend involves hackers setting up fraudulent email accounts mirroring the accounts of relocation or real estate providers inclusive of fraudulent wiring instructions to collect real estate deposits, first month’s rent and/or closing funds. Please be aware that you will never be asked to transfer funds or make payments electronically (via email or otherwise) to Dwellworks. Dwellworks disclaims liability with regard to any third-party fraud that may arise in conjunction with any relocation transaction involving the transfer or funds or making of payments. + Email that appears to have come from someone you know but really isn’t: Email addresses can be manipulated to look like it is from someone you know. If the email doesn’t sound or look exactly right, check the full email address – especially the part after the “@” sign. When in doubt, send a separate email to the sender (or call) and verify that the email is legitimate + Never click on an email link that is from someone you do not know + Never download or open attachments from someone you do not know + Be especially wary of attachments that are . ZIP files claiming to be invoices or tracking information + Do not reply to or forward spam emails + Avoid using public Wi-Fi + Microsoft will never contact you directly regarding the health of your computer. Please do not allow anyone claiming to be Microsoft to remotely access your computer or give them your financial information + If you are reading your email in a web browser, be sure to click Log Off before closing the window + Make sure your computer Anti-Virus is installed and kept up-to-date To aid in the protection of your information, we offer the following email and computer security tips:

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Embassy and Consulate

Japanese Embassy Nutley Building Merrion Centre Nutley Lane Dublin 4 + 353 1 202 8300 www.ie.emb-japan.go.jp Russian Embassy 184 - 186 Orwell Road Rathgar Dublin 14 + 353 1 492 2048 ireland.mid.ru South African Embassy Alexandra House, 2nd Floor Earlsfort Centre, Earlsfort Terrace Dublin 2 + 353 1 661 5553 www.dirco.gov.za/foreign/s a_abroad/sai.htm#ire Swiss Embassy 6, Ailesbury Road Ballsbridge Dublin + 353 1 283 03 44 www.eda.admin.ch/countries/i reland/en/home.html

Australian Embassy 7 - 49 St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 +353 1 664 5300 ireland.embassy.gov.au/dubl/cont act-us.html

Canadian Embassy 7 Wilton Terrace, Dublin 2 +353 1 234 4000 www.canadainternational.gc.c a/ci-ci/index.aspx?lang=eng

Canadian Embassy 7 Wilton Terrace, Dublin 2 +353 1 234 4000

French Embassy 66 Fitzwilliam Lane Dublin 2 + 353 1 277 5000 ie.ambafrance.org Spanish Embassy 17 A, Merlyn Park Ballsbridge Dublin 4 + 353 1 269 1640

www.canadainternational.gc.c a/ci-ci/index.aspx?lang=eng

German Embassy 31 Trimleston Avenue Booterstown Blackrock Co. Dublin +353 1 269 3011 www.dublin.diplo.de

www.exteriores.gob.es/Embaj adas/Dublin/en/Pages/inicio.a spx Italian Embassy 63 / 65 Northumberland Road Dublin 4 +353 1 660 1744 ambdublino.esteri.it/ambasciata_ dublino/it/

Indian Embassy Leeson park, Dublin 6 +353 1 496 6787 www.indianembassydublin.gov.in

United States Embassy 42 Elgin Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4

+ 353 1 668 8777 ie.usembassy.gov

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Communication and Media Telephone and Internet

In most areas within Ireland, the internet connection at your property will be via your telephone landline connection, which may have been disconnected when the previous tenant vacated the property. Internet speeds vary by location and contract selected. If having a high speed (fibre-optic) connection is important to you, please mention it to your Consultant in case the service it is not available in your preferred location. Some providers include Virgin Media, Digi web, Pure Telecom, Sky Ireland, and Vodafone. While it may appear that Ireland has a large number of broadband providers, it is important to note that the availability of certain providers and certain connection types is still heavily dependent on their availability in certain areas. Your Dwellworks Consultant can help and advise you on setting up these services, but as they require a financial contract to be sign, they are unable to place the order for you. If there is a delay before your internet service goes live, you can purchase a “pay-as-you-go” Wi-Fi hotspot or dongle from most mobile phone retailers or major electrical stores as a temporary option to internet access that can be used while permanent service is stablished. Mobile Phone and Devices It is always recommended to check the coverage in your area and compare call tariffs and rates carefully to find one that best suits your needs. Once you’ve chosen a service provider, use their site to locate a dealer nearby and set up the contarct. The main service providers are: + Vodafone n.vodafone.ie/en.html

+ 3 www.three.ie + Eir www.eir.ie + Car phone warehouse www.carphonewarehouse.ie

Television and Broadband Television in the Republic of Ireland is available through a variety of platforms and subscriptions. The digital terrestrial television service is known as Saorview and is the primary source of broadcast television. Digital satellite and digital cable are also widely used throughout the country. Some providers available are: + Virgin Media Ireland www.virginmedia.ie + Vodafone n.vodafone.ie + Sky Ireland Limited www.sky.com/ireland + Eir www.eir.ie + Soarview www.saorview.ie (Television only)

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Newspapers Ireland has an assortment of daily national and weekly local newspapers and tabloids to read from. The national papers can be divided into two camps, the tabloids and the broadsheets. The tabloids, also called “red tops”, are daily newspapers high on sensationalism and entertainment news, including The Sun, The Daily Mirror, The Herald, and Daily Star. Conversely, “broadsheets” are more serious newspapers and tend to have a political allegiance. Broadsheets include Times, Independent, Guardian.

Postal Service Known in Ireland as “ An Post ”, English literal translation The Post is the state-owned provider of postal services in the Republic of Ireland. The Irish postal service provides a universal postal service to all parts of the country as a member of the Universal Postal Union. Services provided include, letter post, parcel service, deposit accounts, 'Express Post', an all-Ireland next-day delivery service.

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Driving In Ireland all driving is done on the left side of the road with the driver sitting on the right side of the vehicle, everything will feel like a mirror image. For many, this transition can feel unusual at first, but is easy to adjust to. Rules and Regulations Remember that the traffic laws will differ slightly depending on if you are driving in the Republic of Ireland or in Northern Ireland, which are two different countries. Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Illegal Substances Driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances is a very serious offense, and can result in a large fine. The legal limit to drive in Ireland is 0.05 milligrams of alcohol per milliliter of blood. If found guilty, there is a possibility of being sentenced to jail. Speed Limits In the Republic of Ireland, the speed limits are: 50 k/mph in buildup areas; 80 k/mph for local and regional roads; 100 k/mph on national routes, primary and secondary roads and 120 k/mph on motorways. In some areas the speed limit may reduce to 30 or 40 k/mph, please look out for the speed signs. Seat Belt Safety Seat belts must be worn at all times by drivers and passengers, including those in the back of the car. Children under 36 pounds or shorter than 4'11" must use an appropriate car seat or booster seat. Toll Roads There are toll roads in the Republic of Ireland and these roads often cut down travel time significantly when compared to older, country roads. You will stop at toll booths to pay when entering toll roads in Ireland. An important exception is the M50 around Dublin that leads to the airport, there are no physical toll booth, your license plate will be photograph and you will have to pay online or at a designated kiosk before 8 p.m. the next day. Fuel There are two main types of fuel in Irish filling (petrol) stations: unleaded and diesel. Fuel costs are high for both. As you go to fill the tank, make sure you double check what kind of fuel the car needs and what kind of fuel the pumps offer, always read the label on the pump to be sure. In some locations there is a facility to pay at the pump with your credit or debit card, just press the “Pay at Pump” button. In most cases you’ll need to go into the kiosk to pay. Petrol stations can be few and far between in rural areas, and almost none of them offer 24/7- service. It is a good idea to refill once your tank is half empty. Remember that not all petrol stations will take credit cards, so you should have cash in hand, especially in the countryside.

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Discovering Ireland

Roads Irish roads do not tend to be as wide as those in other countries. Keep to the left of the road at all times, and if there is any obstruction on your side of the road, be prepared to give way to traffic heading towards you. In the Republic of Ireland, motorways are blue symbol with an “M” and the national roads are green signs with an “N”, and local roads are mark with white. Roundabouts Roundabouts are commonplace in Ireland. Slow down when approaching them and be prepared to yield to traffic already on the roundabout and approaching from the right-hand side. If the roundabout is clear, you can proceed around the roundabout and use your indicator to signal to indicate to the other drivers when you wish to turn off the roundabout. Zebra Crossings Zebra crossings, also known as pedestrian crossings, are marked on the roads and usually have one or two lights on posts located on the pavement, which may flash. Pedestrians have the right of way over traffic to cross the road, please wait until the traffic stops as cars do not always stop for pedestrians. Some crossings have traffic lights and the traffic does not need to yield until the lights have turned red, and a further light signals the pedestrian to cross the road. After turning red, the traffic light will flash amber, and if the crossing is clear, cars may proceed along the road.

Traffic Signs Traffic lights are common in Ireland. Direction signs are in blue for major routes, green for national roads, and white for local roads. Places of interest are signposted by brown in the Republic with white lettering. In Ireland, all place names will be listed in both Irish and English, and the distances and speed limits are given in kilometers.

Insurance and Assistance You are legally required to have motor vehicle insurance when driving in Ireland. If you fail to do so, you may incur in fines and penalty points and could even be disqualified from driving. The law requires a driver to have at least “third party” or “third-party, fire, and theft” motor insurance to drive or own a vehicle; however, it is advisable to opt for comprehensive coverage. If you have comprehensive insurance, then breakdown services may be provided as part of your cover. However, the service that they provide may be limited, so check before joining any breakdown service to ensure your needs are met.

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Discovering Ireland

Child Safety Regulations Only EU-approved car seats can be used in Ireland. Car seats can be chosen based on a child’s height or weight. For height-based seats, children must be over 15 months-old before they can be in a forward-facing position. Weight based car seats are as follows: + 0 kg to 25 kg: Rear-facing baby carrier/seat with a harness + 9 kg to 18 kg: Rear- or forward-facing baby seat using a harness or safety shield + 15 kg to 36 kg: Forward-facing child seat using a seatbelt + Over 22 kg: Booster cushion Parking Irish roads do not tend to be as wide as those in other countries. The parking regulations are made locally and vary hugely in different parts of the country. The signs on the left indicate, respectively, areas where parking is and is not permitted. A total ban on parking is indicated by a double yellow line on the side of the road, a single yellow line indicates that parking may be permitted at sometimes, usually at weekends or out of business hours. Parking on the street is severely restricted in most towns and cities in Ireland, and around busy tourist areas. Helpful Hint: Parking difficulty is directly related to size proportion of the town you are parking in. While parking in the cities can cost up to €3 per hour, many small towns offer free parking. Expenses Car ownership in Ireland is expensive, there are numerous taxes that must be paid. In addition, taxes are legally required to have motor vehicle insurance when driving in Ireland. If you fail to do so, you may incur fines and penalty points and could be disqualified from driving. Value Added Tax You are liable to pay the standard Value Added Tax (VAT) when you purchase a vehicle in Ireland, also be liable to pay VAT for new vehicles that you import into Ireland, even if you paid VAT in the country that you purchased it from. However, if you can provide evidence that the car has been used for at least six months and the vehicle has travelled over 6,000 kilometers when you register it, then you may be able to avoid paying VAT. Motor Tax The Irish Government imposes motor tax on all vehicles. Once your car has been registered, you will receive the Form RF100 Motor Tax Application which you will need to complete in order to pay the required motor tax.

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Discovering Ireland

National Car Test (NCT) The National Car Test (NCT) is required for all vehicles four years or older, regardless if the vehicle has undergone similar testing in other countries. The NCT assesses your vehicle for road worthiness and general conditions. The NCT needs to be carried out every two years, but for vehicles older than ten years it will need to be carried out annually. If you do not get your vehicle tested as scheduled, you will face fines and penalty points. Car Registration If you personally chose to bring your current vehicle to Ireland and register it. You will be responsible for registering the vehicle and having it assessed for Vehicle Road Tax, the process must be completed within thirty days of the car arriving in Ireland.

If you import a vehicle into Ireland, you will be responsible for registering the vehicle and having it assessed for vehicle registration tax (VRT) within seven days of it arriving in Ireland. Your vehicle will be subject to National Car Testing Service to ensure the conditions of the car are optimal for it to be driven in Irish roads. You can obtain further information here www.ncts.ie

Helpful Hint: If you are bringing your car to Ireland you will be liable for Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT). If you have owned the car in your name for six months or more, you may be exempt from paying the VRT.

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Health Medical/Dental Systems Overview

Ireland is a generally healthy place to live with a very low rate of illness and diseases, although expatriates coming from warmer climates may need to adjust to the damp, cold winter weather. At first, they may find they are susceptible to head colds and other respiratory ailments. The Irish Public Healthcare system is governed by the Health Service Executive (HSE). It provides health and social services to EU or Swiss nationals and residents of Ireland. In order to receive publicly funded health services, you do not need to be paying Irish tax or social insurance, but you must be able to prove HSE that you are regular residents. To establish whether you are ordinarily resident, you must be able to demonstrate that you intend to remain in Ireland for a minimum of one year. The HSE may request some of the following: + Proof of property purchase or rental + Evidence of transfer of funds, bank accounts or pensions + A residence permit or visa + A work permit, visa or employment contracts If you do not come under one of these categories, then you can still receive healthcare, but you will be charged the full cost of the service. To find a local Doctor, Hospital or Pharmacy close to your home you can use the Health Service Executive Website. www.hse.ie/eng/services/maps Helpful Hint: Each area has an out of hours Doctor/GP which are often referred to as Med Doc or D Doc or alternatively you can attend accident and emergency centers, if you require urgent or emergency care. Vaccinations There are no compulsory vaccinations for Ireland, but it is recommended to be vaccinated to prevent typical childhood illnesses, such as measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP), shingles, influenza, and polio.

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Discovering Ireland

Pharmacies The pharmacies are widely available in Irish towns and cities. Opening hours are usually 9am to 6pm or 8pm, Monday to Saturday. Some are open till late (10:00 pm) during the week and on Sundays. There are no 24/7 pharmacies and if medication is required urgently, it’s best to go to the emergency department of your nearest hospital. Children Under Six Years-Old All children under six years of age living in Ireland can get a GP visit card. The children under six GP visit card covers: Free GP Visits, Assessments, out of hours urgent GP care, care for children with asthma. Medication costs and hospital charges are not covered within the GP service. Also, you need to confirm with your registered GP, providing services that are currently part of this scheme. Please see link to register online here: GP Visit Card Private Health Insurance Irish public health system offers treatment at a significantly reduced rate, but it can lengthy process, there are the options to obtain private health insurance. All private health insurance providers must be registered with the Health Insurance Authority which is the country’s independent regulator for private health insurance. They also provide information about your rights, and advice about how to select your plan. You can use to compare rates and plans here: www.hia.ie

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Discovering Ireland

Education Overview

All children living in Ireland have the right to education, this includes refugees, asylum seekers, or children of migrant workers. They are also entitled to free pre-school, primary and secondary education, but you will still need to pay for the uniform, books, stationary and for any school trips. There are also private schools where you will need to pay fees every year. School uniforms are quite common in all levels of school but vary from school to school.

Although it is most common for children to commence primary school at aged four or five, education is compulsory for all children in Ireland from the ages of six to 16 or until students have completed three years of second level education including one sitting of the Junior Certificate examination. Ireland offers a range of school types from private to public, co-educational to single sex, but some areas may have more limited options.

You can prepare ahead for school enrolment by providing the following general documentation: + Birth certificate + Passport + PPS number + Previous school reports (if applicable) Childcare and Preschool Pre-school is optional in Ireland. Under the Early Childhood Care and Education or ECCE scheme children are entitled up to two years of free pre-schooling, in the year prior to starting primary schools. Prior to this, parents must pay for their children to attend to school, there are options to find private daycare. The scheme provides three hours per day, five days per week over 38 weeks and children must be aged between two years eight months and five years six months, especially on September the first of the year that they commence. If your child attends the care service for longer than this, then you will be charged for that extra time.

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