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Resource Pack contents: Republic of Ireland | Northern Ireland

Crossing Borders: Resource Pack for Social Workers (R.O.I.):
General information

This section provides an introductory outline of some general, relevant and practical reference points and information that will be of use to social workers coming to the Republic of Ireland for the first time and taking up employment. While some information will be applicable to social workers themselves, other information will be useful in dealing with client groups.

Demographic information
Area: 70,282 square kilometres (43,575 square miles)
Capital: Dublin
Population: 4.2 million. The population is young in comparison to other European countries with approx. 35.3% of people under 25 and 20.4% under 15.
Official languages: Irish and English
Form of Government: Republic
Head of State: President
Head of Government: Taoiseach (Prime Minister)
Religion: The largest religious community is the Roman Catholic Church. Others include the Church of Ireland, Presbyterian, Pentecostal, Bahai, Methodist, Jewish and Muslim communities.
Ethnic minorities: The travelling population makes up one minority. Previously a relatively mono-cultural society, the new immigration patterns have made the Republic more ethnically diverse.

Economy
The Republic of Ireland, in common with a lot of the Western world,  is currently experiencing a recession, with cut-backs in public spending and significant job losses.  In the decade prior to the global financial crisis, the Republic of Ireland had become one of the best performing economies in Europe. While some traditional features remain, such as a strong agricultural sector and a high level of trade with the United Kingdom, the economy had been rapidly transformed. Recent industrial development had been achieved by a deliberate policy of promoting export-led and advanced technology businesses, partly by offering attractive packages for foreign investors, location within the European Single Market and the availability of a highly skilled labour force. Tourism had also become a substantial foreign exchange earner.

However, within the Republic have always been less buoyant communities that have not benefited directly from the improvements in the economy and where high levels of unemployment persist.

Some useful references on the economy, e.g. Department of Finance, Irish Business and Employers Confederation (IBEC), Social Inclusion Division, Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Economic and Social Research Institute are listed in Section 6

Work permits
In 2009, changes were made to the regulations and conditions governing the issuing of work permits for the Republic of Ireland.  In order to get the most up-to-date information on this, it is best to visit the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment website at www.entemp.ie.  

Some nationalities also require entry visas. Visa applications must normally be made through the Irish embassy or consulate in the country of permanent residence.

Tax system

Those coming to work in the Republic of Ireland for the first time must contact their local social welfare office, complete the necessary forms and present with official ID (i.e. passport and work permit as applicable). A Personal Public Service (PPS) number is then allocated and also a tax-free allowance, which then is submitted to the employer / salary section. The PPS number is quoted for any future contact with the tax office regarding salary, benefits, or particular government claims.

The Department of Finance directs the tax system.

Job seeking
Social work positions are mainly advertised in daily newspapers such as the Irish Independent, the Irish Times and the Irish Examiner. They may also be advertised in professional journals and publications, on jobs databases, on the Internet and with recruitment agencies.

Social security: See Section 2 under Service Provision

Health services: See Section 2 under Service Provision

 

Transport system
Córas Iompair Éireann (CIE) is the public national transport service covering bus and rail services through its three operating companies Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus and Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail). There are also private bus operators. In Dublin there is a light rail system called the LUAS. In some locations, it may be an advantage for social workers to have their own car.

Education system
The Department of Education and Science funds the education system. Private educational options are also available. The period of compulsory education is from six to 16 years of age. However many four-year-olds and almost all five-year-olds are enrolled in infant classes in primary schools.

Post-primary education consists of a three-year junior cycle followed by a two- or three-year senior cycle. Examinations are taken at the end of each cycle.

The third level education sector consists of universities, Institutes of Technology and some private colleges.

Department of Education and Science, Marlborough Street, Dublin 1.
Tel: (01) 8896400. Web: www.education.ie

Language
Irish and English are the official languages of the State. English is the majority working/speaking language.

Irish is a core subject in primary and secondary level schools. It is chiefly spoken in parts of the country generally referred to as the Gaeltacht. Irish words are also commonly used in cultural and political terminology, e.g. An Garda Síochána (police), Taoiseach (Prime Minister).

 

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