Living in Ireland
Forward
This e-brochure was developed to support migrants arriving in Ireland and to assist them to settle into everyday life in Ireland. It is a useful guide that you can refer to whenever needed. The topics are not exhaustive but cover a vast range of everyday information on things central to living in Ireland from when you first arrive to when you move to independent living in a new community. The information contained within this e-brochure was valid at the time of publication. The e-brochure was compiled in February 2022 by the following staff as part of the Emerging Leaders Program. It was reviewed and updated in January, 2023.
Carla Lennon Depaul Cosán Nua – Tenancy Sustainment & Integration Gideon Amentorge Depaul Cosán Nua – Direct Provision Team Sarah Doyle Depaul Cosán Nua – Direct Provision Team
Cliodhna Ní Héideain Depaul - Migrant Homeless Action Team
Using this Document Please note that a word or phrase typed in blue and underscored within this e- brochure provides a link to further information on the subject matter. Simply click on the link to obtain the URL and you can then copy the link to an internet search bar. The index lists the page numbers where you can find specific information, you can use this to locate the information you require. Alternatively, if you are viewing the document on a laptop or computer, you can Press the Ctrl (+) F button simultaneously and it will bring up a search box where you can enter a
word or phrase and search for this within the document.
Introduction
Ireland may be small but it has a lot to offer including a rich culture, artistic talent, lively people and a lush landscape. Ireland’s size and location in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean causes frequent variation in the weather conditions. It can be sunny, rainy or a mixture of both at any point in the day. Although it rarely snows, it is important to have warm jackets and umbrellas available regardless of the time of year. The two official languages of the Republic of Ireland are Irish and English. Everything is priced in Euro and the high demand for accommodation in cities like Dublin has made it very expensive for people to afford to live there. Ireland is generally considered a very safe country to live in and there is both public and private healthcare available. Public healthcare is funded by taxes but the waiting list for treatment can be quite long. There are numerous private healthcare providers where you can pay for treatment and these usually have no waiting list. Ireland is a small country so getting from place to place can be quite easy if you have your own car. Ireland does have a public transport system, with a bus, train and tram network in Dublin. However, outside of the cities and large towns public transport can be limited.
Table of Contents
Forward
2 3 4
Introduction CONTENTS
INCOME & SOCIAL WELFARE Personal Public Service (PPS) Number
7
8 9 9 9 9
Working Age
Income from employment
Working Hours
Annual Leave (Holidays)
Social Welfare
10 10 10 10 10 10 11 11 11 11 11 11 12 12 12 12
Medical Card Child Benefit
One-Parent Family Payment Jobseeker’s Transitional Payment
Working Family Payment Jobseekers Allowance
Jobseeker's Benefit
Domiciliary Care Allowance
Carer's Allowance Disability Allowance
Back to Education Allowance (BTEA)
Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance
Basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance
Exceptional Needs Payment
Fuel Allowance
Non-Contributory State Pension Contributory State Pension
12 12 13
HOUSING
Housing & HAP
14 14 14 15 15 16 16 17 17 18 18 19
Types of Housing
Steps to Register for Housing with the Local County Council
How HAP Works Finding a Tenancy Housing Waiting Lists Choice Based Letting
Transferring to a Housing List in another County
Allocation of Housing
Paying your HAP Ending a tenancy Tenancy Issues
LIVING INDEPENDENTLY Living Independently - Responsibilities
20 21 21 22 23 24 24 25 26 26 27 28 30 31 32 33 33 33 34 35
Heating your home
Energy Providers in Ireland Manage Home Heating Costs
Appliances
Having a TV in Ireland
Bin Collections
Looking after your property
Having a Pet Car Ownership
Fire Safety
IMMIGRATION Family Reunification
Citizenship
Obtaining a Travel document
Emergency Applications
Application
SAFETY & WELL-BEING
Child & Family Welfare
Children & Education
35 35 35 36 36 36 36 36 37 38 38 38 38 38 38 39 39 39 39 40 40 40
Children & School Attendance Children & Employment Childcare & Babysitting Children & Alcohol Children & Smoking Children & Gambling Films & Computer Games
Firearms
Knives
Children & Surgical Procedures Sexual Activity & Age of Consent
Contraception
Recognition of preferred gender
Marriage
Maintenance (of a child or children)
Leaving home
Criminal Responsibility
Violence Against Children & Child Abuse
Domestic Abuse Sexual Consent Crisis Pregnancy
Disability Services
40 41 42 43 44 44 44 44 45 45 45 45 45 46 46 46 46 46 46 47 47 47 47 48 48 49 51 52 53 56 58 59 61 62 64
Well-Being
EDUCATION
Education & Training
The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE)
Primary & Secondary Education Children and Irish Language
Special Needs Education
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
YouthReach
Apprenticeships (Solas)
Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS)
Community Employment Scheme (CE) Back to Education Initiative (BTEI)
Post Leaving Cert (PLC)
Work Placement Experience Programme (WPEP)
TÚS
Springboard
FastTrack to IT (FIT)
Adult Education
Access Programme
Mature Student
Applications
Financing Further Education
Students Universal Support Scheme (SUSI)
Understanding Irish Qualifications
APPENDIX
Directory of Education and Training Boards Local Authority Index (County Council)
Local Immigration Index (Update GNIB contact Information)
Out of Hours GP Directory
Useful Links & Contacts Numbers
Steps to Register for Housing with the Local County Council
Chart your Progress
References
INCOME & SOCIAL WELFARE
Personal Public Service (PPS) Number A Personal Public Service (PPS) Number is a unique reference number that helps you access social welfare benefits, public services and information in Ireland. A PPS Number is always 7 numbers followed by either one or two letters. To get a PPS Number, you must provide evidence of your identity, why you need a PPS Number and your address. Some other examples of why you may need a PPS Number are:
● to take up an offer of employment ● to apply for a social welfare payment ● to access medical services ● to apply for or exchange a driver’s licence ● to access other public services ● to register for a course in a school or college
You do not need to have an IRP (GNIB) card in order to obtain a PPS number. However, you will have to prove that you need a PPS number to access welfare, education, GP or other services. An online PPS Number application service is available at MyWelfare.ie for people living in Ireland who are at least 18 years of age. In order to apply for a PPS Number online, you will need to have a basic MyGovID account. Go to this link to get a MyGovID account all you need is your name and an email address for the basic account. Then book a PPSN allocation centre appointment via MyWelfare.ie in the area you are living. PPS for Child Under 18 Children born in the Republic of Ireland are usually given a PPS Number when their birth is registered with the General Register Office (GRO). This means you do not need to apply for a PPS Number for a child born in the state. However, if the birth is not registered within 3 months, a parent or guardian must make an application. PPS Numbers for children living in, but not born in the Republic of Ireland, must be applied for by the parent or guardian. One of the parents or guardians must have a PPS Number for the child to be registered. The parent or guardian should complete an application form REG1M for a PPS Number for the child aged under 18 years, and provide evidence of their own identity, the identity of the child, the requirement for a PPS Number and the relationship between the parent or guardian and the child.
Income & Employment Working Age It is illegal to employ children under age 16 in regular full-time jobs. The average working age is from 18 years to 64 Years. Income from employment It was announced in Budget 2023, that minimum rates of pay will increase from 1 January 2023. The national minimum wage for people aged 20 and over will increase by 30c per hour to €11 .30
Agegroup:
Minimum wage from 1 January 2022:
€11.30 per hour
20 years and over
€10.17 per hour
19 years
€9.04 per hour
18 years
€7.91 per hour
Under 18 years
Working Hours Generally, the maximum number of hours that an adult employee can work in a week is 48 hours. This does not mean that a working week can never exceed 48 hours, it is the average that is important. The average working week is between 35 and 40 hours. If you are under 18, there are different set maximum working hours, breaks and rules on night work. Annual Leave (Holidays) Your annual leave entitlement depends on how much time you have worked in a year. The leave year runs from April to March but many employers use the calendar year (January to December) instead of the official leave year to calculate your entitlement. Your employer should tell you when your leave year begins and ends. Most employees are entitled to an average of 4 weeks' annual leave (20 days) each year when working full-time. On Bank Holidays (Public Holidays) banks, schools and most businesses are closed. These days are in addition to annual leave through employment. See link for further details.
Social Welfare Medical Card
If you have a medical card issued by the Health Service Executive (HSE), you can receive certain health services free of charge. Normally, your dependent spouse or partner and your children are also covered for the same range of health services. Anyone who is ‘ordinarily resident’ in Ireland can apply for a medical card. This means that you are living in Ireland and intend to live here for at least one year. To qualify for a medical card, your weekly income must be below a certain figure for your family size. Cash income, savings, investments and property (except for your own home) are taken into account in the means test. If you do not qualify for a medical card on income grounds, you may qualify for a GP visit card. Child Benefit Child Benefit is a monthly payment to the parents or guardians of children under 16 years of age, or under 18 years of age if the child is in full-time education or has a disability. One-Parent Family Payment One-Parent Family Payment is a payment for men and women who are bringing children up without the support of a partner. The One-Parent Family Payment is only paid to parents of children under the age of 7 years old. Jobseeker’s Transitional Payment Most people who no longer qualify for a One-Parent Family Payment because their youngest child is aged 7 will transfer to the Jobseeker’s Transitional payment (called JST). JST is paid to people who are not cohabiting and whose youngest child is aged between 7 and 13. It aims to support you into the workforce while also acknowledging that you are caring for young children. You can take part in a course of education and get JST. Working Family Payment Working Family Payment is a weekly tax-free payment to people on low pay. You must have at least one child to qualify and your average weekly family income must be under a certain amount for your family size. The WFP payment you get is 60% of the difference between your average weekly family income and the WFP income limit for your family size. Additional Needs Payment
Jobseekers Allowance If you are unemployed, or working less than 24 hours over a maximum of 3 days each week you may be entitled to Jobseeker’s Allowance (JA). Jobseeker’s Allowance is a means-tested payment, so your income must be below a certain amount to get JA. Jobseeker's Benefit If you were previously employed, Jobseeker's Benefit is a weekly payment from the Department of Social Protection (DSP) to people who are out of work and have earned enough credits through contributions from employment (PRSI). If you don't qualify for Jobseeker's Benefit you may qualify for Jobseeker's Allowance. Domiciliary Care Allowance Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) is a monthly payment for a child aged under 16 with a severe disability, who requires ongoing care and attention, substantially over and above the care and attention usually required by a child of the same age. It is not means tested. All children getting DCA are eligible for a medical card without a means test. Carer's Allowance Carer's Allowance is a payment to people on low incomes who are looking after a person who needs support because of age, disability or illness (including mental illness). If you qualify for Carer's Allowance you may also qualify for free household benefits (if you are living with the person you are caring for) and a Free Travel Pass. Disability Allowance A weekly payment to people that have an injury, illness or disability which is expected to last more than a year. Find out how to qualify and rates of payment. You can get DA from 16 years of age. You can get Disability Allowance even if you are in school. May also be entitled to Living Alone Allowance. Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) The Back to Education Allowance scheme helps people who are unemployed, are getting a One-Parent Family Payment or have a disability, to attend approved second-or third-level education courses.
Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance BTSCFA is a payment to help with the cost of uniforms and footwear for children at school. Basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance If you have no income, you may be entitled to the basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA). If your weekly income is below the Supplementary Welfare Allowance rate for your family size, a payment may be made to bring your income up to the appropriate Supplementary Welfare Allowance rate. If you have claimed a social welfare benefit or pension but it has not yet been paid and you have no other income, you may qualify for basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance while you are waiting for your payment. However, the amount paid while you are waiting will be deducted from the arrears of your social welfare payment. If you have returned to work, you can claim the basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance for up to 30 days while you are waiting for your wages. Exceptional Needs Payment An ENP is a single payment to help meet essential, once-off, exceptional expenditure, which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income. For example, the payments can be for special clothing for a person who has a serious illness, bedding or cooking utensils for someone setting up a home for the first time or costs in relation to funerals. Fuel Allowance A Fuel Allowance is a payment to help with the cost of heating your home during the winter months. You can get the Fuel Allowance, if you are getting a long-term social welfare payment and you are unable to provide for your
heating needs from your own resources. Non-Contributory State Pension
To get a State Pension (Non-Contributory), you must be aged 66, pass a means test and meet the habitual residence condition (HRC). May also be
entitled to Living Alone Allowance. Contributory State Pension
The State Pension (Contributory) is paid to people from the age of 66 who have enough (PRSI) contributions. It is sometimes called the old-age pension. The State Pension (Contributory) is not means tested. You can have other income and still get it.
HOUSING
Housing & HAP
Introduction
There are different accommodation options in Ireland depending on your circumstances. These are mentioned below. For the purposes of this brochure, we will focus on social housing or Government/ Local Authority supported accommodation.
Types of Housing 1. Owner occupier - when you buy a home yourself 2. Owner landlord – Private Rented & HAP Tenancies 3. Local Authority Housing – Local County Council Social Housing 4. Approved Housing Bodies (AHB) – Government Funded Social Housing Social Housing “Local authorities are the main providers of social housing for people who cannot afford to buy a home or rent accommodation privately. Local authority housing is allocated according to eligibility and need. Rents are based on the household’s ability to pay” Seehere NOTE: If you are working or earning an income above the threshold specified by the Local Authority you are applying to, then you would not qualify for Social Housing. Note If you are working or earning an income above the threshold specified by the Local Authority you are applying to, then you would not qualify for Social Housing. Please do not give up your job to qualify for Social Housing support.
.
See here or here for income thresholds.
Steps to Register for Housing with the Local County Council 1. You must first be granted status to remain in Ireland 2. You must then register with the local County Council housing department ● Completed Housing application form. ● Copy of Minister letter. ● Proof of income ● GNIB or IRP card. ● Birth Certificates for all family members – not needed if you have refugee status but needed if you have subsidiary protection or permission to remain. If you cannot provide birth certificates you need to supply a birth affidavit. ● Affidavit stating you do not own property in your country of origin if you have subsidiary protection or Permission to Remain. 3. You must be approved for the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) 4. You should look at the HAP limits for your area* 5. You should search for properties within your HAP limits 6. Rental costs for properties should not exceed a maximum of 15% above the HAP limit 7. You should attend viewings of suitable properties 8. You should not take up a tenancy until your HAP is approved
How HAP Works 1. Youmust not exceed the income threshold and provide proof of income. ● For people working: Employment Detail Summary for the current year from Revenue online and payslips for this year ● For people on social welfare: Statement from Social Welfare for the last 12months ● Self Employed: last two years of tax returns (new business - a projected profit & loss account for the year signed off by an accountant) ● If still employed but on a Pandemic payment: income for 12 months from before that payment began. ● Not employed but on PUP: Cessation Certificate from your employment. Revenue Online 2. Once approved for HAP you may also be approved for an additional HAP 3. HAP may provide payment of the deposit and the first month’s rent 4. You must pay a weekly HAP contribution to the Housing Authority HAP Office (15% - 30% of income) 5. You must pay any additional top-up payment not covered to the landlord monthly 6. HAP is a 2-year contract. To move before 2 years, you need to ask permission from the council. Finding a Tenancy 1. Make sure you view the property in person. 2. Ask about the heating / energy costs / bills? 3. Look for signs of damp / mould. 4. What is your impression of the landlord? 5. Can you picture yourself living in this home for 2+ years? 6. Make sure you get a lease / tenancy agreement before you pay the deposit. 7. Make sure to get a receipt if you pay the deposit. 8. The landlord must agree to accept HAP, it is illegal not to. 9. If you want to move in the future, you may have access to the regular HAP, not homeless HAP. increase known as Homeless HHAP (HHAP) ● Up to 35% HAP increase for some regions ● Between 30% and 50% increase for the Dublin area
Housing Waiting Lists If your application for social housing support is accepted, you will be put on the housing waiting list for your local authority. If you applied for housing with an approved housing body, you will also be put on their housing waiting list. Most local authorities give priority to people who have been on the waiting list for the longest time. Some local authorities also have priority categories. To find out more about these, and about the housing waiting list you are on and how long you might have to wait, contact your local authority.
Local authorities also have specific waiting lists for:
● Older person accommodation (over 55 years) ● Homeless persons ● Traveller specific accommodation Social Housing waiting lists vary depending on circumstances and county.
Choice Based Letting Several local authorities use an online system called Choice Based Letting. This system allows a person who is on the housing waiting list to make decisions regarding where they live and tenure choice (council, voluntary housing and leased homes). Each applicant is given a unique Username and Pin to access the website when they are approved to be included on the housing list. The council advertises homes available-to-let to eligible housing applicants on their Choice Based Letting website. You can submit your expression of interest in the properties on the website. Internet access and computer facilities are available in local libraries. As houses and flats become available for letting, they are allocated from the waiting list in order of priority, taking account of all the relevant circumstances.
Only some local authorities use the Choice Based Letting system. If your local authority uses this system, they can explain how it works.
Transferring to a Housing List in another County In order to transfer to a housing list in another county you must first close your application for housing with the Local Authority Housing Department where you are currently registered. The HAP payments will be suspended to the landlord when you close your housing application and it is important to understand that it may take 12 to 17 weeks for an application with a different Local Authority Housing Department in another county to be processed. You need to be able to cover the full cost of rent while your new application is being processed. In order to do this, you may need to seek an arrangement with the HAP office to cover the usual HAP rent they pay to the landlord during this period so you are only liable for your normal weekly rent contribution and any top-up to the landlord and not the entire rent costs. Allocation of Housing Allocations can be made by the Local Authority for accommodation provided directly by local authorities or to accommodation provided by approved housing bodies. When a home that is suitable for you becomes available, your local authority will check that you still meet all the requirements for social housing. The criteria are: ● Eligibility ● Need ● Connection to the area ● Area of choice When you move into your new home, your name will be removed from the housing waiting list. This is because your housing need is met. You can complete a transfer agreement with your Local Authority in order to remain on the waiting list for social housing if you move into private rented (HAP) accommodation. Where the accommodation is provided by approved housing bodies, the local authority nominates a person from the housing list to take up the tenancy. If you are accepted as a tenant by the approved housing body, the local authority deems that your accommodation need has been met. It should be noted that local authority housing is unfurnished. If you need help with buying furniture and appliances, you can apply to the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection for an Exceptional Needs Payment.
These payments are part of the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme.
Paying your HAP If your rent fails to be automatically deducted, please make arrangements to pay your weekly rent using one of the following methods: 1. Online at https://happayments.limerick.ie ( HAP Recipient ID and password required) 2. Phoning 061-556600 (HAP Recipient ID and password required) 3. HAP Bill Pay Card (issued within 10 days of start day) in any Post Office or any shop displaying the sign to pay your weekly rent. Your local PostPoint shop can be located on www.postpoint.ie. Ending a tenancy If you have a lease agreement normally you cannot terminate your tenancy unless your landlord is in breach of his/her obligations. If you break a lease without having reasonable grounds to do so or do not give the correct notice of termination, you may lose your deposit and have to cover expenses such as re-advertising, re-letting costs or lost rent. Where you wish to end your tenancy you must give notice of termination in writing. (Email, text or verbal notice is not valid under the law). The amount of notice you are required to give depends on how long you have been in your tenancy. The normal notice periods are:
Duration of Tenancy Less than 6 months
Notice Period
28 days 35 days
Not less than 6 months but less than 1 year
More than 1 year but less than 2 years
42 days
More than 2 years but less than 4 years
56 days
More than 4 years but less than 8 years
84 days
8 years or more
112 days
N
OTE The tenant is responsible for the cost rent and all additional utilities
(heating/TV/electricity/bins) unless otherwise stated in writing in the tenancy agreement. Structural maintenance is generally the responsibility of the landlord or Agent.
Housing Application (Guide) To apply for social housing support you must fill in and submit an application form to your local authority. You must apply to the local authority area in which you wish to live. You can get an application form from your local County Council offices or on their website. You can only apply to one local authority for social housing support. Make sure you have the correct application form. The name of your local authority should be at the top of the form. If you use an application form for the wrong local authority, your application will be returned to you. Make sure you fill in all parts of the application form and submit all of the necessary documents. If your application is incomplete, it will be returned to you. The checklist at the front of the document should be used to ensure that all required information is submitted with the application.
Tenancy Issues
Threshold Threshold provides a wide range of information and advice in relation to sourcing private rented accommodation, dealing with problems during your tenancy or ending a tenancy. See here
Regional Tenancy Board The RTB's main functions are to: Maintain a register of private residential tenancies, tenancies of approved housing bodies and student-specific
accommodation tenancies. They provide a dispute resolution service for tenants and landlord. See here
LIVING INDEPENDENTLY
Living Independently - Responsibilities Heating your home
Oil - run through an oil burner, with an oil tank outside. This type of heating is prepaid in that you must fill the oil tank prior to use. It is important not to let the tank run dry and create an air lock. There is usually a minimum delivery amount of around €200 by suppliers to bring it to your home. It will heat the water and the radiators.
Gas - run through a gas boiler, generally inside the home. It can be billed every two months or pre-pay meter depending on the setup of your home. It can heat the water, the radiators. Also some houses will have a gas fire.
Electric- some heating is run electrically through storage heaters or other types of electric radiators. This can be billed every two months or pre- pay meter depending on the set up of your home.
Storage heaters draw electricity during the night time when energy rates are usually cheaper and store the electricity as heat in a bank of ceramic bricks inside the heater. The heat stored is then released over the coming day. Of course, to get any financial benefit from a storage heater, you will need to be on a Nightsaver tariff in order to take advantage of cheaper electricity at night.
Fire - this is a traditional way to heat a home in Ireland, using smokeless coal or wood. Some fires have a back boiler which will heat the water and the radiators. Other fires heat the room only. PLEASE always check with the landlord/agent if it is suitable to light a fire in your home. Some chimneys may
be out of use. Chimneys generally require cleaning annually by a professional chimney sweep. If you are using this type of heating, it is very important to have a fire guard to place in front of the fire to prevent children/animals from falling in, and also to prevent embers escaping.
Immersion heater - this is a switch normally in a hot press or beside a boiler to heat hot water only. It is fast acting, but can be expensive to run if left on for long periods of time.
Energy Providers in Ireland There are multiple energy providers in Ireland. Some do electricity, some gas, some both. Each county will have its own suppliers of oil. Google oil delivery and the name of your area, and you should find some companies.
Energy can be paid in a number of ways
● Prepay – You pay in advance but it is more expensive (No debts). ● Bill Pay – You pay in arrears, billed every two months usually. ● Easy Pay – Bill pay but you can use a card to make weekly instalments.
Some of the main energy providers in Ireland are:
Electric Ireland
Energia BordGais
SSE Airtricity Pinergy
Prepay Power
Manage Home Heating Costs Make the switch
Consumers can make significant savings on their energy bills without having to resort to turning off their heating at home. The average household can save money per year by switching from standard energy tariffs to the cheapest deals on the market. Compare prices. Batten down the hatches Reduce your energy consumption by checking windows, keyholes and doors for draughts of cold air and plug them. Close curtains to keep heat in, but open them in the morning to let the heat of the sun in. Unused fireplace? A chimney balloon will keep the draughts out and the heat in.
Home Heating ● Turn the thermostat for your living areas down to 20°C. The temperature in hallways and bedrooms should be cooler, ideally between 15-18°C. ● Bleed your radiators - Trapped air in radiators stops them working efficiently. If there are cold spots on your radiators, particularly at the top, it's a sign they need bleeding. This releases the air and ensures your heating system is working to its full potential. ● Manage your heating needs by using the control panel (Nest, Climote, Hive and Netatmo for example). With these devices you can programme your central heating and your water to come on at specific times throughout the day to fit your routine, ensuring you’re not wasting energy needlessly throughout the day. Appliances Most of the energy used by a dishwasher and washing machine is for water heating. Run them on a lower temperature setting and save on your energy costs. Wash clothes at 30°C if they aren’t particularly dirty. Keep your fridge’s temperature at between 2–3°C for the best performance. This keeps your food safe to eat and avoids freezing (and ruining) your fruit and veg. The freezer should be set to -15°C. Don’t leave the fridge door open for too long while getting food. For every 10–20 seconds the door is open it takes 45 minutes for the fridge to cool down to its original temperature. Having a TV in Ireland ● In Ireland you must have a TV licence if you have a TV capable of receiving television broadcasts. An Post is responsible for issuing TV licences and collecting TV licence fees. ● You do not need a TV licence to watch television on your computer, phone or other device (for example, RTÉ Player or streaming services like Netflix). However, the computer, phone or other device must not be capable of receiving a television signal by cable, satellite or aerial. ● If you are living in rented accommodation and there is a TV in the premises, you must have a TV licence. This applies whether you or the landlord owns the TV. ● The annual fee for a TV licence is €160 for both homes and businesses. If you are over 70 or receiving a Disability Allowance, you may be entitled to a free TV licence under the Household Benefits package. ● If you have not paid your TV licence, you may receive a notice from An Post to warn you that you could be prosecuted if you fail to buy a TV licence. A TV inspector could visit your premises to verify if you have a TV. ● You can be fined up to €1,000 (or €2,000 for subsequent offences) if you
do not have a TV licence.
You can buy a TV licence for the first time:
● In person, at your local An Post office (using cash, cheque, credit or debit card or by using TV licence saving stamps - see image below)
Add stamps purchased in the Post Office until book is completed.
● Through TV Licence Online – Purchase Online ● By phone, on (01) 705 8800 (for credit or debit card transactions only) ● By direct debit, using forms available from your TV Licence Records Office – payments are by monthly, quarterly, half-yearly or yearly instalments Bin Collections Waste Disposal - this is your responsibility as a tenant, each town/city/village area has different providers. Please google waste companies in the area you live in. Normally the payment is deducted monthly from your bank account or paid through the post office bill-pay. Generally, 3 bins are provided by waste companies. You will also receive a calendar advising you when to place your bins out at the front of your house/kerb/footpath to be collected. Waste, recycling, food waste, each bin is colour coded to advise you what to put in each bin. If unsure, please contact the provider.
How to recycle-what can I recycle? Glass cannot be recycled in your bins. You usually have a council run bottle bank you can bring glass to for free recycling. Some waste disposal providers provide a box or bin at an additional charge for recycling of glass. For information on what can be recycled in Ireland and tips on how best to recycle, follow this link or this link.
Looking after your property Garden responsibility – the tenant is responsible for cutting the lawn. Ventilation in your home – it is important to ventilate your home daily to avoid mould - ill health consequences. Any breakdown of appliances and white goods or heating should be reported to your landlord or the maintenance team of your letting agency as soon as possible.
Having a Pet When renting you need to request permission from the landlord to have a pet in your home. For further information, see this Link. Having a dog in Ireland requires a dog licence. You can purchase an annual licence or a lifetime licence. These can be purchased through the post office or online. For further information, see this Link.
Car Ownership There are requirements to owning a car/motor vehicle in Ireland. You must have a valid full driving licence to drive alone in Ireland. To see how to apply for a driving licence follow this Link.
The car must be fully road taxed and insured in order to legally drive it. A car can be taxed for 3 months, 6 months or 1 year. This can be done online or at a local Motor tax office.
The NCT is a road safety measure that ensures vehicles over four years old using Irish roads are subject to a basic safety check at regular intervals. By law, your vehicle must display a valid NCT disc where required and be kept in a safe and roadworthy condition at all times when used in a public place.
There are many insurance companies. In order to get the best deal, you should call different companies to compare prices. Legal implications apply if you do not have valid car insurance.
Please also adhere to speed limits when driving. Speed limits in the Republic of Ireland are in kilometres per hour, in Northern Ireland they are in miles per hour. Breaking these limits can incur a fine and penalty points on a licence. Penalty points accumulated can mean loss of licence, and the ability to drive. It will also increase future insurance costs.
Fire Safety In a rented house in Ireland, there must be access to a fire blanket and fire detection and alarm system. This is a landlord's responsibility. However, it is up to you as the tenant to check your smoke alarm and replace the battery yearly or when needed. Smoke alarms require very little maintenance but to ensure it operates when needed: ● once a week, test the smoke alarm by pushing and holding the test button until it activates ● every six months vacuum and brush the casing to get rid of dust ● every year change the battery (unless it is a 10-year battery) ● every 10 years replace the smoke alarm Fire extinguishers - colour coded to identify which type of fire they extinguish.
RED Wood
BLUE Wood
BEIGE/CREAM Wood Paper Textiles Flammable Liquids
BLACK Wood Paper Textiles Electrical Fires
YELLOW Wood Paper Textiles Oil fires
Paper Textiles
Paper Textiles Flammable Liquids GasFires Electrical Fires
These are fires resistant sheets of material that you can use to cover a fire to cut its supply of oxygen or wrap around a person whose clothes are on fire. It is best to keep them near the kitchen but they must be discarded after use and replaced.
It is important to have an escape plan for your family; in the event a fire should occur in your home. Please make yourself aware of all exit points for your home, ensuring doors are not obstructed, and keys are within easy access.
Keep in mind that you may need to crawl along the floor to find an exit in the event of a fire. Make yourself aware of fire exits in an apartment building. These usually have a green light above the door. Please exit your home immediately should you suspect a fire has broken out, do not return for anything and call 999/112 and ask for Fire Brigade.
IMMIGRATION
Family Reunification
Family reunification is a way to maintain family unity in cases where the family of the refugee are living outside of Ireland. If you are granted a declaration of refugee status or subsidiary protection you may apply, within 12 months of receiving that declaration, to the Minister of Justice and Equality for permission for certain members of your family to either enter and reside in Ireland with you, or if they are already in Ireland, to reside and remain with you here. Following an investigation and decision by the Minister, a family member shall then be given permission to reside in Ireland for a specified period.
You can apply for the following family members to join you in Ireland:
→ Your husband or wife, once you were married before you applied for refugee status in Ireland. → Your civil partner, once you were married before you applied for refugee status in Ireland.
→ Your child, if they are under 18 and not married.
→ If you are under 18 and not married, then you can apply for your parents and brothers or sisters (brothers and sisters must be under 18 and not married).
How to Apply - follow this link for further information
The Irish Refugee Council can provide reunification assistance - 01 764 5854
Crosscare English Reunification Leaflet - Link
Crosscare Arabic Reunification Leaflet - Link
Crosscare Somali Reunification Leaflet - Link
Citizenship Naturalisation is the process through which a foreign national living in Ireland may apply to become an Irish citizen. To apply for naturalisation in Ireland, you must have been physically resident in Ireland for a certain length of time. To apply for naturalisation, you should follow these steps: ● Step 1: Check that you qualify - Link ● Step 2: Fill in an application form - Link ● Step 3: Gather your supporting documentation ● Step 4: Make a declaration ● Step 5: Send your form to Immigration Service Delivery along with the application fee
● Ensure you have paid the application fee ● Ensure you have completed the statutory declarations ● Ensure you submit all requested documentation listed
If any documents are missing, you will be given up to 28 days to provide them. If you fail to do so, your application may be deemed ineligible or refused. For assistance with the process contact New Communities Partnership.
N
ote For additional support with immigration see links on pages 56, 57, 59 & 60
Obtaining a Travel document A Travel Document is an official document which assists qualifying non Irish nationals who are resident in Ireland to travel. You may apply for a Travel Document if you: ● Are a refugee under the International Protection Act 2015 ● Have been granted Subsidiary Protection under the International Protection Act 2015. (Please note a Travel Document will only issue where a person is unable to obtain a national passport) ● Have been declared a Programme refugee under section 59 of the International Protection Act 2015 ● Have been declared stateless in accordance with the New York Convention of 1954 ● Are a family member of a person who has been granted Refugee Status ● Are a family member of people with Subsidiary Protection ● Are a family member of programme refugees (Please note a Travel Document will only issue where a person is unable to obtain a national passport) ● Are a person with permission to remain in the state (Please note a Travel Document will only issue where a person is unable to obtain a national passport). Emergency Applications If you require a Travel Document due to a genuine emergency which requires you to travel abroad, you should apply in the normal manner by downloading the application form and posting it to the address below. You should also email INISTravdoc@justice.ie to let them know that you have applied and to explain the reason for the urgency. Applications will be considered urgent only if extraordinary circumstances apply – emergency medical treatment, death or serious illness of a family member. You should also provide proof of the emergency. Application The Travel Document fee is currently €80. You must pay the fee by postal money order or bank draft. A postal money order is a way of sending payment through the An Post system and can be obtained at your local Post Office, Send your application to – Travel Document Section, Repatriation Division, Immigration Service Delivery, Department of Justice 13-14 Burgh Quay,
Dublin 2.
SAFETY & WELL-BEING
Child & Family Welfare In Ireland a child is defined as anyone under the age of 18. What a child is allowed to do is restricted by their age. Children & Education The Irish education system is made up of primary, second-level, third-level and further education. Children can attend primary school from the age of 4. To attend second-level they must be aged 12 on 1 January in the first school year of attendance. There is also an Early Childhood Care and Education Scheme for children of pre-school age. To be eligible for the scheme they must be at least 2 years and 8 months of age. Children & School Attendance Attendance at school (or receiving an education) is compulsory from the age of 6 up to age 16 or until students have completed 3 years of second-level education, whichever is the later. There is no compulsory early childhood education. Tusla - the Child and Family Agency is the national agency established to ensure the welfare of children and that that every child attends school regularly, or otherwise receives an appropriate minimum education. Parents and guardians have a legal obligation to ensure that their child attends a school or otherwise receives an education. If Tusla considers that the parents are failing in their obligation, it sends the parents a School Attendance Notice warning and if the parents fail to comply, they may be prosecuted. Children & Employment Employers cannot employ children under age 16 in regular full-time jobs. Children under age 14 cannot be employed. Children aged 14 and 15 may be employed as follows: ● Doing light work during the school holidays – they must have at least 21 days off work during this time ● As part of an approved work experience or educational programme where the work is not harmful to their health, safety or development. ● In film, cultural, advertising work or sport under licences issued by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation. ● Children aged 15 may do 8 hours a week light work in school term time. The maximum working week for children outside school term time is 35 hours or up to 40 hours if they are on approved work experience. ● The maximum working week for children aged 16 and 17 years old is 40 hours with a maximum of 8 hours a day.
Childcare & Babysitting Young children should never be left unsupervised. Babysitter’s level of maturity and competence must be considered when you appoint someone to look after your children. Children & Alcohol Under the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003, it is an offence to buy alcohol or for someone to buy it for you, if you are under age 18. It is also illegal for young people under 18 years to drink alcohol unless they are in a private residence and have their parent/guardian’s consent. It is illegal for children to be in an off-licence unless they are with a parent or guardian. Children are only allowed on licensed premises (pub or bar) if they are with a parent or guardian, but this provision carries certain restrictions. If accompanied by a parent/guardian, a child may remain on the premises up to 9pm (10pm from May to September) unless the owner or manager of the premises feels this is harmful to the child's health, safety and welfare. Children aged between 15-17 years may remain on the premises after 9pm where they are attending a private function at which a substantial meal is served. Children & Smoking Under the Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2002 it is an offence to sell cigarettes or other tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18. If you are under 18 years of age, you cannot smoke in a car. Also, no one else can smoke while you are in the car. Children & Gambling You cannot buy a Lotto ticket or make a bet until you are 18 years of age. Under the Betting Act 1931 it is an offence for a child under age 18 to be in a bookmakers. Under the Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Act 2019, you must be 18 to engage in gaming at an amusement hall or funfair. Films & Computer Games Films What films you can watch in the cinema depends on the film’s classification. The film classifications currently in use are as follows: ● G: The film is suitable for everyone including children of school going age
● PG: While the film may be watched by unaccompanied children, parental guidance is recommended as to its suitability for children under 12 years of age ● 12A: While the film is considered suitable only for children aged 12 or over, a child under age 12 may be admitted to see the film if he/she is accompanied by a parent or guardian ● 15A: While the film is considered suitable only for children aged 15 or over, a child under age 15 may be admitted to see the film if he/she is accompanied by a parent or guardian ● 16: The film is considered to be suitable for children aged 16 or over. Children under this age cannot be admitted to screenings ● 18: The film is considered suitable for persons age 18 or over
Further information: Censorship of films in Ireland Censorship of video and DVD recordings.
Computer games Ireland uses the Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) age rating system for the classification of computer games. It is a voluntary system that retailers selling computer games are expected to follow. The classifications are as follows: ● 3+: The game content is suitable for all age groups ● 7+: The game content is suitable for children aged 7 or over ● 12+: The game content is suitable for children aged 12 or over ● 16+: The game content is suitable for children aged 16 or over ● 18+: The game content is suitable for people aged 18 or over The age rating does not take into account the difficulty level or skills required to play a game. Firearms You have to be aged 16 or over before you can apply for a firearms certificate. You have to be aged 14 or over before you can apply for a firearms training certificate. A firearms training certificate does not allow you to own a firearm but it does allow you to possess a firearm while carrying and using it under the supervision of the person who holds a firearm certificate for that firearm and is over 18 years of age. The requirement to have a firearm certificate also applies to crossbows, spear-guns and all airguns above a certain muzzle velocity (including paintball markers).
checkwith Knives There is no set minimum age at which you can own a knife. However, it is an offence to have a knife in a public place without a good reason, such as for work. Children & Surgical Procedures In general, parental consent is required for children to have medical and surgical tests and procedures and to receive vaccinations and inoculations. Under the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997, children aged 16 and over may themselves give consent to surgical procedures. Sexual Activity & Age of Consent The age of consent to sexual activity is 17 and it is a criminal offence to engage or attempt to engage in a sexual act with a child under 17 years of age. Contraception There is no set minimum age in Ireland at which contraceptive advice and prescriptions may be provided. This means that providers of contraceptive services are entitled to refuse to provide those services to people under 17. Since 2022 Contraception is free for those ages 17-26 from your GP. Recognition of preferred gender An application can be made for a gender recognition certificate on behalf of a child aged 16 years or over if a court order is obtained that exempts the child from meeting the age requirement. You can read more about this on the legal recognition of your preferred gender link. Marriage If you are ordinarily resident in Ireland, the minimum age at which you can marry is 18 years. This is the case even if you marry outside of Ireland. Further information is available in our on the legal requirements for marriage link.
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