``xThe decision in 1997 to dedicate a Minister of State to adult education for the first time ever signals the growing importance attached to this area. Existing initiatives include the VTOS programme for lone parents and the unemployed, outreach education programmes co-ordinated by Dublin City University, which covers a range of levels including degrees, and a modular BA offered by Maynooth University. For more information, contact these universities directly or AONTAS, the umbrella organisation for adult education.
``xireland``xk``xAdult Education``x1007639904,93173,Education_and_Training``xPlenty Of Choice``xAdult Education ``x

There have been enormous advances in third-level education over the past few years and university is no longer the only option. Students have a wide range of options and the majority of higher education places are now in colleges other than universities.

Modularisation has been introduced in most third-level institutions over the past couple of years. While full-time students bemoan the fact that this means two sets of exams per year, for others who want to build up their academic qualifications in steps, it provides the means to do so. It also eliminates the idea of having to repeat a year's tuition. There are no set timeframes for adding modules to your portfolio, although if you are repeating a module, you may have to wait more than a semester for the next scheduled exams.

It is worth checking the employment prospects for all of education options available, and noting that while the universities produce excellent results, it does not make any sense to be snobbish about the alternatives, which are by no means second best. In fact, some of them have gained global recognition for what they do. One such example is the PLC, Senior College in Ballyfermot which produces the most sought after animation professionals in Europe and has formed a partnership with Disney.

A total of 690 new places in 1999/00 have also been filled in PLCs to train school leavers over two years in the skills needed for the growing teleservices sector.
The same advice applies when selecting a qualification. The key point is to obtain a certified qualification and you can build on it from there. It is possible to start with a certificate course in an RTC or Institute of Technology and later transfer to a university to obtain a degree. Students are strongly recommended to visit any colleges of interest and read their brochures carefully to find a course that suits. The main types of qualifications are:

Certificate

The national certificate is a two-year course and leads to a technician qualification, which is a job qualification. Technicians are in great demand, particularly in the health care and computer sectors. One-year certificate courses do not have the same status as the year one courses, and you should read carefully each course prospectus to understand in advance what qualification you will obtain.

Diploma

National diploma courses are usually three-year courses, though there are diplomas which certificate-holders can acquire by studying for an extra year. The diploma student acquires a more advanced technician level qualification in areas such as accounting and auctioneering.

Degree

A degree is a full course of academic study leading to a professional qualification. Degree courses usually last four years, although some of the more general degrees last for three. All DCU and UL courses have a significant compulsory element of work placement or attending university overseas if you study languages. Many of the other institutions are now following suit.

Transferring Upward

A student who does not get a sufficient number of points at Leaving Cert to proceed straight to a degree course can first obtain a certificate and a diploma and, provided a distinction is obtained in these, transfer onto a degree course. It might take five years to obtain a degree this way instead of the customary three or four, but is worth it. Bearing this flexibility in the system in mind, it is therefore well worth considering all courses and making sure the CAO form is completed with the maximum number of choices.

Private Colleges

There are a number of well established private colleges to choose from. The range of courses provided is wide — and so is the price range. While students at private colleges do not qualify for grants, some courses are eligible for tax relief. Besides checking this point, your key considerations should be whether the college is bonded (operates in the same way as bonds for holiday companies) and also whether the courses are accredited and by whom.

Accreditation

Third-level courses are accredited either by a university or the National Council for Educational Awards (NCEA). Always check about accreditation before paying for a private course.

Funding

Student Grants are available though local authorities and VECs and qualification is based on a means test. In September 1997, the Minister for Education announced a plan to set up a new central agency to pay grants to third-level students. This move is a result of dissatisfaction with the current system, both in terms of qualifications and payment. Under the new system, grant applications would be processed in advance of the final CAO deadlines and would be means-tested, probably by the Revenue Commissioners.

``xireland``xi``xHigher Education (Third Level)``x1007644403,11450,Education_and_Training``xStudents have a wide range of options; it's best to investigate all courses carefully and select as many options as possible to be certain of a place.``xedthirdlevel ``x

Certificate

Diploma

Degree

Transferring Upward

Private Colleges

Accreditation

Third-level courses are accredited either by a university or the National Council for Educational Awards (NCEA). Always check about accreditation before paying for a private course.

Funding

``xireland``xg``xSchools Checklist``x1007644689,84697,Education_and_Training``xQuestions to ask about schools``xqsaboutschools ``xThe introduction of tuition in European languages in primary schools, introduced on a pilot basis in 1998 was broadly welcome. There are a number of international schools — for example, a French school in Dublin, a Japanese school in Kildare and St Killians in Dublin, where the Irish curriculum is taught through English and German. More details on these and other international schools may be obtained by contacting the Irish Embassy in your current country of residence, or the Embassy of the relevant country when you are here``xireland``xf``xInternational Schools``x1007644952,16001,Education_and_Training``xCan't find the school you want? Contact us through the enquiries form``xedintschools ``x

Students who sit their written exams through Irish can gain an extra 10 per cent. Higher-level Maths used to be awarded extra points by most third-level institutions; however, this practice is being phased out. The old-style higher Maths was very difficult and attracted few students. The new syllabus has made a major impact and 60 per cent of Leaving Cert students now take the higher paper.

Exams can become all-consuming, and it is important that students make time to research future career choices. Most second-level schools provide career guidance counselling. The Irish Times publishes an education supplement every Tuesday during term time and a top-class "Exam Times" throughout the period of exams and the offering of college places.

``xireland``xe``xBonus Points at Leaving Certificate``x1007645345,54119,Education_and_Training``xMore points if you take the exams through Irish.``xedbonuspoints ``x

Some 500,000 children are currently in the primary education sector, 98 per cent of them in 3,300 primary schools, the remainder in the 115 Special Schools or 79 fee-paying (private) primary schools.

Most towns and villages have a school, and more than half of Irish schools at this level have four or fewer teachers. The typical ratio is one teacher to every 25 pupils, although it can go as high as 1 to 30. In some small rural areas, the arrival of a new family with school-age children can mean saving the local school.

Typical school hours at primary level are from 9.30 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. for senior infants and 9.30 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. for the rest of the pupils. Children receive homework throughout primary school; generally it should not take more than an hour in the junior classes. A 15-minute break mid-morning and a 45-minute lunch are typical and children eat a packed lunch in their classroom.

In Catholic primary schools, highlights include First Communion, for which children must be aged at least eight and Confirmation at age 12. While the ceremonies attached to these events have become more modern in recent years, the cost has not reduced. Despite growing efforts to simplify these occasions, enthusiasm generally seems to overrule, and they can prove expensive.

Although all schools follow the same broad curriculum, parents have a number of choices when it comes to selecting a school. Besides the question of fee-paying or free, other considerations include: whether to select a single-sex or co-educational school, one that has a religious ethos or is multi-denominational, tuition through English or Irish (in a Gaelscoil, which literally means Irish school).

There are around 225 Gaelscoileanna. There are also a number of international schools.

``xireland``xc``xPrimary (First Level) Education``x1007645614,71122,Education_and_Training``xIn some rural areas, the arrival of a new family with school age children can mean saving the local school. ``xwliedprimary ``x

This section on education aims to provide a clear explanation of how each level of the Irish education system works, but first, some general background:

Full time education is compulsory for children from the age of six to 16; however, in practice 65 per cent of four-year-olds and almost all five-year-olds are enrolled in primary school.
At present, 86 per cent of all children participate in Senior Cycle education. The aim is to increase the numbers staying on until age 18 to at least 90 per cent by the year 2000.
Education is paid for by the Government, although private options are available.
Parents must pay for school books and, where required, school uniforms.
The primary and second-level school curricula are formulated at national level by the Minister for Education, and the Department of Education oversees their implementation through an inspection system in Government-funded schools.
Primary schools are usually managed by Boards of Management, in which parents play an important role.

Education — Who Pays?

The Government provides free education at both primary and second level. In addition, approved third-level courses are provided at no cost. Parents are responsible for buying books (average cost at primary level is IR£60 per child per year) and uniforms which are often available in chain stores.

There is also a private school sector at both primary and second level. These schools do not receive any State funding and the Minister for Education has no control over them. The parents councils of most schools supplement the Government funding with their own activities and at some schools parents may be asked to make a voluntary financial contribution.

``xireland``xb``xSome Key Points``x1007645819,32660,Education_and_Training``xBackground information on education, including who pays.``xwliedkeypoints ``x

Increases of 50 per cent in college places in specified courses, Government commitment to enhance spending on education and the speed with which a partnership of industry, education and Government representatives have produced results in addressing education and skills needs — all highlight the importance attached to education and learning in Ireland.

Modern Ireland offers a wide spectrum of educational choice. Returning emigrants will see many changes. Curricula at all levels are constantly reviewed and regularly updated. Primary schools are no longer referred to as "national" schools, multi-denomi-national and co-educational schools are less rare, gaelscoileanna (all tuition through Irish language) are increasingly popular, and from this year, your children may have a chance to learn an additional European language at primary school.

At second level, the Inter Cert and Matric have disappeared and the points system has been enhanced by a fairer and more transparent system of allocating "points" to Leaving Certificate students. Education in the much developed third-level sector is now largely free, while the introduction of modularisation has added new flexibility and added incentive to continue learning.

If you have never lived in Ireland before, you will notice some distinct differences from other systems. For example, there is no nationwide Government subsidised pre-school system, and some of what is covered in pre-schools in other countries is taught in the infant classes in Irish primary schools.

Only you can decide what is best for your child, and before you make any decision you should try to obtain as much first-hand information as you can. Before you make the move, speak to as many parents and teachers as you can and visit as many schools as possible.

If you do not know anyone in the area, ask to be put in contact with other parents whose children attend a particular school and who can provide information on what is it like, how much parent/teacher contact is encouraged, what extra-curricular activities are available and any special features.

``xireland``xa``xEducation and Learning-An Overview``x1007646058,65020,Education_and_Training``xReturning emmigrants will see many changes in Ireland's education system.``xwlieducationoverview ``x

This employee works in the computer industry, does not subscribe to pension or health insurance and rents an appartment.

NOTE: this example uses 2001 rates but shows them for a full 12 month, not at the 74% rate used for the shortened tax year. This is to help readers who are not yet in Ireland and who may not be affected by the shortened tax year.

Income
IR£
Salary
30,000
Gross Income
30,000
Taxed as follows:

First £14,800 @ 20%
2,960
Balance £15,200 @ 42%
6,384
Total
9,344
Less tax credits

Personal
5,500
PAYE (£2,000 @ 20%)
400
Rent Relief (£1,000 @ 20%)
200
Total Tax Credits
6,100
Total PAYE
3,244
PRSI (first £100 per week exempt)
PRSI @ 4% (£24,800)
PRSI @ 2%
0
992
0
Total PRSI
992
Total Deductions (PAYE & PRSI)**
4,236 (14.12% of gross salary)
Disposable Income (less pensions and deductions)
25,764 (85.88 % of gross salary)

``xireland``xiiii``xWork Out Your Tax - Single Person on 30k``x1007647002,29538,``xThis example shows net pay of a single person, renting accomodation.``xweiasinglepersontax ``x

The VHI offers five plans: A, B, C, D and E. Plan E is the highest level of cover. In 1998, VHI added to each of these categories an additional "Options" plan which offer a range of enhancements — for example, in relation to students, newborn children, heart surgery.

BUPA offers three plans: Essential, Essential Plus and Essential Gold. These are broadly equivalent to the VHI's A, B and E plans respectively. Most people subscribe at the Plan B level.

VHI's premiums are higher than those of BUPA, although the benefits vary, so you should read the details of cover provided by each of them. The VHI is due to increase its premiums effective 1 September 2000 and BUPA in February 2000. BUPA is currently cheaper. While analysts ponder how long BUPA can maintain its lower prices, its strategy makes sense while it is still gaining market share.

Compared to other countries, the overall cost of private health insurance is not excessive in Ireland. About 40 per cent of the population subscribes to a private health insurer, although the public health system is accessible to all. The reality is that the privately insured enjoy speedier access for non-emergencies.

Although the services offered by BUPA and VHI are similar, they are not identical and you are strongly recommended to invest some time in reading through the literature of both. The detailed rules and conditions published by both BUPA and VHI merit careful review before you select one company over the other. Some notable comparisons are:

The range of hospitals covered: 98 by VHI, 86 by BUPA.
Level of hospital cover provided: BUPA provides full cover while VHI pays between 92 per cent and 97 per cent of bills incurred in certain private hospitals.
Out-patient cover provided: similar for both companies, although BUPA does contribute towards GP visits.
The age at which the adult premium applies: with VHI, from age 18. However, BUPA's children's rate applies up to age 21 if the child is in full-time education. In 1998, the VHI introduced a range of Option Plans which matches this cover.
BUPA pays an allowance if you want to give birth to your child at home and also covers some homeopathic treatments.

Tax Relief on Private Health Insurance

Tax relief at 20% is now deducted directly at source from the premium you pay the health insurer. That's why the numbers below are lower that you will have read in a previous edition of this book.

Costs of Health Insurance

Both BUPA and VHI operate group plans (six or more members) and many companies operate these and often contribute to the subscription. Group rates are approximately 10 per cent less expensive than individual rates. Given that most people can access a group scheme, those are the rates shown here:

Annual Cost, Adult Rates

VHI
IR£
BUPA
IR£
Plan B
263.16
Essential Plus*
237.21

Annual Cost, Child Rates

VHI
IR£
BUPA
IR£
Plan B
95.78
Essential Plus*
82.67

2 Adults & 2 Children, Annual Cost

Total Annual Cost
BUPA (Essential Plus)*
IR£ 639.76
VHI (Plan B)
IR£ 717.88

* To avail of this rate for Essential Plus, you must agree to pay the first £50 of the cost of private hospital treatment. Alternatively you can pay a higher rate and receive full cover.

``xireland``xh``xTypes of Private Health Plans on offer``x1007647536,59903,Health_and_Family``xCheck out some VHI and BUPA plans and what they cost.``xwli4healthplans ``x

BUPA offers three plans: Essential, Essential Plus and Essential Gold. These are broadly equivalent to the VHI's A, B and E plans respectively. Most people subscribe at the Plan B level.

The range of hospitals covered: 98 by VHI, 86 by BUPA.
Level of hospital cover provided: BUPA provides full cover while VHI pays between 92 per cent and 97 per cent of bills incurred in certain private hospitals.
Out-patient cover provided: similar for both companies, although BUPA does contribute towards GP visits.
The age at which the adult premium applies: with VHI, from age 18. However, BUPA's children's rate applies up to age 21 if the child is in full-time education. In 1998, the VHI introduced a range of Option Plans which matches this cover.
BUPA pays an allowance if you want to give birth to your child at home and also covers some homeopathic treatments.

Tax Relief on Private Health Insurance

Tax relief at 20% is now deducted directly at source from the premium you pay the health insurer. That's why the numbers below are lower that you will have read in a previous edition of this book.

Costs of Health Insurance

Annual Cost, Adult Rates

VHI
IR£
BUPA
IR£
Plan B
263.16
Essential Plus*
237.21

Annual Cost, Child Rates

VHI
IR£
BUPA
IR£
Plan B
95.78
Essential Plus*
82.67

2 Adults & 2 Children, Annual Cost

Total Annual Cost
BUPA (Essential Plus)*
IR£ 639.76
VHI (Plan B)
IR£ 717.88

* To avail of this rate for Essential Plus, you must agree to pay the first £50 of the cost of private hospital treatment. Alternatively you can pay a higher rate and receive full cover.

``xireland``xg``xPrivate Health Insurance``x1007647751,68551,Health_and_Family``xFind out how the system works and who the providers are``xwli14privatehealthcare ``x

BUPA offers three plans: Essential, Essential Plus and Essential Gold. These are broadly equivalent to the VHI's A, B and E plans respectively. Most people subscribe at the Plan B level.

The range of hospitals covered: 98 by VHI, 86 by BUPA.
Level of hospital cover provided: BUPA provides full cover while VHI pays between 92 per cent and 97 per cent of bills incurred in certain private hospitals.
Out-patient cover provided: similar for both companies, although BUPA does contribute towards GP visits.
The age at which the adult premium applies: with VHI, from age 18. However, BUPA's children's rate applies up to age 21 if the child is in full-time education. In 1998, the VHI introduced a range of Option Plans which matches this cover.
BUPA pays an allowance if you want to give birth to your child at home and also covers some homeopathic treatments.

Tax Relief on Private Health Insurance

Tax relief at 20% is now deducted directly at source from the premium you pay the health insurer. That's why the numbers below are lower that you will have read in a previous edition of this book.

Costs of Health Insurance

Annual Cost, Adult Rates

VHI
IR£
BUPA
IR£
Plan B
263.16
Essential Plus*
237.21

Annual Cost, Child Rates

VHI
IR£
BUPA
IR£
Plan B
95.78
Essential Plus*
82.67

2 Adults & 2 Children, Annual Cost

Total Annual Cost
BUPA (Essential Plus)*
IR£ 639.76
VHI (Plan B)
IR£ 717.88

* To avail of this rate for Essential Plus, you must agree to pay the first £50 of the cost of private hospital treatment. Alternatively you can pay a higher rate and receive full cover.

``xireland``xf``xElderly People``x1007647909,95572,Health_and_Family``xFrom 1 July 2001, every over 70 is entitled to a medical card, irrespective of their financial means``xwli14elderly ``x

Children are entitled to the following services free of charge:

Immunisation vaccines up to age 15 months
Annual dental check-ups whilst at primary school.

``xireland``xe``xHealthcare for Children``x1007648064,89658,Health_and_Family``xCheck your children's entitlements``xwli14healthchildren ``x

Drugs Refund Scheme
If you spend more than £126 on prescribed drugs and medicines in a specified three-month period, you are eligible to claim a refund in excess of £90. Claim forms are available from pharmacies and must be accompanied by receipts.

Drugs and Medicines for Long-term Illness

If you do not qualify for a medical card but suffer from a long-term illness, the medication needed to treat that condition is free. Your pharmacist provides the medication and you are issued with a long-term illness book. The conditions covered by this scheme are: mental handicap, phenylketonuria, cystic fibrosis, spina bifida, hydrocephalus, diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, haemophilia, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophies, parkinsonism, acute leukaemia and mental illness for under-16s.

Drugs Cost Subsidisation Scheme (DCSS)

This scheme is to help those who do not hold a medical card or long-term illness book, but who are certified as having a long-term medical condition with an ongoing requirement for prescribed drugs and medicine costing more than £40 per month. To qualify, your doctor needs to certify that the condition is likely to last at least 12 months.

``xireland``xd``xDrugs Refunds Schemes``x1007648362,25202,Health_and_Family``xIf you do not qualify for a medical card, you can claim various refunds and subsidies against the cost of medication.``xwlidrugsrefund ``x

Elderly people who receive certain kinds of social security pension from another qualifying country (EU/EEA) qualify for a medical card under EU regulations, regardless of their income, provided they do not also receive an Irish social welfare pension or are not employed or self-employed here.

If you are:
You must have:
Aged under 21
39 weeks PRSI paid since first starting work
Aged 21–24
39 weeks PRSI paid since first starting work and 39 weeks PRSI paid or credited in the relevant tax year, of which a minimum of 13 weeks must be paid
contributions
Aged 25–65
260 weeks PRSI paid since first starting work and 39 weeks PRSI paid or credited in the relevant tax year, of which a minimum of 13 weeks must be paid
contributions
Aged 66 or over
260 weeks PRSI paid since first starting work and 39 weeks PRSI paid or credited in either the last 2 tax years before reaching age 66 , of which a minimum of 13 weeks must be paid contributions

You would also be entitled to the following services, provided you are an EU national or ordinarily resident in Ireland.

All in-patient public hospital services in public wards, including consultant services, subject to certain charges.
There is a daily charge of £25 for public hospital accommodation, up to a maximum limit of £250 in any consecutive 12 months.
All other out-patient hospital services, including consultants.
Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments. If your doctor refers you, there is no charge. Otherwise it costs £20 per visit.
Maternity and Infant care services including the services of a GP during pregnancy and for up to six weeks after the birth.
Where hospital charges apply, a bill will be sent to you.

``xireland``xc``xPublic Health Care - second category``x1007648766,83997,Health_and_Family``xThis is an entitlement to certain services free of charge, with the remainder paid for.``xwlipublichealthcaretwo ``x

You would also be entitled to the following services, provided you are an EU national or ordinarily resident in Ireland.

All in-patient public hospital services in public wards, including consultant services, subject to certain charges.
There is a daily charge of £25 for public hospital accommodation, up to a maximum limit of £250 in any consecutive 12 months.
All other out-patient hospital services, including consultants.
Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments. If your doctor refers you, there is no charge. Otherwise it costs £20 per visit.
Maternity and Infant care services including the services of a GP during pregnancy and for up to six weeks after the birth.
Where hospital charges apply, a bill will be sent to you.

``xireland``xb``xPublic Health Care - first category``x1007649095,98695,Health_and_Family``xThere are 2 categories to public health care in Ireland. This artical covers the first, namely an entitlement to the full range of medical services at no cost.``xwlihealthpublichealthone ``x

Maintaining good health has become a priority for many people in Ireland and health education campaigns start in schools. The Health Promotion Unit of the Department of Health and Children reports a high level of interest in its activities, which include promotions such as Healthy Eating Week and No Smoking Days.

HealthCare Awareness in the Workplace

Employers are also conscious of the value and cost of good health. It is estimated that sick leave is costing companies in Ireland an estimated £11 million per week. Nationally, 15 per cent of employers provide private health insurance as a standard benefit. However, where companies provide any benefits, health insurance features strongly. In a survey of 194 companies conducted by Mercers, 69 per cent indicated that they contribute at some level to employees' private health insurance. Available figures suggest that almost half of the population have private health insurance.

Get Fit, Stay Healthy

At the same time, employers are increasingly encouraging a recreational approach to employee fitness and negotiate company discounts at local fitness clubs, offer reimbursement as part of a flexible benefits package, subsidise club memberships, or in the case of a lucky few, provide on-site sports facilities. Intel, and its neighbour Hewlett-Packard, provide professionally run gyms, while Waterford Crystal's sports facilities and swimming pool are open to all local residents.

Even some of the smaller operations, such as Oracle's new international services centre, boast a gym, and Creative Labs have recently opened an on-site gym, as well as a cybercafé to encourage some employee leisure during breaks. Quality fitness clubs with swimming pools continue to spring up around the country with annual costs averaging around £500 per adult. However, less expensive options are available, and many towns offer good quality facilities in community centres, which offer low cost memberships and occasional use. Public swimming pools are run by local county councils and sessions usually cost around £2.

The growing interest in keeping fit is proven by the numbers taking part in organised sports. Events such as the annual Dublin City Marathon at the end of October and the Women's Mini-Marathon every June are hugely popular. Mini-marathons, fun-runs and other family-oriented recreational sports activities are commonplace throughout the country.

AIDS in Ireland

Many of the same questions that concern you in your current country of residence also matter here. The AIDS Helpline was established in 1996 and received 1,335 calls in 1997, 70 per cent of which were seeking information and support and 26 per cent of which required referrals to clinics. In the period 1986 to 1997, there have been 593 reported cases of AIDS — 489 males and 104 females. According to recent reports, the majority of these were aged between 25 and 34; 251 were drug-users, 206 homosexual or bisexual and 72 heterosexual. The remainder were accidentally infected.

Anti-Smoking Campaign
The anti-smoking movement is growing in Ireland and pressure groups are succeeding in their efforts to further limit cigarette advertising, with a decision by the RTE Guide (national TV guide) to take only one cigarette advertisement per issue in 1998 and none whatsoever from 1999 on. Cigarette advertising is banned on any electronic media and there are strict rules governing the contents of newspaper or magazine advertisements.

However, since it is hard to control readership, lobby groups such as ASH (Action on Smoking and Health) are pushing for a complete ban. They have plenty of unpleasant statistics to substantiate their demands. Some 6,000 people die prematurely from tobacco-related diseases in Ireland every year and although cigarettes cannot be legally sold to anyone under the age of 16, statistics show that the incidence of under-age smoking is high. Pressure groups are likely to press for the prosecution of shops breaking the law. It was reported in September 1997 that the first four cases against tobacco companies in Ireland were being prepared on behalf of individuals with smoking-related illnesses. It's now August 2001 and these have not yet come before the courts.

Meanwhile, in the UK, the first health authorities are preparing actions against the tobacco companies in the wake of further successful settlements in the US. In Ireland, the Department of Health and Children has yet to take any such action, but has confirmed that it is actively considering suing tobacco firms to recoup millions of pounds spent on medically treating smokers for tobacco-related illnesses.

Drugs

While schools in Ireland are far from deteriorating to the same level as reported in the UK as far as drug abuse is concerned, according to a Department of Health survey, 19 per cent of all second-level students have experimented at least once with solvents over the past seven years. The National Parents Council, the Drugs Task Force and the Department of Education are united in their efforts to educate young people about the perils of drugs and to combat the use of ecstasy and cannabis.

Heart Disease

Some 43 per cent of all deaths in Ireland, 13,541 people annually, are due to largely preventable cardiovascular diseases. The high rate of cardiovascular disease contributes to Ireland's relatively low life expectancy, which at 65 is the lowest in Europe.

``xireland``xa``xIntroduction to Heathcare``x1007649274,71813,Health_and_Family``xOverview of trends in and awareness of health issues.``xwlihealthintro ``x

Architects and Surveyors Institute, 7 Woodbine Park, Blackrock, Co. Dublin. Tel: (01) 269 4462.
Irish Auctioneers and Valuers Institute. Tel: (01) 661 1794.

Irish Council for Social Housing, 84 Merrion Square, Dublin 2. Tel: (01) 661 2877. Fax: (01) 661 4462.

Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland, 8 Merrion Square North, Dublin 2. Tel: (01) 676 1703.

Threshold, Church Street, Dublin 7. Tel: (01) 872 6311.
8 Fr Matthew Quay, Cork. Tel (021) 271250. Augustine House, St Augustine Street, Galway. Tel: (071) 563080.

Bord Gáis (gas). Tel: (01) 671 2422. ESB (electricity). Tel: (01) 677 8855.

Dial-a-Short Let. Tel (01) 667 2541. Email: dasl@indigo.ie
Accommodation Lettings: T: 01 496 2866

Dial a Short Let. T: 01 667 2541.

Home Locators. T: 01 679 5233.

Irish Council for Social Housing T: 01 661 2877

RoomMates. T: 1850 333 655.

``xireland``xi``xSome Useful Contacts``x1007652807,33479,Housing_and_Accommodation``x``xwli11housingcontacts ``xAlthough all utilities services will eventually be deregulated, this is currently only the case for the telecommunications sector. Electricity is supplied by the ESB and natural gas by Bord Gáis. The telephone numbers for both these companies are listed at the end of this chapter. Meanwhile, expected to be bombarded by endless marketing of new prices and services from the growing number of entrants to the residential telephone market. At present, you can rent a telephone line from only one source, Eircom, and you will have to pay a £120 connection fee plus a monthly line rental of £10 (plus VAT at 21 per cent). At present it is difficult to compare easily prices between competitors since while a company may score well on their local rate prices, their international rates may be higher than average.
``xireland``xh``xUtilities``x1007652957,32804,Housing_and_Accommodation``xPhones, gas,electricity and more``xwli11housingutilities ``xAlthough all utilities services will eventually be deregulated, this is currently only the case for the telecommunications sector. Electricity is supplied by the ESB and natural gas by Bord Gáis. The telephone numbers for both these companies are listed at the end of this chapter. Meanwhile, expected to be bombarded by endless marketing of new prices and services from the growing number of entrants to the residential telephone market. At present, you can rent a telephone line from only one source, Eircom, and you will have to pay a £120 connection fee plus a monthly line rental of £10 (plus VAT at 21 per cent). At present it is difficult to compare easily prices between competitors since while a company may score well on their local rate prices, their international rates may be higher than average.
``xireland``xg``xResidential Stamp Duty Tables``x1007653083,42407,Housing_and_Accommodation``x``xwli11housingstampduty ``x

The home-buying process varies greatly from country to country. In Ireland, the seller typically engages an estate agent or an auctioneer and can sell at auction or by private treaty (directly). An estate agent usually charges the seller a certain percentage of the sale price, plus associated costs such as advertising. As a buyer, once you have found a suitable property and have had surveys completed, you make an offer.

An offer is not legally binding until the contract has been signed, although you will usually be asked to pay a deposit to show good faith. Although not as prevalent as in the UK, "gazumping" - where a seller reneges on their agreement to sell by selling to a higher bidder - happens in Ireland too. Deposits are refundable if the sale falls through.

If you are buying a new house off the plans, you will be asked to pay a booking deposit. Typically about 10 per cent, this is deducted from the final price. How the reminder is paid varies throughout the country. In Dublin, you pay the balance on completion of the contract; in Cork you pay by instalments, so that most of the purchase price is paid prior to completion.

Homebond, run by the construction industry, provides limited guarantees on behalf of registered builders against the loss of a deposit and a portion of other payments in the event of the bankruptcy or liquidation of your builder. Their cover also includes some warranties against certain structural defects.

Mortgages
Lenders in Ireland limit the amount they will lend to a multiple of your gross salary and a percentage of the house price. Typically, the maximum home loan is up to 2.5 times annual gross salary or 90 per cent of the purchase price, whichever is lower. For joint mortgages - that is, two earners - more is available. You can borrow up to two and a half times the higher salary plus once the second salary.

``xireland``xf``xBuying a Home in Ireland``x1007653319,44600,Housing_and_Accommodation``xBuying process and mortgages``xwli11housingbuying ``x

Typically, lenders limit the amount they will lend to a multiple of your gross salary and a percentage of the house price. Typically, the maximum home loan is up to 2.5 times annual gross salary or 90 per cent of the purchase price, whichever is lower. For joint mortgages — that is, two earners — more is available. You can borrow up to two and a half times the higher salary plus once the second salary. For example, a couple earning £35,000 and £ 20,000 could borrow up to £107,500 (£87,500 plus £20,000) whereas a single person earning £35,000 could borrow £87,500. In both instances, the 90 per cent criterion still applies. Although some institutions will give up to 95 per cent, this practice is strenuously discouraged by the Central Bank and organisations such as Threshold and, if offered at all, is now likely to be available to people with proven track records at their particular bank. Accordingly, you must have some resources available to pay your deposit. Some purchasers end up borrowing that separately, but this is inadvisable. Experts suggest limiting your expenditure on home purchase to a third of your take home pay. Most lenders will help you to prepare a budget planner before giving you a mortgage to ensure that you are not over-committing yourself.

Interest Rates

Mortgage terms are generally 20 or 25 years, although a few institutions lend for up to 30 years. You can choose to pay either a fixed or variable rate on your mortgage. Two-thirds of people taking out mortgage loans in the second quarter of 1998 opted for fixed-rate mortgages, while the remainder chose variable rate alternatives.

compare current variable rates``xireland``xe``xFinancing Your Home Purchase``x1007653497,64119,Housing_and_Accommodation``xCheck out mortgage rates``xwli11housingmortgage ``x

The dramatic theft of two paintings worth some IR£3 million from Russborough House in Wicklow in June caught all the headlines. The paintings were Madame Baccelli: Dancer by Thomas Gainsborough and View of Florence Looking Towards the Ponte Vocchio by Bernardo Bellotto. This was the third time the Gainsborough had been stolen. One of the news reports actually showed a clip of the last theft from the movie The General to illustrate a previous raid. The Gardai (police) expect to know who was responsible this time within days.

A striking element of the raid was its relative rarity. Although most crime in Ireland is against property, not people, this on the decrease. Statistics for 1996-1999 show a drop of 22% in burglaries, 33% in larceny from vehicles and a steep 48% in robberies.

While property related crimes are down, crimes against the person are up. In summer 2000, Dublin hospitals treated some 1,400 assault victims, double the number recorded by the Gardai for the whole country that year.

Overall though, crime is in Ireland has been on the decrease for quite some time and in fact Ireland has never been a safer place. A record number of Gardai, updated criminal legislation, the latest high tech equipment and an increase of 1,200 in the number of available prison places all contribute to a continual decline in the crime rate. According to a recent report, Ireland's 21% decrease in crime is the highest in Europe.

Many people arriving to live in Ireland are surprised to see an unarmed police force but it works. Ireland had 3 Gardai per 1,000 of population in 1997 and the number has now increased with a target of 12,000 members of the force by 2002. The Garda budget has also increased, from IR£479m to IR£697 m in 2001. The number of places in the prison system is also up. There were 3,202 prisoners in custody in March 2001, compared with 2,423 four years ago. Some of the increase is attributed to new legislation targeting drug and sex offenders and a witness protection programme.

The Celtic Tiger economy can take some of the credit for the decrease in crime. More jobs and more money and more opportunities have diminished the need to steal. Another factor is a massive increase in the numbers receiving methadone treatment for heroin addiction, reducing the need for theft to feed a habit.

If you are interested in a career as a Garda, there will be a new recruitment competition this year. Recruitment is handled by the Civil Service Commission and positions are advertised in the national press. The minimum requirement is a grade D in five Leaving Certificate (includes Applied and Vocational Leaving Cert.) subjects, including in English, Irish and Maths. Height requirements have applied until now: 5'9" for men and 5'5" for females, however this restriction may be lifted in future recruitment. Pay scales range from £14,832 to £29,242 on a 19 point scale for new recruits. Check the Garda Force's own website.

``xireland``xfmf``xCrime Rates in Ireland``x1007654672,31193,Health_and_Family``xIreland has witnessed a decreased in crime. Find out more and how to become a Garda (police officer)``xwli13crime ``x

Regardless of age, it is important that an adult makes a will. If you die without making a will, then your estate will be distributed in accordance with the Succession Act 1965. If you leave a will, its terms will be followed. If you die intestate (no will) the possibilities are:

If you leave a spouse but no children, your spouse will inherit your entire estate.
If you leave a spouse and children, your spouse inherits two-thirds and the children one-third divided equally among them.
If you leave children but no spouse, your estate will be divided equally among them.
If you leave no relations whatsoever, the State becomes the eventual owner of your property.

Wills must be made in writing, signed by you and witnessed. Neither the witness nor their spouse can be beneficiaries of your will. Beneficiaries of your will — except for your spouse — may have to pay capital acquisitions tax on their inheritance, although a certain amount is exempt — for example, the exemption limits for the children of a deceased person for 2001 were £200,000 each.

Probate tax has been abolished in respect of deaths occuring on or after 6 December 2000.

As this is such a complicated area, you are recommended to seek the assistance of a solicitor in making your will. Details of solicitors can be obtained from the Incorporated Law Society, who also sponsor a Make-a-Will Week every year, when you can have a will made for a small fee which goes to charity.

``xireland``xfme``xMaking a Will``x1007654838,2578,Health_and_Family``xAn important task for every adult, irrespective of how young you are.``xwli13family wills ``x

Readers frequently write for advice on the legal requirements for getting married, both for foreign nationals marrying in Ireland and Irish nationals wanting to marry abroad.

Civil marriage ceremonies take place in Registry Offices, which are part of the Health Board structure. According to the General Registrar's Office in Dublin, registry office marriages account for 20 per cent of all marriages in Dublin with foreign nationals accounting for about one fifth of those.

In Ireland, you need to give 3 month's written notice of your intention to marry. The legislation covering this is the Family Law Act, 1995. You should send your notification to the General Registrar. If you arrive in Ireland to get married and haven't given the pre-requisite 3 month's written notice, then you could obtain a court exemption from the notice period.

Almost all countries have residency requirements relating to marriage. In Ireland, you need to be resident in the district where the marriage is taking place for 7 days immediately prior to the ceremony. This would apply equally to people living elsewhere in Ireland but marrying in Dublin for example.

The cost of a wedding licence is just IR£17, including the ceremony. It's normal practice if you are getting married in a church to pay the celebrant and church attendants. After that, the sky's the limit in terms of how much your wedding can cost. Increasingly, people are opting for smaller, informal receptions and devoting most of their wedding budgets to a fabulous honeymoon. At one of the most enjoyable weddings I've attended, the bride bought a dress worth £1,200 for £300 at a designer sale 3 weeks before the wedding (research pays), a friend with a flair for photography took stunning photos and gave these as a present, another friend in the hotel business purchased great wine at trade price and the honeymoon was a month in Bali.

However, traditional weddings remain popular and they don't come cheap. A wedding reception will typically cost IR£40 per person for the meal. Add at least £10 per person for a drinks reception and wine with dinner. Most hotels will allow you to provide your own wine and charge for corkage. This can vary from £1.50 per bottle to about £12 so unless you get a good rate, and your own vine is very special, it may be best to stick with the hotel's range. A band for the reception will cost between £350 and £600 pounds. Prices for music at the ceremony vary around the £100 mark, however it's worth checking for local talent and asking if they will also play for an hour or so at the reception before the wedding meal. Flowers for the occasion average about £350 with a wedding cake costing about the same. A wedding dress can run from a couple of hundred pounds to thousands.

Take into account what guests spend on present, new outfits, overnight accommodation and it's not heard to see why the wedding industry in Ireland is valued at some IR£2 billion annually.

``xireland``xfmd``xGetting Married in Ireland``x1007655040,36107,Health_and_Family``xMany do it. Here's how and how much it costs.``xwli13familygettingmarried ``x

Adoption in Ireland is regulated by the Adoption Board, which was part of the Department of Justice, but now comes under the umbrella of the Department of Health. All adoptions must be approved by the Board. In reality, only adoptions of babies from overseas take place in Ireland now.

The most recent figures on Irish babies available for adoption are for 1995, when 100 were adopted. There are unlikely to be nearly that many now. Adoptions of overseas babies are subject to the same regulations and procedures. There are various information and counselling services which you can contact if you require help with an adoption, or if you are adopted yourself and need advice on how to trace your birth mother.

A controversy in 1997 about babies being sent to the US for adoption without their birth mothers' knowledge attracted quite a number of enquiries to the Adoption Advice Service. If you are seeking to trace your birth mother, or indeed your child, the Adoption Advice Service is a good place to start.

``xireland``xfmc``xAdoption``x1007655136,96451,Health_and_Family``x``xwli13adoption ``x

If you are travelling with a young infant, it makes sense to take sufficient formula milk with you until you find a match here. Products by Cow & Gate, Milupa and Heinz are among those available. The average cost of a 900 gramme box of baby food is £5.50, while nappies cost around £8.00 per pack for a brand name.

Child Care

The Childcare (Pre-School Services) Regulations 1996 govern the standards of crèches, nurseries and childminders in Ireland. These are part of the 1991 Child Care Act. The provisions of the Regulations include a requirement on Health Boards to promote the development of children attending pre-school services and to supervise and inspect services available. A copy of the Regulations can be obtained from the Health Boards (listed in Chapter 14, Health Care). The Regulations do not apply to family members or people caring for three or fewer pre-school children.
The types of childcare available in Ireland are as follows:

Sessional Services

These cater for children in the two to six age group and provide planned pre-school programmes of up to three-and-a-half hours per session. These services are provided by pre-schools, crèches, playgroups, Montessori groups and naionraí (Irish language playgroups). You should enquire in your local community for details about playgroups.

Full Day Care

This refers to the provision of structured day care lasting more than three-and-a-half hours a day. This service is provided by day nurseries and crèches. Operating hours are usually 8.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. and they are run by individuals or voluntary groups. If you live near an Area Partnership, it is worth checking whether they are involved in childcare projects. Typical costs are from £70 to £150 per week, which includes meals.

In an effort to improve childcare options, the Government has provided £1 million in public funds for the establishment of new crèches to provide full day and after-school care to the children of working parents. The emphasis is on encouraging industry to work with childcare providers to build solutions to this shortage of care. By July 1998, three-quarters of the available funds had been allocated to eight projects. The funds are to be used for the capital costs of setting up the new crèches, which effectively means the companies do not have to contribute any costs.

Childminders

Childminders care for children in the childminder's own home and are not covered by the Regulations, unless they care for more than three children. Costs vary, but around £50–£75 a week is average.

Nannies/Au Pairs

These will care for your child in your own home, a nanny on a full-time basis, an au pair part-time. Agencies can be found in the Golden Pages and include the Job Options Bureau in Cork. A professionally trained nanny costs about £150 to £180 per week after tax and slightly less if they live in, as accommodation and meals are included. There is no tax relief for the employers of nannies which means that a large, unquantified, number still operate in the black economy. However, as you will see from the figures provided in the Taxation section, changes in the income tax regime mean that the tax on lower paid workers such as childminders is not as steep as it once was.

Drop-in Centres

These are provided in shopping centres and leisure facilities and allow for children to be left for short periods of time while their parents use the other facilities. There is usually no charge.

Baby-sitters

Care for your children in the evenings, for example. They should be aged over 18, but in practice many teenagers often baby-sit to earn extra pocket-money. Typical cost is about £2+ an hour.

Registering Births of Dual Nationals

Anyone born in Ireland is automatically Irish. If you want your child to be a dual national, you should contact your Embassy for details of the procedure for registering its birth.

``xireland``xfmb``xChildcare``x1007655417,75073,Health_and_Family``xCheck out what's on offer and what you can expect to pay. Also registering the birth of people with dual nationality``xwli13childcare ``x

The casual observer in the late 1990s will have witnessed what may have appeared to be a sudden surge of interest in work and family issues, although in reality the groundwork has been taking place over a number of years. The Parental Leave Bill was published on 8 June 1998 and came into law on 3 December 1998. The Government announced details of a £5.2 million Equal Opportunity Nationwide Childcare programme to enhance the accessibility and affordability of childcare, something which the National Women's Council of Ireland and the Employment Equality Agency have spent years campaigning for. The terms of Partnership 2000 included the establishment of an Expert Working Group on Childcare and from April 1999, employer provided childcare was no longer subject to benefit-in-kind taxation.

Quality of Life Regains Importance
Overall, there appears to be a desire to see a more balanced 'quality of life', increasingly important as many employers face skills shortages and must endeavour to attract high quality employees and retain them. The European Commission launched a Green Paper in late 1997 entitled Partnership for a new organisation of work and among the main conclusions from the debate were: the recognition that people's private lives must be reconciled with the interests of the workplace, the need to change the perception that flexible working hours relate only to women in the workplace instead of both women and men and to change the misconception that a management position is incompatible with working part-time.

More Women in Paid Employment
In the twenty-five years from 1971 to 1996 the number of women at work more than doubled, compared with a small increase in the numbers of men at work in the same timeframe. Women's employment has grown most rapidly in the 1990s. Growth in the five years from 1991 to 1996 almost equalled the growth of women's employment in the previous twenty years. A quarter of all mothers now work outside the home. By 1996 women accounted for almost four in ten of all those at work. In 1996, 41.5 % of Irish women aged 15 or over were in the labour force. This compares with an EU-15 average of 45.3%. The situation of couples in the work force has also changed, with a doubling in the number of couples where both partners work full time.

``xireland``xfma``xBalancing Work and Family Life``x1007655602,81151,Health_and_Family``xThere's a heightened awareness in Ireland of the benefits of leading a balanced life.``xwli13balanceworkandfamily ``x

Thinking of moving to Ireland? An early task will be finding somewhere to live. If you're lucky enough to have family or friends who offer available space, taking them up on the offer will save you quite a bit of money. If you don't have anywhere to stay while you search for a place to rent or buy, then the next stop is temporary accommodation.

At the top end of the temporary accommodation market, Dial-a-Short-Let can source properties for you anywhere in the country. Monthly prices range from £1,000 for a one-bed apartment, £1,400 for a two-bed and £2,500 for a four-bed. Companies frequently rent this type of short-term accommodation. If you move to Ireland to take up a job, it would be well worth asking for this benefit as part of a relocation package. Your employer will receive generous tax relief on the benefit and you will not have to pay any benefit-in-kind tax.

If you are on a budget, there are excellent hostels in every city. Addresses are available from tourist offices or USIT (student travel agency) in Dublin.
In most towns and cities, the best way to find longer-term rental accommodation is to respond to advertisements in local newspapers and ask around among your friends and acquaintances. The demand in Dublin is high; you'll save a lot of shoe leather by using the services of one of the accommodation services. Home Locators offers a free listing (the advertiser pays) which you can collect from their offices. To view a property, you pay a £5 registration fee. You can see as many properties as you like over a one-month period. Accommodation Lettings also offers a list of lettings at no cost to the accommodation seeker. Roommates charge a £30 once-off fee, which allows you unlimited access to their database until you have found somewhere to live.

Rents in certain parts of Dublin have risen by up to 20 per cent in the past year, with one and two bedroom apartments close to the city centre making particularly strong prices. The spiralling property market makes rent the biggest outgoing for students and people on even average salaries. The cheapest modern one bedroom apartment in Dublin now rents for about £700 per month. A two bedroom will cost between £850 and £1,000 per month and a room in a shared house will cost between £250 and £350 per month.

The maximum tax relief for a single person under 55 on rent paid is worth just IR£200 per year. A single person earning £14,650 per year (net pay £1,082 per month) is left with the option of a shared house or living at home with their parents.

The following are typical offerings:

Dublin
Small flat in Rathmines	£600-700 per month
Booterstown, furnished apartment	£880 per month
Ballsbridge, furnished apartment	£900–£2,000 per month
Dame Street, furnished apartment	£900 per month
Lucan, furnished house	£800–£1,000 per month
Galway
Apartments	£300–£800 per month
Kildare
Leixlip, furnished house

Income	IR£
Salary	30,000
Gross Income	30,000
Taxed as follows:
First £14,800 @ 20%	2,960
Balance £15,200 @ 42%	6,384
Total	9,344
Less tax credits
Personal	5,500
PAYE (£2,000 @ 20%)	400
Rent Relief (£1,000 @ 20%)	200
Total Tax Credits	6,100
Total PAYE	3,244
PRSI (first £100 per week exempt) PRSI @ 4% (£24,800) PRSI @ 2%	0 992 0
Total PRSI	992
Total Deductions (PAYE & PRSI)**	4,236 (14.12% of gross salary)
Disposable Income (less pensions and deductions)	25,764 (85.88 % of gross salary)

VHI	IR£	BUPA	IR£
Plan B	263.16	Essential Plus*	237.21

	Total Annual Cost
BUPA (Essential Plus)*	IR£ 639.76
VHI (Plan B)	IR£ 717.88

If you are:	You must have:
Aged under 21	39 weeks PRSI paid since first starting work
Aged 21–24	39 weeks PRSI paid since first starting work and 39 weeks PRSI paid or credited in the relevant tax year, of which a minimum of 13 weeks must be paid contributions
Aged 25–65	260 weeks PRSI paid since first starting work and 39 weeks PRSI paid or credited in the relevant tax year, of which a minimum of 13 weeks must be paid contributions
Aged 66 or over	260 weeks PRSI paid since first starting work and 39 weeks PRSI paid or credited in either the last 2 tax years before reaching age 66 , of which a minimum of 13 weeks must be paid contributions