
<rss version="2.0">
	<channel>
		<title>English</title>
		<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=37097</link>
		<description></description>
		<language>en</language>
		<pubDate>Tue, 07 Sep 2010 06:14:54 UTC</pubDate>
		
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Types of Visa]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=37127</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
A comprehensive list of the different visa types that are
available, and the documentation required in respect of each, is
available on the INIS website.


The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, the
Department of Foreign Affairs or any Irish Embassy or Consulate may
ask for further documentation at any stage.


For ease of reference, separate links for some of the most common
visa types are set out below.


TRAVELLING TO IRELAND AS A
TOURIST


If you are a Visa-required national and you would like to visit
Ireland for a short period (less than 3 months) you will find
useful guidelines and details of requirements for Visit/Holiday
Visa applications here.


For further information on tourism in Ireland please visit the
website of Tourism Ireland.



TRAVELLING TO IRELAND ON
BUSINESS


Business Meeting
If you are a Visa-required national and coming to Ireland for a
business meeting you will find useful guidelines and details of
requirements for Business Visa applications here


ConferenceIf you are a Visa-required
national and coming to Ireland for a conference you will find
useful guidelines and details of requirements for Conference Visa
applications here


Starting a Business in Ireland
If you are a Non-EEA national and you wish to set up a business in
Ireland, you will require Business Permission from the Department
of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. For more information please
click here


STUDYING IN IRELAND


If you require an entry visa for Ireland and would like to study
here, you will find useful guidelines and details of requirements
for Study Visa appplications here.


WORKING IN IRELAND

If you are a national of a country which is not a member of the
European Economic Area (EEA) and you wish to work in Ireland, you
will require authorisation to do so.

For most types of employment, a non-EEA national requires a Work
Permit. For full information on work permits please visit the
website of the Department of Enterprise,Trade and Employment.

A visa-required national who has been issued with a Work
Permit can apply for an Employment visa through their local
Irish Embassy or Consulate. You will find useful
guidelines and details of requirements for Employment Visa
applications here.


For further information on finding work in Ireland, please visit
the F&#193;S website


WORKING HOLIDAYS

Ireland offers young people from Australia, Canada, Hong
Kong, Japan, 
New Zealand and the Republic of Korea
, the chance to work casually to enable them to
spend an extended holiday in Ireland. For further information
on the Working Holiday schemes, please see the Working Holidays in
Ireland page.

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Wed, 14 Jul 2010 11:19:47 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Emergency Assistance]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=72508</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
If something does go wrong while you are abroad, you should first
contact your family and/or friends at home. They may be able to
resolve your difficulty for you or help you to do so without
further assistance.If necessary, youshould also contact
your tour operator representative and travel insurance provider as
quickly as possible.


EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN
AFFAIRS
If necessary, the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin or the
Irish Embassy or Consulateclosest towhere you
aremay be able to assist.If you contact our offices
abroad outside their normal opening times, telephone answering
machines are usually available and are usually monitored outside
office hours and over the weekend.


You will find a list of all our offices abroad and their
contact details here.


The Department of Foreign Affairs operates a Consular
AssistanceUnit in Dublin which provides advice, support and
assistance to Irish citizens in emergency situations around the
world and to family members in Ireland who are concerned about the
welfare of an Irish citizen abroad. TheUnit operates during
normal Irish office hours (Monday-Friday). Should you require
assistance or advice you canmake contact with theUnit
by telephoning 01 408 2000 or +353 1 408 2000 from outside
Ireland.


Outside our normal office hours, an Emergency Duty Officer
is available at all other times (including weekends), 365 days a
year. The contact number for our after-hours serviceis as
above (01 408 2000 / +353 1 408 2000). Please be advised that the
Emergency Duty Officer should only be contacted in the event of a
genuine emergency abroad. If your query is not urgent, please wait
until the next working day before making contact with the Consular
Assistance Unit.


The nearest Irish Embassy or Consulatecan help



If you have been the victim of a crime


If you require urgent medical treatment


If you lose your passport


If you have been arrested or imprisoned


If you require assistance in connection with a death abroad


If you need help accessing funds


If you need to be repatriated to Ireland


If there is a natural disaster/crisis



If You Have Been The Victim Of
A Crime


The Embassy can:



Inform family or friends of your situation


Help you to transfer funds from home if this is necessary


Provide a list of English-speaking lawyers


Assist in liaising with the local police


In exceptional circumstances, advance funds to you on the basis of
a strict undertaking to repay the funds when you return to Ireland


Assist in arranging repatriation to Ireland



However, the Embassy does not:



Give legal advice


Intervene in court proceedings


Investigate a crime


Pay legal costs



If You Require Urgent Medical Treatment


The Embassy can:



Offer general advice on the local medical services


Provide a list of local English-speaking doctors


Assist in liaising with doctors or hospitals


Arrange interpretation if necessary


Advise relatives or friends about accidents or illnesses


Assist in arranging repatriation to Ireland



However, the Embassy does not:



Pay medical or hospital bills


Provide medical advice


Pursue insurance companies about payment of or refund of the cost
ofmedical treatment


Pursue claims for compensation relating to negligence, injury or
any other matter


Pay for visits by relatives



If You Lose Your Passport


lf you lose your passport abroad you should immediately report the
loss to the local police and then to the nearest Irish Embassy or
Consulate.

Ask the Police for a written statement that you have reported the
loss. You will require this to obtain a temporary passport from an
Irish Mission.

In certain circumstances, for example when you are returning
directly to Ireland, an Emergency Travel Document rather than a
passport may be issued. Most Honorary Consuls do not issue
passports and can only issue Emergency Travel Documents.


If You Have Been Arrested Or Imprisoned


One of the most important functions of Irish Embassies and
Consulates is to ensure that the rights of Irish citizens who are
arrested or imprisoned abroad are fully respected. If you are
arrested, in many cases the local Authorities will only contact the
Irish Embassy or Consulate if you specifically ask them to do
so.

When the Embassy is informed of the arrest or imprisonment of an
Irish citizen, they will respond immediately and provide all
possible consular assistance.

The Embassy can:



Visit you or arrange for you to be visited by an Honorary Consul or
by a representative of an Embassy or Consulate of one of our EU
partners


If necessary, provide you with a list of local English-speaking
lawyers


Advise you about the prison system and about your entitlement to
visits, mail and other facilities


Bring details of any medical condition you may have to the
attention of prison officials


Pursue with the prison authorities on your behalf complaints about
ill-treatment or discrimination


Pass messages to and from your family



However, the Embassy does not:



Secure better treatment for Irish citizens than local or other
nationals receive


Give nor pay for legal advice


Interfere with or influence the local judicial system


Provide any financial assistance while you are in prison



The Irish Commission for Prisoners Overseas (ICPO)
is a voluntary agency that provides assistance to Irish prisoners
overseas and to their families in Ireland. The ICPO can be
contacted at:

Irish Commission for Prisoners Overseas
Columba Centre
St Patrick's College
Maynooth
County Kildare

Tel: +353 1 505 3000
Fax: +353 1 601 6401
Email: Irish
Commission for Prisoners Overseas


If You Require Assistance In Connection With A
Death Abroad


If a member of your family dies while abroad, the Irish Embassy
will provide all possible assistance in dealing with the
formalities that arise in these situations.

The Embassy can:



Arrange to have the next of kin of the deceased informed by the
Garda S&#237;och&#225;na


Assist relatives to appoint a local undertaker


Assist with procuring documents such as death certificates or
medical or police reports


Assist relatives to communicate with the Police and other
Authorities



However, the Embassy does not:



Investigate the circumstances of the death


Pay expenses relating to local burial or cremation


Pay the cost of repatriating the remains


Pay for relatives to travel to where the death occurred or to
accompany the remains to Ireland



If You Need Help Accessing Funds


Due to unforeseen circumstances, Irish citizens travelling abroad
sometimes experience financial difficulties. Such situations can
usually be resolved easily and quickly by transferring money from
Ireland through well-known commercial agencies. Advice about this
is available from Irish Embassies and
Consulatesand fromthe Consular
Sectionof this Department.

If these channels are not available, the Irish Mission can contact
your relatives or friends in Ireland to ask them to send you funds
either directly or through the Department of Foreign Affairs. A
statutory fee of €35 applies to a transfer of funds made through
the Department.

The Department is unable, under any circumstances, to give loans or
to pay any hotel or other expenses incurred by Irish citizens
abroad.


If You Need To Be Repatriated To Ireland


In very exceptional circumstances, where the health or security of
an Irish citizen abroad is at risk and there is no way of dealing
with the situation satisfactorily locally, the Department of
Foreign Affairs may agree to repatriate the person to Ireland. This
will be done at the sole discretion of the Department and subject
to strict conditions which will be set out clearly in each case.
The conditions include a written undertaking to repay all the
expenses incurred as well as a statutory fee of €35.


Natural Disaster/Crisis


Some major catastrophes involving Irish citizens abroad may need
exceptional levels of response. It is not easy to define every
possible circumstance, but these events may be the result of
natural disasters or large-scale accidents, or of terrorism or
conflict. No one set of responses will meet all circumstances.


If the Minister for Foreign Affairs considers an event to be a
major catastrophe affecting significant numbers of people we can
help, we will:



consider whether exceptional help should be provided from public
funds;


set up public helplines;


provide information if we have it, and if we believe it to be
reliable, to people who have been affected and their family members
who we are in contact with; and


consider sending appropriate extra staff to the country involved.


]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 26 Apr 2010 08:47:30 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Ireland in Belgium]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=37098</link>
					<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 12 Apr 2010 07:22:08 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Authentication of Documents]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=37132</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Introduction


The Department of Foreign Affairs can Authenticate\Apostille
documents executed in Ireland that are to be used in other
countries.Irish Diplomatic and
Consular Missions abroad can legalise documents executed
abroad for use in Ireland.

Authenticating a document simply means confirming that a signature,
seal or stamp appearing on the document is genuine.
Legalising a document means authenticating it for the purpose of
making it acceptable to an Irish court.

Authentication and Legalisation do not mean that the content of a
document is accurate or that the Department of Foreign Affairs
approves of the content.


Why do documents need to be Authenticated\Apostilled?


If you are going to use Irish documents overseas, for business or
personal reasons, you may be asked to have your documents
Authenticated\Apostilled by the Department of Foreign Affairs. You
should therefore confirm with the authority to whom you are
presenting the documents what their requirements are with regard to
Authentication\Legalisation.


What is an Apostille?


The 1961 Hague Convention abolished the requirement for Foreign
Public Documents (e.g. birth, death and marriage certificates,
documents issued by a Notary Public) to be legalised for countries
that are parties to the Convention. The Convention entered into
force for Ireland on 9 March 1999. For further information on the
Hague Convention please access their website.

However, countries that are parties to the Convention may request
the bearer of a document issued by a public authority to obtain an
Apostille from the Authorities of the country that issued the
document.

An Apostille involves the addition of a certificate, either stamped
on the document itself or attached to it. It certifies the country
of origin of the document, the identity and capacity in which the
document has been signed and the name of any authority which has
affixed a seal or stamp to the document.


Documents we can Authenticate\Apostille


The Department of Foreign Affairs can Authenticate\Apostille
documents of Irish origin provided that they bear an original
signature, seal or stamp from an Irish practising public official
or organisation. An Irish document means that it originated or has
been executed in Ireland. If a practising Irish solicitor, Notary
Public or Commissioner for Oaths is signing a document they should
state clearly what exactly it is they are certifying in relation to
the document. They must sign their own name and not use a company
signature.


Examples of Documents the Department can Authenticate\Apostille
are:


The Department of Foreign Affairs can Authenticate\Apostille public
documents which have been executed in the territory of One
Contracting State and which have to be produced in the territory of
another Contracting State.


Examples:



Original certificates issued by the General Registers
Office (GRO)


Company documents issued by the Companies Registration Office


Documents signed by the Chambers of Commerce in Ireland


Court documents, Powers of Attorney, and other Notarial Acts can be
Authenticated provided they bear an original signature, seal or
stamp from a practising Irish solicitor\ Notary Public in Ireland


Educational Certificates can be Authenticated provided they fall
within the National Framework of Qualifications established by the
National
Qualifications Authority of Ireland\are recognised
by the Department of Education.


We can also Authenticate\Apostille medical reports signed by a
doctor who is registered with the Medical Council of Ireland.



An appointment is necessary for large numbers of documents and for
full foreign adoption dossiers.


Photocopies of DocumentsWe can
Authenticate\Apostille photocopies of certain types of documents
provided they have been certified by a practising Irish Solicitor
or Notary Public in Ireland. However, you should in the first
instance confirm with the authority to whom you are presenting the
document that a certified copy will be acceptable to them.


How to get your Document Authenticated\Apostilled


Documents that have been executed in Ireland, and which are to be
Authenticated or Apostilled by the Department can be:


Presented to the Department at its Public Office at the following
address:


Consular Section
Department of Foreign Affairs
Hainault House
69 - 71 St. Stephen’s Green
Dublin 2


or sent via post to:


Consular Section
Department of Foreign Affairs
80 St. Stephen's Green
Dublin 2


Documents sent by post must include the
following:
A brief covering letter stating your name, return address,
telephone number, you must state what country the document(s) are
for use in, and you must include the appropriate
fee.


Tel. (01) 408 2174
(01) 408 2322
(01) 408 2061
(01) 408 2576

For the Munster area:


Consular Services,
Department of Foreign Affairs,
1A South Mall,
Cork

Tel: 021 4944765 / 021 4944766


Opening Hours:The opening hours for the
Public Offices in Dublin and Cork are as follows:
Monday - Friday (excluding Bank Holidays)
0930 - 1300
1430 - 1600

FeesA fee of €20 is charged for each
Apostille or Authentication. There is a standard fee of
€50 for a series of Apostilles or Authentications in relation
to inter-country adoptions.


Please note that there may be an additional administration fee if
applying for these services from our officesabroad. Fees will
be notified on request.


Methods of Payment
This section relates to services available at the Department of
Foreign Affairs in Dublin and Cork.


Payment can be made by Cash, Cheque (made payable to 'Department of
Foreign Affairs'), Postal Order, Bank Draft, or by Credit\Debit
card.


It should be noted that all cheques must be drawn on an Irish bank.


Legalisation


Irish Diplomatic and Consular Missions abroad can legalise
documents executed abroad for use in Ireland.


Administering oaths, affirmations and
statutory declarations and certifying copies of documents:


Irish Diplomatic and Consular Officers abroad are empowered under
Irish law to administer oaths, affirmations and statutory
declarations. They can also certify copies of original Irish
documents or translations. 


If you require any of these services, contact your nearest
   Irish Diplomatic or Consular
   Mission.


The fee for these services in local currency and methods of payment
will be notified, on request, by the relevant Mission.

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Wed, 31 Mar 2010 10:23:02 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[News Update]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=37105</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
The Embassy is recruiting an Office Assistant; please
seenotice attached belowfor more information.

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 25 Mar 2010 11:54:57 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Passport Office]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=37109</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
The Passport Office at the Embassy of Ireland, Brussels, is open to
the public from 10.00 to 13.00 Monday to Friday. The
telephone line for the passport office is open from 9.30 to 13.00
and 14.30 to 17.00 Monday to Friday. Please dial +32 2 2823
400.


You can lodge your application at the Embassy from Monday to Friday
between 10.00 and 13.00. Alternatively, you can post your
application to:


Embassy of Ireland
Chauss&#233;e d'Etterbeek 180
Etterbeeksesteenweg
1040 Brussels


If you choose to post your application, we strongly recommend you
to use registered mail or a reputable courier service. The Embassy
cannot be held responsible for applications or documents lost in
transit.


Please note: The practice of Exchange/Replacement Passports has
been discontinued. Therefore, if a passport holder wishes to change
an aspect of his/her passport (e.g. the passport is damaged, there
are no more visa pages left or a change of name on passport is
required), a new passport must be applied for and the appropriate
fee paid in full.


OBTAINING OFFICIAL IRISH DOCUMENTS


Please note that the Embassy cannot assist in obtaining copies of
Birth, Marriage or Death Certificates. Requests for these documents
must be made directly to the General Register Office in Ireland.
Details of how to obtain documentation can be found on their
website, Go
Ireland

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Wed, 24 Mar 2010 10:12:42 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Who needs a Visa?]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=37130</link>
					<description><![CDATA[       

Citizens of certain countries require an entry visa for Ireland.


If you are a citizen of a country that is on schedule 1
below,you do NOT require an entry visa for Ireland.
Citizens of countries which are not on the list must apply for a
visa before they travel to Ireland.


Please note that a Schengen or UK visa or residence
permission is NOT valid for travel to Ireland. If you
area national ofa visa-required country you will need
to apply for an Irish visa in advance of travel to Ireland.


Transit VisasARE required by citizens of the
countries listed in schedule 2 below.

All citizens of non-EU countries, whether they require a
visa or not, are subject to immigration control at the point of
entry to Ireland.


SCHEDULE 1



LIST OF COUNTRIES
WHOSE PASSPORT HOLDERS DO NOT REQUIRE VISAS TO ENTER
IRELAND:


ANDORRA
ANTIGUA and BARBUDA
ARGENTINA
AUSTRALIA
AUSTRIA
BAHAMAS
BARBADOS
BELGIUM
BELIZE
BOLIVIA
BOTSWANA
BRAZIL
BRUNEI
BULGARIA
CANADA
CHILE
COSTA RICA
CROATIA
CYPRUS
CZECH REPUBLIC
DENMARK
DOMINICA
EL SALVADOR
ESTONIA
FIJI
FINLAND
FRANCE
GERMANY
GREECE
GRENADA
GUATEMALA
GUYANA
HONDURAS
HONG KONG (Special Administrative Region) (*See further information
below).
HUNGARY
ICELAND
ISRAEL
ITALY
JAPAN
KIRIBATI
LATVIA
LESOTHO
LIECHTENSTEIN
LITHUANIA
LUXEMBOURG
MACAU (Special Administrative Region)
MALAWI
MALAYSIA
MALDIVES
MALTA
MEXICO
MONACO
NAURU
NETHERLANDS
NEW ZEALAND
NICARAGUA
NORWAY
PANAMA
PARAGUAY
POLAND
PORTUGAL
ROMANIA
SAINT KITTS &amp;amp; NEVIS
SAINT LUCIA
SAINT VINCENT &amp;amp; THE GRENADINES
SAMOA
SAN MARINO
SEYCHELLES
SINGAPORE
SLOVAK REPUBLIC
SLOVENIA
SOLOMON ISLANDS
SOUTH AFRICA
SOUTH KOREA
SPAIN
SWAZILAND
SWEDEN
SWITZERLAND
TAIWAN
TONGA
TRINIDAD &amp;amp; TOBAGO
TUVALU
UNITED KINGDOM&amp;amp; Dependent Territories (noted below)
UNITED STATES of AMERICA
URUGUAY
VANUATU
VATICAN CITY
VENEZUELA


BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES



ANGUILLA
BERMUDA
BRITISH ANTARCTIC TERRITORY (South Georgia, South Sandwich
Islands)
BRITISH INDIAN OCEAN TERRITORIES(Chagos Archipelago, Peros
Banos, Diego Garcia, Danger Island)
CAYMAN ISLANDS
FALKLAND ISLANDS and DEPENDICIES
GIBRALTAR
MONTSERRAT
PITCAIRN (Henderson, Ducie and Oneno Islands)
St. HELENA and DEPENDICIES (Ascension Island, Tristan Da
Cunha)
The SOVERIGN BASE AREAS of AKROTIRI and DHEKILA
TURKS and CAICOS ISLAND
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS


*HONG KONG SAR


A person in possession of a Hong Kong certificate of identity
requires an entry visa for the State.


Personswho are holders of aBritish Hong
Kong Passportwho have a right of abode in Great
Britain do not require entry visas.


Personswho are holders of aBritish Hong
Kong Passportwho have a right of abode in Hong Kong
only do not require entry visas but they are subject to full
foreign national controls in respect of registration, permission to
remain,work permits etc.


CONVENTION TRAVEL DOCUMENTS


Visas are not required by persons who are holders
ofConvention travel documents issued by the following
countries:


BELGIUM
CZECH REPUBLIC
DENMARK
FINLAND
GERMANY
ICELAND
ITALY
LIECHTENSTEIN
LUXEMBOURG
MALTA
NETHERLANDS
NORWAY
POLAND
PORTUGAL
ROMANIA
SLOVAKIA
SPAIN
SWEDEN
SWITZERLAND.


Applicants who are holders of Convention travel documents issued by
EEA states should refer to Article 3 of the
   
Immigration Act 2004 Order 2009 (PDF
109kb)(Shortvisits
only).
 

SCHEDULE 2


TRANSIT VISAS ARE REQUIRED BY
CITIZENS OF THE FOLLOWING:



AFGHANISTAN
ALBANIA
CUBA
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO
ERITREA
ETHIOPIA
GHANA
IRAN
IRAQ
LEBANON
MOLDOVA
MONTENEGRO
NIGERIA
SERBIA
SOMALIA
SRI LANKA
ZIMBABWE

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:16:09 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[About the Embassy]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=37099</link>
					<description><![CDATA[The embassy’s public office is open Monday to Friday from 10.00 to 13.00. The entrance to the public office is at 180 Chauss&#233;e d'Etterbeek, near the junction with rue Belliard. Afternoon calls are strictly by appointment only. The embassy’s telephone lines are open Monday to Friday from 9.30 to 13.00 and from 14.30 to 17.00. Please note that all visitors to the embassy building must sign in and out at reception. 
Getting to the Embassy 
The closest metro isMaelbeek station on lines 1 or5. There is an exit to the rue Belliard.From there you should walk straight down the chauss&#233;e d'Etterbeek.The embassy is on the fifthfloor of the building. 
A map of the area can be downloadedhereand you can plan your journey here. 
Address 
Embassy of IrelandChauss&#233;e d'Etterbeek 1801040 Brussels 
Main Tel: + 32 2 2823 400
Fax: +32 2 2823 395
Diplomatic Staff 
Ambassador – H.E. Brian NasonFirst Secretary – Niall Brady 
Consular Staff 
Katy Coppens 
Caoilin O'Callaghan ]]></description>
					<pubDate>Tue, 19 Jan 2010 09:32:14 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Embassy Closure Dates]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=37103</link>
					<description><![CDATA[The Embassy of Irelandin Brusselswill be closed on the following dates in 2010: 
1 January (New Year's Day)
2April (Good Friday) 
5April (Easter Monday) 
3May (Labour Day) 
13May (Ascension Thursday) 
14 May
24 May (Whit Monday)
21 July (Belgian National Day) 
1November (All Souls' Day) 
11 November (Armistice Day) 
27 November
28 November
For emergency queries while the Embassy is closed, the Duty Officer is contactable through the main Embassy line: +32(0)22823 400]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 11 Jan 2010 08:31:52 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Contact Us]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=37182</link>
					<description><![CDATA[Embassy of Ireland 
Chauss&#233;e d'Etterbeek 180 Etterbeekse Steenweg
Bruxelles 1040 Brussel 
Tel: +32 (0)2 2823 400
Fax: +32 (0)2 235 66 70 
email: brusselsembassy@dfa.ie 
]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 14 Dec 2009 09:17:26 UTC</pubDate>
		
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				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Emergency Assistance for Irish Citizens in Belgium]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=37104</link>
					<description><![CDATA[This section contains advice and information for Irish citizens who encounter difficultiesin Belgium 
General 
Our telephone number is:+ 32 (0)2 2823 400. If you telephone at the weekend, you will be asked to leave a message on the answering machine. The answering machine is monitored regularly, and the Duty Officer at the Embassy will contact you as soon as possible. When you leave a message, remember to state your name, the nature of the problem, where you are now, and the details of how the Duty Officer can contact you (eg. leave your mobile phone number, or the phone number of the hotel/hostel where you are staying). If necessary, contact the police also. 
Loss/Theft of Passport 
If your passport is lost or stolen, you should firstly report the loss or theft to the nearest police station, as soon as possible after the event. The police will issue you with astatement of lossconfirming that you have made the report. You will be required to present this when applying for a replacement travel document. 
Secondly, contact the Embassy. A police report is accepted by some airlines in lieu of a passport, but always check with your airline before going to the airport. If your airline will not accept the police statement, the Embassy can issue you with an Emergency Travel Certificate. You will need to present the police report and two passport photographs to apply for an Emergency Travel Certificate. There is a fee of €15 for this service. 
Police 
If you are the victim of a crime while in Belgium, please contact the nearest police station or gendarmerie as soon as possible. Normally, reports are only accepted if made in person and it is very difficult to make a report once you have left Belgium. You will be asked to sign the draft report and will normally be given a copy of it to keep. Please keep the copy carefully; it is not easy to get a duplicate issued. The report may be necessary for follow-up investigation or for insurance claims, etc. See above for specific information on reporting a lost or stolen passport. Depending on the circumstances, you may also be given the contact details of victim support groups. 
If you wish, you may also contact the Embassy, who can facilitate your communication with the police forces. 
Arrest 
If you are arrested, you may ask the Belgian authorities to inform the Embassy of your arrest. 
The Embassy can: 

Visit you or arrange for you to be visited by an Embassy official 
If necessary, provide you with a list of local English-speaking lawyers 
Advise you about the prison system and about your entitlement to visits, mail and other facilities 
Bring details of any medical condition you may have to the attention of prison officials 
Pursue with the prison authorities on your behalf any complaints about ill-treatment or discrimination 
Pass messages to and from your family 
However, the Embassy cannot: 

Secure better treatment for Irish citizens than local or other nationals receive 
Give or pay for legal advice 
Interfere with or influence the proper operation and application of the local judicial system 
Provide any financial assistance while you are in prison 
Pay bail bonds or fines ]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 14 Dec 2009 08:38:50 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Emergency Contact Details]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=72515</link>
					<description><![CDATA[This section contains advice and information for Irish citizens who encounter difficultiesin Belgium 
General 
Our telephone number is:+ 32 (0)2 2823 400. If you telephone at the weekend, you will be asked to leave a message on the answering machine. The answering machine is monitored regularly, and the Duty Officer at the Embassy will contact you as soon as possible. When you leave a message, remember to state your name, the nature of the problem, where you are now, and the details of how the Duty Officer can contact you (eg. leave your mobile phone number, or the phone number of the hotel/hostel where you are staying). If necessary, contact the police also. 
Loss/Theft of Passport 
If your passport is lost or stolen, you should firstly report the loss or theft to the nearest police station, as soon as possible after the event. The police will issue you with astatement of lossconfirming that you have made the report. You will be required to present this when applying for a replacement travel document. 
Secondly, contact the Embassy. A police report is accepted by some airlines in lieu of a passport, but always check with your airline before going to the airport. If your airline will not accept the police statement, the Embassy can issue you with an Emergency Travel Certificate. You will need to present the police report and two passport photographs to apply for an Emergency Travel Certificate. There is a fee of €15 for this service. 
Police 
If you are the victim of a crime while in Belgium, please contact the nearest police station or gendarmerie as soon as possible. Normally, reports are only accepted if made in person and it is very difficult to make a report once you have left Belgium. You will be asked to sign the draft report and will normally be given a copy of it to keep. Please keep the copy carefully; it is not easy to get a duplicate issued. The report may be necessary for follow-up investigation or for insurance claims, etc. See above for specific information on reporting a lost or stolen passport. Depending on the circumstances, you may also be given the contact details of victim support groups. 
If you wish, you may also contact the Embassy, who can facilitate your communication with the police forces. 
Arrest 
If you are arrested, you may ask the Belgian authorities to inform the Embassy of your arrest. 
The Embassy can: 

Visit you or arrange for you to be visited by an Embassy official 
If necessary, provide you with a list of local English-speaking lawyers 
Advise you about the prison system and about your entitlement to visits, mail and other facilities 
Bring details of any medical condition you may have to the attention of prison officials 
Pursue with the prison authorities on your behalf any complaints about ill-treatment or discrimination 
Pass messages to and from your family 
However, the Embassy cannot: 

Secure better treatment for Irish citizens than local or other nationals receive 
Give or pay for legal advice 
Interfere with or influence the proper operation and application of the local judicial system 
Provide any financial assistance while you are in prison 
Pay bail bonds or fines ]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 14 Dec 2009 08:38:50 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Travel between Ireland & Belgium]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=37172</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Ryanair
operates flights from Dublin and Shannon to Charleroi (Brussels
South).


Aer Lingus
operates flights between Brussels and Dublin.


Tourism Ireland


Belgian
Tourist Office Flanders &amp;amp; Brussels


Belgian
Tourist Office Wallonia &amp;amp; Brussels


Pet’s travel

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:29:04 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Travel Advice]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=37171</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
A H1N1 Virus (Human Swine Flu)



For information, please consult the following web-sitethat
gives information on theSwineFlu: www.influenza.be


TRAVEL INSURANCE


The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends that
comprehensive travel insurance, including medical insurance, is
obtained before travelling to Belgium.Travellers should note
that the Irish government does not provide funds for emergency
medical repatriation or for repatriation of remains.


You should also obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) free
of charge which entitles you to emergency medical treatment. This
card is NOT a substitute for travel insurance. See www.ehic.iefor further details. The
EHIC replaces the Form E111, which is no longer valid.


ENTRY REQUIREMENTS


Irish citizens do not require a visa to enter Belgium.


It is advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport
with you.During your stay you should carry a photocopy of
your passport at all times.


SAFETY &amp;amp; SECURITY


Belgium shares with the rest of Europe a threat from terrorism.
Attacks could be indiscriminate and against civilian targets.


CRIME


Most visits to Belgium are trouble-free. The incidence of crimes
such as mugging, bag snatching and pick pocketing are comparable
with any major city. Take only the minimum amount of cash, credit
cards and personal ID necessary when you go out.


In the event of theft, contact the nearest police station and
obtain a police report, which is necessary when applying for a
replacement passport or insurance claim.


You should be extra vigilant in Brussels at major railway stations,
on the underground, buses and trams,(generally running from 05.00
to 01.00) and particularly in the vicinity of the Schuman
area (the EU quarter) and of the Gare du Midi/Zuidstation, which
is the Eurostar terminal and the terminus for buses from
Charleroi airport.


In non-emergency cases, if you require an English speaking doctor
call the Community Help Service (02 648 40 14).


LOCAL LAWS &amp;amp; CUSTOMS


Alcohol Consumption


The legal blood alcohol level is 0.5%.


Illegal Drugs


Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in
Belgium are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail
sentences and heavy fines.


ROAD SAFETY


Belgian roads are generally in good condition and are lit at
night, including the motorway network. Traffic is fast and
Belgium’s accident rate is high mainly due to speeding. Speed
traps, cameras and unmarked vehicles are operational throughout the
country. Fines have increased dramatically (eg up to € 2,750 for
exceeding the speed limit by 40 kms/hr). Visitors to Belgium will
have to pay on the spot. Vehicles may be impounded if they are
unable to pay.


Drivers should also be aware of the ‘priority to the right’ rule:
drivers must stop for traffic joining from the right, except on
motorways, roundabouts, and roads sign-posted with an orange
diamond within a white background.


Trams have priority over other traffic. If a tram or bus stops in
the middle of the road to allow passengers off or on, you must
stop.

Do not drink and drive. Drunk drivers will be breathalysed. A blood
sample will be taken from those who refuse to be breathalysed.
Fines, depending on the degree of intoxication, range from €
1,100 to € 11,000. In certain cases driving licences will be
confiscated immediately.

Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited, and will incur a
heavy fine. The use of &quot;hands free&quot; equipment is allowed.

There is a speed restriction of 30 kms/hr in school areas, which is
valid 24 hours.


Diplomatic and Consular Missions in Belgium


Contact details for all IrishMissions (including
Honorary Consuls) inBelgium, are availablehere.
(Opens in new window)

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:22:28 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Irish Networks in Belgium]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=51873</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Irish
Club of Belgium: http://www.irishclub.be/content.php?ID=1


Irish in Europe F&#233;ile and St.Patrick’s Day
   Parade Committee: www.brussels-st-patricks-day-parade.be


GAA in Belgium: http://www.belgiumgaa.com/


Hurling and
Camogie in Belgium: http://www.hurling.be/welcome.htm


Irish Theatre
Group: http://www.irishtheatregroup.com/


FC
Irlande: http://www.fcirlande.be/portal/Default.php


Flemish-Irish Group Sangreal: http://www.sangreal.be/


Louvain
Institute for Ireland in Europe: http://www.louvaininstitute.com/


Children's GAA Club: http://www.playgaa.be/


Claddagh TOASTMASTERS Bilingual CLUB OF
BRUSSELS
M&#193;ISTR&#205; SL&#193;INT&#205; an Chladaigh – Club D&#225;theangach na Bruis&#233;ile:
http://sites.google.com/site/claddaghtoastmasters/home


]]></description>
					<pubDate>Sun, 27 Sep 2009 16:46:35 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Living & Working in Ireland]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=76206</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Practicalities of Moving to Ireland
A detailed guide can be found on the Citizens Information website.

Education in IrelandHere you
will find a description of theEducation system in Ireland and
also a series of links to information on Primary, Secondary and
Third Level Education.


Deptartment of
Education and Science

Working
in Ireland
The rights of EU nationals and non-EU nationals for working in
Ireland.


Department of
Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Health Care
in Ireland
An outline of health care services in Ireland, including public and
private health care, and health insurance.


Deptartment of
Education and Science

Useful Links for
Employment Seekers
A useful starting point for job seekers is F&#193;S - Ireland's National
Training and Employment Authority.

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:08:21 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[The Economy]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=76185</link>
					<description><![CDATA[


General Information



10 Key Facts on the Irish Economy 




Public Finances



National Development Plan



Population, Labour Force and Employment



EU Membership



Ireland and the Euro



Monetary Policy



Inward Investment



Outward Investment



Education &amp;amp; Training



Innovation and R&amp;amp;D



Corporation Tax



E-commerce and the New Economy



State-sponsored Bodies



Exports



Imports



General Government Balance



Industry



Foreign Direct Investment



Irish Enterprise Sector



Finance



Services



Industrial relations



Agricualture



Fishing



Tourism



Transport



Energy



Mining/Quarrying



Telecommunications



Newspapers



Radio &amp;amp; Television



The Irish economy has
experienced extraordinary growth over the past fifteen years.
Consolidating the progress made during the 1990s - characterised as
the “Celtic Tiger” phenomenon - it is now one of the world’s most
dynamic, open and globalised economies, with extensive external
trade and investment links. Ireland has consistently topped
the economic growth tables of the 30-member OECD (Organisation for
Economic Cooperation and Development) and has close to full
employment. GDP growth in 2007 was 5.3% and average income
per head was approximately 145% of the EU average. All
indications are that Ireland will continue to perform well in terms
of GDP growth.


Ireland’s economic success is generally attributed to its highly
educated and flexible workforce; its social partnership model,
which involves close cooperation between government, trade unions
and employers; government measures to ensure macroeconomic
stability and government policies to attract foreign investment;
and membership of the EU, which now provides a market of almost 500
million people.


Ireland has a consistent record of prudent fiscal policy with an
average Government budget surplus of 1.6% of GDP over the past ten
years. The fourth seven-year National Development Plan, which
was launched by the Government in January 2007, provides for total
capital investment of €100 billion (5.4% of GDP) and current
expenditure of €84 billion.


Over the past five years, Irish trade has grown three times faster
than total world trade, with over 80% of all manufacturing output
in Ireland sold in international markets. In an Economist
Intelligence Unit (EIU) survey from 2006, Ireland is ranked as one
of the top countries in the world in which to do business. It
has developed a strong entrepreneurial culture and has one of the
highest rates of new start-up companies in the world.


Ireland is a leading location for Information Communication
Technology (ICT), pharmaceuticals and medical devices, and Dublin
is one of the fastest growing funds management locations in the
world. Ireland is also the centre for digital media in Europe
with major multinational companies locating their European
headquarters and a range of business support activities here.


Ireland has developed as a knowledge-based economy built on
innovation and technology and shaped by the emergence of strong
technology-led and export-focused companies. The Government’s 2006
– 2013 strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation emphasises
the benefits of international collaboration and places research and
development at the heart of Ireland’s economic development. Science
Foundation Ireland (SFI) contributes to enhancing research
capabilities and skills in Irish Universities, particularly in
biotechnology, and information and communications technology.


Ireland receives the top long-term and short-term credit ratings
from all four major international credit rating agencies. These are
based, in particular, on the strong public finances; the favourable
demographic structure and future pension liabilities; a diversified
and flexible economy that has attracted sustained foreign direct
investment inflows in recent years and achieved the highest growth
rate in the EU since 1995; a low debt burden; a high degree of
fiscal flexibility, the business-friendly regulatory environment;
low taxation levels and a highly educated workforce.



Top of Page


10 Key Facts on the Irish Economy


Please click 
here (PDF 34kb) to access the PDF version of this
document.


Public Finances


There is general agreement among the main political parties on the
broad direction of economic and social policy. National
programmes involving the Government, trade unions, employers,
voluntary organisations and farming representatives acting together
as ‘social partners’ have successfully operated over many years to
bring about economic and social improvement.



Top of Page


National Development Plan


The National Development Plan 2007-2013, entitled Transforming
Ireland - A Better Quality of Life for All, was launched in January
2007. The Plan is the largest and most ambitious investment
programme ever proposed for Ireland. It builds on, and
consolidates, the achievements of the previous National Development
Plan (2000 – 2006) and provides for a total investment of €183.7
billion: €54.7 billion for investment in economic infrastructure;
€49.6 billion for social inclusion measures (children, people with
disabilities, etc.); €33.6 billion for social infrastructure
(housing, health, justice, etc.); €25.8 billion for human capital
(schools, training, higher education, etc.), and €20 billion for
enterprise, science and innovation.


National Development
Plan



Top of Page


Population, Labour Force, and Employment


Reversing decades of decline, Ireland’s population has been
steadily increasing since the 1970s, and now stands at over 4.23
million (2007). This is the highest population figure since
the census of 1861 when the population is recorded as 4.4
million. Unemployment was 4.6% in June 2007.



Top of Page


EU Membership


Ireland’s accession to the EEC in 1973 was a decisive milestone in
opening Ireland to the global economy and reducing its economic
dependence on the UK. Since accession, per capita GDP in
Ireland has increased from almost 60% of the EU average in 1973 to
well over 100% today. Since 1973, the proportion of exports
to non-UK destinations has increased from 45% to over 83% today.



Top of Page


Ireland and the Euro


The ease with which Ireland qualified for membership of the Euro in
1999 underlined the dramatic improvement in the country’s economy
and public finances. Membership of the Euro was embraced by
Ireland’s internationally oriented business community, which viewed
it as a logical step in the further integration of European markets
and as a boost to Ireland’s credibility as a location for
internationally mobile investment.



Top of Page


Monetary Policy


In May 1998, Ireland, having satisfied entry criteria covering
public finances, the exchange rate, the interest rate and
inflation, qualified as one of the first round of participants to
adopt the new EU currency. Along with 11 other EU Member States,
Ireland now participates in Economic and Monetary Union which
commenced on 1 January 1999. The Euro was introduced as the unit of
currency on 1 Jan 2002.


On 1 January 1999 the Eurosystem,
comprising the European Central Bank (ECB) and National
Central Banks (NCBs) of the EU Member States which adopted the
euro, assumed the task of formulating and implementing the single
monetary policy for the euro area. The objective of the single
monetary policy is price stability. In order to make the
appropriate interest-rate decisions to maintain price stability,
the ECB, along with all other major central banks, has a clear and
coherent conceptual framework for the policy-making process. This
is referred to as the monetary-policy strategy.



Top of Page


Inward Investment


Inward investment has been critically important to Ireland’s
economic development, providing tens of thousands of jobs,
disseminating technological know-how and expertise within the wider
economy, linking up with indigenous industry, boosting
productivity, and underpinning export growth.



Top of Page


Outward Investment


Outward investment by Irish companies has increased noticeably in
recent years, albeit from a very low historic base. This emerging
trend is consistent with the pattern observed in other economies as
they move to higher stages of economic development.



Top of Page


Education and Training


Education and Training is a vital component of Ireland’s
knowledge-based economy, and is a priority investment under the
National Development Plan. Ireland enjoys one of the best
education systems in the world, with approximately 1 million people
in full time education.



Top of Page


Innovation and R&amp;amp;D


R+D in Ireland has expanded dramatically in recent years reflecting
the Irish government’s massive injection of funding into the
sector. Leading global companies have found Ireland to be an
excellent location for knowledge-based activities. The young Irish
workforce has shown a particular aptitude for the efficient
collection, interpretation and dissemination of research
information.



Top of Page


Corporation Tax


Since 2003 Ireland’s corporate tax regime has been fixed at a rate
of 12.5%. This applies to all Irish corporate trading
profits. A rate of 25% applies to non-trading (passive)
income. Existing overseas operations, which were eligible for
a 10% rate, will retain entitlement to this rate until the end of
the year 2010.



Top of Page


E-Commerce and the New Economy


The Irish government has moved decisively to prepare Ireland for
the e-commerce age. Initiatives undertaken include the
liberalisation of the telecommunications market, a substantial
investment programme in broadband infrastructure and introduction
of the most e-commerce friendly regulatory environment in Europe.


Ireland is acknowledged to be one of the most outward looking and
open economies in the EU. It is therefore sensitive to
changes in the global economy.



Top of Page


State-Sponsored Bodies


There are about 100 State-sponsored bodies in Ireland employing
about 57,000 people. They are engaged in a wide variety of
activities including transport, energy and the promotion of
tourism, trade and industrial development.


During the 1990s the Government privatised certain sectors of the
economy including steel and telecommunications. In addition,
the Government has liberalised such sectors as air transportation
and electricity generation.


There is more information about the State-sponsorded bodies in the
Business in Ireland Section.



Top of Page


Exports


In 2007 Ireland’s exports amounted to €88.6 billion. In 2006
the principal destinations for Irish exports were: United States
18%, Great Britain 18%, Belgium 14.3%, Germany 7.5% and France 6%.
The top five categories of Irish Exports for 2006 were: medical
&amp;amp; pharmaceutical products, organic chemicals, office machines
&amp;amp; automatic data processing machines, electrical machinery,
apparatus &amp;amp; appliances &amp;amp; parts and miscellaneous
manufactured articles. In 2006, exports of services were valued at
€55 billion.



Top of Page


Imports


In 2007, Ireland’s imports were valued at €62.1 billion. The
principal sources of imports were Great Britain 30%, United States
11.3%, Germany 9%, China 8% and Netherlands 4.2%. The top
five categories of Irish Imports for 2006 were: office machines
&amp;amp; automatic data processing machines, electrical machinery,
apparatus &amp;amp; appliances &amp;amp; parts, road vehicles (include
air-cushion vehicles), miscellaneous manufactured articles and
petroleum, petroleum products &amp;amp; related materials. Imports of
services were valued at €62 billion, Irelands main services
partners were the US, Great Britain, Germany and Italy.



Top of Page


General Government Balance


The Exchequer recorded a surplus of 0.5% of GDP in 2007. The
projected budgetary position over the period 2008 - 2009 is for a
General Government budget deficit of 0.9% of GDP in 2008 and a
deficit of 1.1% of GDP in 2009. The debt-to-GDP ratio will be
maintained among the lowest in the euro area – around 28% for the
forecast period – in line with the Government’s long-term
priorities. The market value of the assets of the National
Pensions Reserve Fund is estimated to be €21 billion at end 2007, a
sum equivalent to 13% of GNP.



Top of Page


Industry


The Industrial sector has a highly skilled technological labour
pool. Within this high technology grouping, the most active sectors
currently are life sciences, medical and information technology
sectors. Many of the world’s leading companies have
subsidiaries in Ireland which perform very successfully in
comparison to those based in other EU countries.


Three agencies deal with industrial development in Ireland. Forf&#225;s
provides overall policy advice and co-ordination for enterprise
development and science, technology and innovation in Ireland.
Enterprise Ireland helps develop Irish-based enterprise with the
potential to trade internationally. IDA Ireland, has responsibility
for securing new investment in manufacturing and internationally
traded services. It also has responsibility to encourage existing
Foreign Direct Investors to expand and develop their businesses in
Ireland.


There are also a number of regional development agencies such as
Shannon Development which was set up in 1959 to promote Shannon
International Airport and &#218;dar&#225;s na Gaeltachta, which is the
regional authority responsible for the economic, social and
cultural development of the Gaeltacht (Irish speaking parts of the
country).



Top of Page


Foreign Direct Investment


Over 1000 overseas companies have established operations in
Ireland. They are a key driver of the economy employing some
135,000 people directly and many more indirectly. They
account for one quarter of GDP and over 80% of exports. The
focus of IDA Ireland is to attract foreign investment that is of
high value, requiring high skill levels and a sophisticated
business environment.


Key areas of focus are:


-
advanced manufacturing projects in the ICT,pharmaceuticals
and biopharmaceuticals, medical technologies,engineering and
consumer products sectors


- high
value internationally traded services sectors in software,
financial services, shared services and customer support activities


Shannon Development has responsibility for the Shannon Free Zone,
Ireland's largest cluster of North American investments. There are
110 companies in the free zone employing 7,500 people, with total
trade in the zone valued at €2.5 billion.



Top of Page


Irish Enterprise Sector


Enterprise Ireland client companies employ in excess of 141,091
people in Ireland (2006). Total export sales from Enterprise
Ireland clients were valued at €11,779 billion in 2006. The key
sectors in 2006 for Enterprise Ireland clients in order of exports
were Food and Retail, (€7,849 billion), Industrial and Life
Sciences, (€2,493 billion ), Software and services, (€1,437
billion). The largest export markets for Enterprise Ireland Clients
are Northern Europe (€6,740 billion), Southern Europe (€1,377
billion), America's (€1,299 billion), Germany, Central and Eastern
Europe (€849 million), Asia (€654 million), the Rest of the World
(€ 154 million).


&#218;dar&#225;s na Gaeltachta supports businesses in developing new
markets, technologies, products and strategic alliances through
research and development. Gaeltacht companies span a range of
commercial sectors, including tourism, fish processing and
aquaculture, renewable energy, food, life sciences, ICT, niche
manufacturing, audio visual and digital media, arts and crafts.
Over 12,000 people are employed in &#218;dar&#225;s na Gaeltachta client
companies.


InterTradeIreland is a North/South Implementation Body established
in 1999 pursuant to the Good Friday Agreement, promotes trade and
business on an all-island and cross-border basis, and works to
enhance the global competitiveness of the all-island economy to the
mutual benefit of Ireland and Northern Ireland.





National Development Plan




Foras &#193;iseanna
Saothair (National Training Authority)




Higher Education and
Training Awards Council




Further Education
and Training Awards Council




National Centre for
Partnership and Performance




National
Qualifications Authority of Ireland




National Standards
Authority of Ireland




Economic and Social
Research Institute




Science Foundation
Ireland




Irish Business and
Employers Confederation




Central Bank
of Ireland






Department of
Enterprise, Trade and Employment




Forf&#225;s




IDA
Ireland




Enterprise Ireland




Shannon
Development




&#218;dar&#225;s na
Gaeltachta




Intertrade Ireland






Top of Page


Finance


Dublin's International Financial Services Centre (IFSC), which was
set up by the Irish Government with EU approval in 1987, is
globally recognised as a leading location for a range of
internationally traded financial services, including banking, asset
financing, fund management, corporate treasury management,
investment management, custody and administration and specialized
insurance operations.


More than 430 international operations are approved to trade in the
IFSC, while a further 700 managed entities are approved to carry on
business under the IFSC programme. The centre is host to half
of the world's top 50 banks and to half of the top 20 insurance
companies. It is expected that the International Financial
Services Centre will continue to make a major contribution to
Ireland and the goal of policy is to ensure that we will continue
to attract new operations and provide a supportive business
environment for this important sector.





Department of
Finance




International
Financial Services Centre




Office of the
Comptroller and Auditor General




National Treasury
Management Agency





Top of Page

Services


The service sector in Ireland accounts for over half of GDP and for
65 per cent of employment. Throughout the last decade output of
services has grown strongly, largely as a result of growth in
financial services, telecommunications and tourism.



Top of Page


Industrial Relations


Over 50 per cent of the employee labour force are organised in
trade unions of which there are 50 in Ireland. The Irish Congress
of Trade Unions is the national co-ordinating body for most of
these. The Irish Business and Employers Confederation represents
the interests of employers at national level.


The Labour Relations Commission and the Labour Court are the
principal mediation bodies. Their role is to assist in the
settlement of disputes.





Department of
Enterprise, Trade and Employment




Labour Relations
Commission




Labour
Court




Equality
Authority




Irish Congress of
Trade Unions




Irish Business and
Employers Confederation






Top of Page


Agriculture


The Agri-Food industry makes a significant contribution to the
Irish economy. The combined agri-food and drink sector had
exports of over €8 billion in 2006 and accounts for almost 9% of
GDP and directly employs 166,000 people. In particular, the
industry plays a major role in the indigenous sector, with
approximately 50% of exports from Irish owned companies deriving
from agri-food and drink companies. The linkage of the
agri-food sector to the rest of the economy is exceptionally high
and, given its low import content, the sector currently contributes
in the order of 20% to net foreign earnings from merchandise
exports.


Of the total land area of approximately 7 million hectares (17
million acres), 5 million hectares (12.32 million acres) are
utilised for agricultural purposes (including forestry).
Cattle-raising and dairying are by far the most important sectors
of the agricultural industry, and livestock (mainly cattle) and
livestock products (principally milk), account for 76 per cent of
the value of gross agricultural output. The main crops are
barley, wheat, potatoes and mushrooms.





Department
of Agriculture and Food




Bord Bia




Teagasc
(Agriculture &amp;amp; Food Development Authority)




Food Safety Authority
of Ireland






Top of Page


Fishing


The Irish seafood industry provides employment for over 15,000
people. It makes a significant contribution to the economic
and social fabric of the many small communities located in mainly
rural areas or small towns and villages around the 7,500 kilometres
of our coastline.


Total Irish sales of
seafood in 2007 on the home and export markets amounted to €803
million which represents an increase of 9% on the previous
year. The main contributor to the growth in revenue was the
ongoing rapid growth of the domestic market with seafood sales to
the retail sector valued at €169 million, up by 7% on 2006 and
sales to food service valued at €213 million, an increase of
5%. The increase in sales was mainly driven by the growing
consumer awareness of the health and nutritional benefits of
seafood.


Approximately half of the increase in domestic seafood sales was
met through increased imports which grew by 16% to reach €144
million in 2006. In contrast, export sales were up by a mere
2% to reach €362.2 million. This was the result of sharply
opposite trends with pelagic fish exports (e.g. mackerel) falling
by 27% (€78.8 million) while increased exports were recorded for
all other categories, the most notable being the increase of 16% in
shellfish exports (€147 million).





Department of
Communications, Energy &amp;amp; Natural Resources




Bord Iascaigh
Mhara






Top of Page


Tourism


In 2007, overseas tourist visits to the whole island of Ireland
increased by more than 4% to 9.1 million, a new record. These
increases in visitor numbers, and the associated growth in tourist
spending, have provided the foundations on which the tourism
industry’s enhanced contribution to the national economy has been
built. Expenditure by visitors to Ireland, both North and
South, is estimated to be worth €4.5 billion in 2007. It is
estimated that the total number of people employed in the Irish
tourism and catering industry in 2007 was over 230,000. The
industry is Ireland’s biggest indigenous employer and is a major
contributor to the Irish economy. Allowing for indirect and induced
effects, tourism accounted for 3.8% of GNP in 2007.


Tourism Ireland was established under the framework of the Belfast
Agreement of Good Friday 1998 to co-ordinate the work of the two
tourist boards on the island, F&#225;ilte Ireland and the Northern
Ireland Tourist Board, who are responsible for product and
enterprise development and marketing to tourism consumers within
the island of Ireland.


Ireland’s successful tourism industry is built around the three
themes: Irish people; Irish culture and the physical beauty of the
country. The people of Ireland are recognised for being friendly,
charming and witty. They are attentive but relaxed and welcoming.
These characteristics allow our visitors to interact easily with
local people and connect with the island on a human level. Culture
on the island of Ireland reflects the character of its people and
the beauty of its landscape and historic sites. Visitors can vary
the pace of their holiday experience, from a relaxed appreciation
of the historic culture to a more active involvement in the vibrant
living culture. Ireland is also celebrated as a rich tapestry of
breathtaking landscapes and seascapes steeped in history creates a
varied experience for the visitor, all within easy reach. It is an
experience that fills the senses – an energising journey of
discovery and enrichment





Department of Arts, Sport &amp;amp; Tourism




F&#225;ilte
Ireland




Tourism
Ireland




Tourism
Information
(Domestic)






Top of Page


Transport


Coras Iompair &#201;ireann (CIE) is the national statutory public
transport service in Ireland. The CIE group of companies comprises
a holding company and three subsidiary operating companies which
provide train, bus, coach and ancillary services throughout the
country. Iarnr&#243;d &#201;ireann (Irish Rail) operates the nationwide
mainline rail services, the Dublin Area Rapid Transport (DART) and
other suburban rail services as well as rail freight services. Bus
&#201;ireann (Irish Bus) operates a comprehensive network of bus
services outside Dublin City, including expressway inter-urban
coach services; city buses in Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford;
rural bus services; and international services. Bus &#193;tha Cliath
(Dublin Bus) operates urban bus services in the greater Dublin
area. The latest addition to the country’s public transport system
came with the opening of the Luas lines in 2004. Luas is a
Light Rail Transit (LRT) system (a public transport tram system)
that operates in Dublin.


An integrated transport system for Dublin, to include seven new
Luas projects, two Metro lines, an underground station at St.
Stephen's Green integrating all services and the Western Rail
Corridor are among the investments outlined in Transport 21, the
Government's €34.4 billion transport investment plan.


There is a significant investment programme underway upgrading the
national roads system. More than €16 billion is being spent
improving the inter-urban motorway network. This is undertaken by
the National Roads Authority.


The majority of passengers visiting Ireland use one of the main
airports - Dublin, Shannon and Cork. There are also a number of
regional airports throughout the country. Dublin Airport is
Ireland's busiest airport and is also amongst the ten busiest
airports in Europe. Dublin Airport manages an average of
60,000 passengers per day, rising to 80,000 during the peak season,
and more than 600 aircrafts movements every day. The Dublin Airport
Authority is investing €2 billion in new and improved facilities in
the airport.





Department of
Transport




Irish Aviation
Authority




Commission for
Aviation Regulation




Irish
Ferries




Iarnr&#243;d
&#201;ireann




Coras Iompair
&#201;ireann




Bus &#193;tha
Cliath




Bus &#201;ireann




Dublin Airport Authority




Aer Lingus




Ryanair




National Roads
Authority




Transport
21




Dublin
Airport






Top of Page


Energy


The Government’s Energy Policy Framework for the period 2007-2020
was published in March 2007. The policy aims to deliver a
sustainable energy future for Ireland. Although Ireland faces
similar energy challenges to those being confronted worldwide, the
Irish situation is made more acute by our small energy market,
peripherality and limited indigenous fuel resources.
Sustained economic growth and population growth also add to the
challenges for Irish energy policy. There are however major
opportunities to be realised in harnessing the full potential of
Ireland’s renewable and bioenergy resources.


The National Development Plan 2007-2013 will see some €8.5billion
in investment in energy, funded in part by the Exchequer, by the
Semi-State Energy Bodies and from other non-public sources.


While Ireland is totally dependent on imports for its oil supply,
the proportion of primary energy derived from oil has been reduced
significantly in the last decade in line with EU policy.


Ireland has a largely stand-alone electricity grid. An
electricity interconnector with Northern Ireland was
re-commissioned in 1995 and is used to optimise peak demand
management. Electricity demand has continued to rise,
however, and a major task for the electricity industry is to
increase generation resources in line with electricity demand.


There has been close cooperation with Northern Ireland on energy
issues over the past few years. A key outcome was the joint
publication of the All-island Energy Market Development Framework
in November 2004. The Framework sets out the commitment of
both Governments to achieving a single energy market.


The Electricity Supply Board (ESB) is the State-owned generator and
distributor of electricity. From 2000, under an EU Directive,
the electricity market is open to competition. The Commission
for Electricity Regulation, established in 1999, licences the
generation and supply of electricity.


Natural gas from Irish offshore fields is making an important
contribution towards energy requirements. Bord G&#225;is &#201;ireann (the
Gas Supply Board) is a State-owned company responsible for the
supply, transmission and distribution of natural gas. It
operates transmission lines bringing gas from Kinsale Head, off the
coast of Cork, and from the North Sea gas fields through a sub-sea
interconnector pipeline. Among new pipelines being added is a
major east/west gas pipeline to Galway.


Peat development in Ireland is undertaken by a State enterprise,
B&#243;rd na M&#243;na (Peat Development Board), which has been a world
leader in exploitation techniques. Ireland has one of the world’s
highest levels of peat output.



Top of Page


Mining and Quarrying


Ireland is a leading producer of zinc and lead. There are three
underground mines, Navan, Co. Meath, Lisheen, Co. Tipperary, and
Galmoy, Co. Kilkenny.


The three mines together account for approximately 40% of Western
European zinc metal, and 30% of its lead, all of which is exported
as concentrates. Ireland is also a significant producer of gypsum,
from an open-cast mine at Knocknacran, Co. Monaghan. The gypsum is
used in Ireland’s building industry, with some being exported.


The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources is
responsible for policy and regulation of mineral exploration and
mining. The Department is also charged with promotion of
exploration and development of Ireland’s minerals. On a day-to-day
basis, these responsibilities are dealt with by the Department’s
Exploration and Mining Division (EMD). EMD maintain two websites,
one of which is aimed at industry (www.minex.ie) and the other is for the
general public (www.emd.ie).


Ireland also has a significant quarrying industry, producing sand,
gravel and aggregate for the construction sector, and ground
limestone for agriculture. Quarrying is regulated by local
authorities.



Top of Page


Telecommunications


The Communications Regulator (ComReg) is the statutory body
responsible for the regulation of the electronic communications
sector (telecommunications, radio communications and broadcasting
transmission) and the postal sector.


Electronic communications in Ireland are among the most advanced
and sophisticated in Europe. Major providers of telecommunications
services include Eircom, BT, Vodafone, O2, Meteor and 3 Ireland.
Eircom, the principal provider of fixed line telecommunication
services was formerly a State-owned company, Telecom &#201;ireann. In
line with EU policy the telecommunications market in Ireland was
fully liberalised in 1998 and Telecom &#201;ireann was privatised in
1999. The organisation which manages the roll out of broadband on
behalf of the State in Ireland’s regional towns and cities is
E-Net. There is also a State-run telecommunications network, HEAnet
dedicated to linking the third level
institutions.


The Irish Government, by a combination of imaginative legislation,
high-quality infrastructure and favourable tax treatment, is
promoting Ireland as an e-commerce hub. The Electronic
Commerce Act, which came into force in 2000, signalled a flexible
approach to regulation and created equivalence in law between
electronic documents, contracts, signatures and seals and their
paper-based equivalents.


Ireland has major international fibre-optic connectivity. As
part of its policy of regionalisation, the Government has spent €65
million providing high speed broadband connectivity to 26 principal
towns around the country. A further 90+ towns are currently being
prepared for phase two of this project.


The Government is also supportive of the creation of a North/South
digital corridor and the provision of satellite-based broadband
services aimed at remote areas of the country. There is also a
commitment to ensure that every primary and secondary school
in the country will have broadband connectivity.





Department of
Communications, Energy and Natural Resources




Electricity Supply
Board




Bord G&#225;is




Bord na M&#243;na




Sustainable
Energy Ireland




Commission for Energy
Regulation




Commission for
Communications Regulations




E-Net




HEAnet






Top of Page


Newspapers


Newspapers have been published in Ireland for over 300 years. The
main morning daily broadsheet papers are The Irish Independent, The
Irish Times and The Irish Examiner. There are also two
evening newspapers, The Evening Herald and The Evening Echo and six
Sunday newspapers, The Sunday Tribune, The Sunday Independent, The
Sunday World, The Sunday Business Post, Irish Daily Mail on Sunday
and The Star on Sunday. There are two Irish language weekly
newspapers: L&#225; and Foinse.


There are also about 60 local newspapers usually published weekly
and a wide variety of magazines dealing with current affairs,
economic issues and leisure interests. British newspapers and
magazines circulate widely in Ireland and some titles publish
separate Irish editions.


In 2007 the Press Council of Ireland was established by the
Industry itself and in the same year the Government established the
Office of Press Ombudsman. Their main objectives are:


- to provide the public with an independent forum for resolving
complaints against the press;


- to resolve all complaints quickly, amicably and free of charge;


- to maintain the high standards of Irish journalism and
journalistic ethics;


- to defend the freedom of the press and the freedom of the public
to be informed.





The Irish
Times




Irish
Independent




Irish
Examiner




Sunday Business
Post




The Sunday
Times




Sunday
Independent




The Sunday
Tribune




Evening Echo




Foinse




Press Council
of Ireland (and Press Ombudsman)






Top of Page


Radio and Television


The National radio and television service is operated by Radio
Telef&#237;s &#201;ireann (RT&#201;), the public broadcasting company which
transmits on two television and five radio channels. RT&#201; derives
its revenue from licence fees and the sale of advertising time. In
addition to the wide availability of British radio and television
programming, satellite broadcasts are achieving an increasing
audience.


Irish speakers are served by a dedicated radio channel, Radio na
Gaeltachta (operated by RT&#201;) and by TG4, an independent Irish
language television channel.


The Radio and Television Act 1988 established the Broadcasting
Commission of Ireland (formally the Independent Radio and
Television Commission), which has responsibility for licensing and
overseeing the operation of independent radio and television
broadcasting. In recent years, quite a number of independent
regional radio stations and community radio initiatives have
emerged all over the country and have gained a substantial
audience. There are two national independent radio stations,
Today FM and Newstalk, and a national independent commercial
television station, TV3. Both Today FM and TV3 were launched in
1998. Newstalk was launched nationally in September 2006.





Radio Teilif&#237;s
&#201;ireann




TG4




TV3




Today FM




2 FM




Radio 1




Newstalk




Broadcasting
Commission of Ireland (BCI)






Top of Page

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 2009 11:09:47 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Irish Citizens Travelling to USA]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=37115</link>
					<description><![CDATA[


Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)



Passport Requirements




Changes to Visa Waiver Program (VWP) - Emergency/Temporary
Passports




Electronic System for Travel
Authorization (ESTA)


ESTA is an electronic registration system requiring travellers who
are part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) to register in advance of
travelling to the USA. Mandatory registrationhas come into
force since 12 January 2009.


Visa Waiver travellers should register through the Department of
Homeland Security website at the following address: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov.


Registration is free and may be done by third
parties e.g. travel agencies. Sites requesting payment for
registration should not be used.


ESTA applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel, and
once approved, generally will be valid for up to two years or until
the applicant's passport expires, whichever comes first.
Authorisations will be valid for multiple entries into the U.S. The
Department of Homeland Security recommends that ESTA applications
be submitted at least 72 hours in advance of travel.


An applicant who does not receive authorisation to travel will need
to go to their nearest U.S. Diplomatic or Consular Mission and
apply for a visa.


An ESTA approval does not determine admissibility into the United
States. The final decision for entry to the United States rests
with US immigration authorities at the port of entry.


The ESTA programme does not apply to Irish citizens who are holders
of a visa for the United States.


For more information on ESTA, please visit http://www.cbp.gov/ESTA


Passport Requirements
 

Since 16 June 2005 persons traveling to the United States have been
required to present a machine readable passport to avail of the
U.S. Visa Waiver Programme. Otherwise they must obtain a visa, in
advance, from their nearest U.S. Diplomatic or Consular Mission.


Ireland is one of the countries that can avail of visa waiver
status and has been issuing machine readable passports since 1993.





A machine readable passport has two lines of text in the form
of letters, numbers and chevrons (&amp;lt;&amp;lt;&amp;lt;) at the bottom of
the personal information page.


New passports issued by Visa Waiver Program countries after 25
October 2006 must be ePassports, which include an integrated
computer chip capable of storing biographic information from the
data page, as well as other biometric information, such as the
required digital photograph of the holder. Ireland commenced
issuing ePassports on 16 October, 2006.





You can identify an ePassport by the logo at the bottom
of the cover





Machine readable passports issued before 16 October 2006 are
still valid for travel to the US until their date of expiry.


Changes to Visa Waiver Program (VWP) Travel for Bearers of
Emergency/Temporary Passports


Ending the E-Passport Exemption


Passports issued by the Passport Office or by our Missions abroad
in emergency situations are not ePassports. Since the introduction
of the ePassport in 2006 requirement it has been possible for Irish
citizens to enter the United States under the Visa Waiver Program
using one of these Passports. However, From July 1, 2009 the US
authorities will only permit entry to their territory on an
emergency passport if the traveller has been issued with a
Visa.


Irish Emergency Passport






You can recognise an Irish emergency Passport as it has a green
cover and contains only 8 pages. It is machine readable and has a
digital photograph.


Further information on entry requirements for the US can be found
at http://dublin.usembassy.gov/emergency_temp_ppts.html

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Tue, 11 Aug 2009 09:17:25 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Ireland in Brief]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=76172</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
The attached booklet, entitled 
Ireland in Brief, provides a general overview of Ireland's
political, economic and cultural life. While it is not
possible to include every aspect of life in Ireland in this short
publication, we hope that you will discover a little about Ireland
and its people.

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Wed, 05 Aug 2009 02:49:05 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Ireland in Brief]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=76213</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
The attached booklet, entitled 
Ireland in Brief, provides a general overview of Ireland's
political, economic and cultural life. While it is not
possible to include every aspect of life in Ireland in this short
publication, we hope that you will discover a little about Ireland
and its people.

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Wed, 05 Aug 2009 02:49:05 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
		
	</channel>
</rss>
