
<rss version="2.0">
	<channel>
		<title>English</title>
		<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=35624</link>
		<description></description>
		<language>en</language>
		<pubDate>Sun, 05 Sep 2010 14:19:24 UTC</pubDate>
		
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Travel Advice]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=35698</link>
					<description><![CDATA[

Commencing July 1st 2009, nationals or citizens of VWP
(Visa Waiver Programme) countries will not be permitted to enter
the United States under the VWP using emergency and temporary
passports issued after 26 October 2006, unless those passports have
an integrated computer chip holding the same information printed on
the passport bio-page (“e-passport”).



Irish Emergency Passports do not have an integrated
computer chip and therefore can only be used for entry to the
United States if the traveller has been issued with a
Visa.



ENTRY REQUIREMENTS



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 registration has 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.


The Department of Homeland Security has announced that from
8th September 2010, travellers from Visa Waiver Program
countries are required to pay a fee when applying for an Electronic
System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). The fee is $14.


Registration may be done by third parties e.g. travel
agencies.



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



Visa free travel to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program
(VWP).



Since 26 October 2004, all Irish passport holders visiting the
United States require an individual 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.



AUnder the U.S. Visa Waiver Programme, passport holders from 27
countries, including Ireland, may enter the U.S. without a visa for
tourism or business purposes for a maximum period of 90 days.



A machine readable passport is a passport in which the holder's
details have been printed on the datapage which also contains the
holder's photograph. A passport where the holder's details have
been handwritten is not a machine readable passport.



Children, including infants, who are endorsed on a parent's
passport must have an individual machine readable passport or else
obtain a visa in the parent's passport.



Passport Validity



In most cases, to enter the US, you must have a passport that is
valid for at least six months after the date you enter. However,
Ireland has an agreement with the US that allows you to enter on a
current passport up to the actual date of expiration. An Irish
passport need remain valid only for the duration of the holder's
stay in the United States.



However, if you are traveling visa-free on the Visa Waiver Program
(VWP) and your passport is valid for less than 90 days, you will be
admitted only until the date on which the passport expires. If the
passport is not valid for the duration of your stay, you will be
required to apply for a new passport from your nearest Irish
Embassy or Consulate while in the U.S.



Further details on entry requirements are available on the
U.S. Embassy website.


Those travelling on J1 visas may wish to
check the Travel Advice for J1 Students.



TRAVEL INSURANCE



The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends that
comprehensive travel insurance, including medical insurance, is
obtained before travelling to the United States of America (USA),
as the cost of medical care in the USA can be very high.
Travellers should note that the Irish government does not provide
funds for emergency medical repatriation or for repatriation of
remains.



SAFETY &amp;amp; SECURITY



The US Government remains concerned about continued threats. Since
the terrorist attacks on 11 September 2001, the US government has
issued a number of warnings of potential further terrorist attacks
in the US. The US domestic threat level stands at &quot;elevated&quot;
(yellow). The US Government is maintaining heightened security,
especially at airports. You should continue to expect stringent
security checks at airports, transport stations and other public
buildings.



CLIMATE



The hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November, and
can affect the whole of the southern USA. Please check the National
Hurricane Centre website for more details.


The Federal Emergency Management Agency's
(FEMA) website also contains information about how to prepare for
extreme weather conditions and what to do if you are told to
evacuate. It also provides a useful list of disaster supplies that
will help if you live in an area affected by storms and hurricanes.



INFLUENZA A/H1N1 - HUMAN SWINE 'FLU


Full details, current advice and comprehensive information is
available from the US Department of Health and Human Services'
dedicated Influenza website at www.flu.gov



Irish citizens, visiting and residing in the United States, are
advised to follow the advice of the US Centre for Disease Control
available at http://www.cdc.gov/



DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR MISSIONS IN THE USA


The Irish Embassy in Washington DC and the
Irish Consulates in New York, Boston, Chicago and San Francisco
offer consular assistance to Irish citizens. Contact details for all
Irish Missions in USA are available here. (Opens in new window)

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:22:17 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Travel Advice]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=35698</link>
					<description><![CDATA[

Commencing July 1st 2009, nationals or citizens of VWP
(Visa Waiver Programme) countries will not be permitted to enter
the United States under the VWP using emergency and temporary
passports issued after 26 October 2006, unless those passports have
an integrated computer chip holding the same information printed on
the passport bio-page (“e-passport”).



Irish Emergency Passports do not have an integrated
computer chip and therefore can only be used for entry to the
United States if the traveller has been issued with a
Visa.



ENTRY REQUIREMENTS



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 registration has 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.


The Department of Homeland Security has announced that from
8th September 2010, travellers from Visa Waiver Program
countries are required to pay a fee when applying for an Electronic
System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). The fee is $14.


Registration may be done by third parties e.g. travel
agencies.



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



Visa free travel to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program
(VWP).



Since 26 October 2004, all Irish passport holders visiting the
United States require an individual 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.



AUnder the U.S. Visa Waiver Programme, passport holders from 27
countries, including Ireland, may enter the U.S. without a visa for
tourism or business purposes for a maximum period of 90 days.



A machine readable passport is a passport in which the holder's
details have been printed on the datapage which also contains the
holder's photograph. A passport where the holder's details have
been handwritten is not a machine readable passport.



Children, including infants, who are endorsed on a parent's
passport must have an individual machine readable passport or else
obtain a visa in the parent's passport.



Passport Validity



In most cases, to enter the US, you must have a passport that is
valid for at least six months after the date you enter. However,
Ireland has an agreement with the US that allows you to enter on a
current passport up to the actual date of expiration. An Irish
passport need remain valid only for the duration of the holder's
stay in the United States.



However, if you are traveling visa-free on the Visa Waiver Program
(VWP) and your passport is valid for less than 90 days, you will be
admitted only until the date on which the passport expires. If the
passport is not valid for the duration of your stay, you will be
required to apply for a new passport from your nearest Irish
Embassy or Consulate while in the U.S.



Further details on entry requirements are available on the
U.S. Embassy website.


Those travelling on J1 visas may wish to
check the Travel Advice for J1 Students.



TRAVEL INSURANCE



The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends that
comprehensive travel insurance, including medical insurance, is
obtained before travelling to the United States of America (USA),
as the cost of medical care in the USA can be very high.
Travellers should note that the Irish government does not provide
funds for emergency medical repatriation or for repatriation of
remains.



SAFETY &amp;amp; SECURITY



The US Government remains concerned about continued threats. Since
the terrorist attacks on 11 September 2001, the US government has
issued a number of warnings of potential further terrorist attacks
in the US. The US domestic threat level stands at &quot;elevated&quot;
(yellow). The US Government is maintaining heightened security,
especially at airports. You should continue to expect stringent
security checks at airports, transport stations and other public
buildings.



CLIMATE



The hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November, and
can affect the whole of the southern USA. Please check the National
Hurricane Centre website for more details.


The Federal Emergency Management Agency's
(FEMA) website also contains information about how to prepare for
extreme weather conditions and what to do if you are told to
evacuate. It also provides a useful list of disaster supplies that
will help if you live in an area affected by storms and hurricanes.



INFLUENZA A/H1N1 - HUMAN SWINE 'FLU


Full details, current advice and comprehensive information is
available from the US Department of Health and Human Services'
dedicated Influenza website at www.flu.gov



Irish citizens, visiting and residing in the United States, are
advised to follow the advice of the US Centre for Disease Control
available at http://www.cdc.gov/



DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR MISSIONS IN THE USA


The Irish Embassy in Washington DC and the
Irish Consulates in New York, Boston, Chicago and San Francisco
offer consular assistance to Irish citizens. Contact details for all
Irish Missions in USA are available here. (Opens in new window)

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:22:17 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Citizenship through Descent]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=37090</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Download Guidelines &amp;amp; Application form for Citizenship Through
Descent here


Information on obtaining certified copies of Irish
certificatesGuide to applying for Irish citizenship through
   descent
Form FB1A, for applicants 18 years &amp;amp;
      olderForm FB1B, For applicants less than 18
   years
Minor Consent Form - To be completed by
   applicants less than 18 years in addition to Form
   FB1B

Form 1 - To be completed by all
applicants



]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 09 Aug 2010 08:40:40 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Types of Visa]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=35654</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[Application Forms]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=35637</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Making an Application


To obtain an Irish Passport, you must be an Irish citizen. The
documentary evidence required to establish Irish Citizenship is
outlined on the passport application form.


All applications must be made on an original application
form (APS2E)*, with the appropriate supporting documents. If
you want us to send you an application form, please phone or email
the Consulate -provide your full name and street mailing address
and specify the number of applications you are requesting.. When
you receive your application form, please read the Notes and each
section carefully before completing it. Application forms
which are not properly completed cannot be processed and this will
cause delay. (See also the notes with the passport application
form)

The APS2E form isavailable below for VIEWING PURPOSED
ONLY.


*Please note that the application form is also available in Irish
(APS2G).


Who can act as a witness?


The person who witnesses your signature and confirms your identity
must, without exception, be a member of one of the following
professions and must not be related to you. Retired witnesses are
not acceptable:


Police Officer
Member of the Clergy
School Principal/Vice Principal (the director of a cr&#232;che is
not an accepted witness)
Judge/Magistrate
Practicing Lawyer
Accountant
Medical Doctor
Bank Manager/Assistant Bank Manager
Elected Public Representative (an administrative officer of a
town-hall is not an accepted witness)
Notary Public


The witness must be resident in the State you reside in..


In the case of passport applications for minors, each parent must
sign in the presence of an accepted witness.


Processing Time


All passports are processed in Dublin. The current processing time
is approximately6 - 8weeks, providing all documentation
has been supplied and is in order. If a passport is required more
urgently, please contact the Consulate and ensure that you
enclose a letter to this effect with your completed passport
application. Please enclose evidence to support your request,
e.g. copy of flight tickets.


Proof of Citizenship


Any ONE of the below is considered proof of Irish citizenship:



Your most recent Irish Passport


Your original Long Form Irish Birth Certificate (if passport has
been lost/stolen or if this is your first application for an Irish
passport). This must be submitted for all
applications for a child (under 18), even if the child held a
previous Irish passport.


Your own original Birth Certificate and the long-form Birth
Certificate of your Irish-born parent and your parents' State
Marriage Certificate if applicable, e.g. if your mother was born in
Ireland and subsequently changed her name through marriage


Your original Certificate of Naturalisation for Ireland and your
own original Birth Certificate


Your original Certificate of Foreign Births Registration for
Ireland and your own original Birth Certificate


Your original Certificate of Post-Nuptial Irish Citizenship and
your own original Birth Certificate



Checklist


Before you send in your application, please check to make sure that
you have all the correct documentation:



Completed, signed and witnessed application form (APS2E)


Two passport photos, one of which is signed by the witness who
should also enter the form number


The correct fee. Checks should be made out to the Consulate
of Ireland. Please do not send cash through the mail.


Your most recent Irish passport or proof of Irish citizenship


If you do not have your most recent Irish passport, you must
include a police report confirming that your most recent passport
was lost/stolen and a copy of your current ID e.g. US passport or
driver's licence.


If the passport application is for a person under 18, the original
long-form birth certificate must be submitted with every
application, even for a renewal of a previous passport. A copy of
ID for the child must also be submitted, e.g. US passport or social
security card.



Do I hold a machine readable passport?


A machine-readable passport is a passport with two typeface lines
printed at the bottom of the biographical page, which can be read
by machine. Look at the bottom of your Irish passport [the photo
page] for two lines that are typeface lines. These lines have
letters, numbers and hatch marks. The two lines at the bottom of a
machine-readable passport, for example, would look like the
following:

When read, these lines electronically provide identical information
to that provided on the biographical page. (The biographical page
is the page on your passport that illustrates your photograph and
carries information about your name, date of birth, address,
nationality, etc.).

If the details in your passport have been entered manually, you
hold a hand-written passport. If you are in any doubt as to whether
or not your passport is machine-readable, please contact the
Consulate.

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Fri, 04 Jun 2010 16:45:13 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[About the Consulate General of Ireland, San Francisco]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=35626</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Opening Hours


The Consulate of Ireland inSan Francisco is open to the
public Monday toWednesday from10:00am to 12:00pm and
Thursday and Friday from10:00am to 12:00pm and
from2:00pm – 3:30pm Pacific Standard Time.


The Consulate of Ireland in San Francisco provides assistance to
Irish citizens in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii,
Guam &amp;amp; The Marianas, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada,
Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.


Diplomatic Staff



Consul General: Mr Gerry Staunton
Vice Consul: Mr Barry O'Brien

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Tue, 18 May 2010 21:48:17 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Authentication of Documents]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=35659</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[Who needs a Visa?]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=35657</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[Applications in San Francisco]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=35653</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Visa applications should be made to the Irish Embassy or
Consulatein or accredited to the country in which you
normally reside. The Consulate of Ireland San Francisco
accepts applications from individuals legally resident in the
following states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii,
Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington,
Wyoming, and The Marianas.


Important: Apply for your visa well in advance and allow
2-4 weeks for your application tobe
processed once documentation is all in
order.


To find out the status of your visa application or any
general visa enquires regarding visas for Ireland please call
1-900-776-5000 or 1-800-735-5888 to pay for your call via credit
card. This service is operated by
ABTRAN. Calls cost $2.90 per minute at all
times. Lines are open from Monday to Friday
6:30am-3:00pm.


This service enables visa section staff to concentrate fully on
processing visa applications as quickly as possible.


You can also visit the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service website
for general details or the Embassy of
Ireland Washington DC website for further information.


If you have a complaint regarding this service, please email
details for follow up.


If there is no Irish Embassy or Consulate in your country of
permanent residence or home State, you may make the application at
your nearest Irish Embassy or Consulate or direct to:


The Visa Section
Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform
13/14 Burgh Quay
Dublin 2


If my application has been turned down, how do I appeal the
decision?


Appeals cannot be made via the
Consulate.


All appeals must be made in writing to the Department of Justice,
Equality and Law Reform. E-mails or faxed appeals cannot be
accepted. Appeals should be sent by post to:


Visa Appeals Officer
Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform
13-14 Burgh Quay
Dublin 2.

Please note that the Visa Office in the Consulate of Ireland San
Francisco cannot reverse a decision made by the Department of
Justice, Equality and Law Reform.


Visa application forms


Please click on Application Form on left hand side
menu to download the visa application form.


Please also read relevant guidelines for the type of visa you
require below.


Visa Guidelines


Tourist Visa Guidelines


Transit Visa Guidelines


Family reunification for workers





]]></description>
					<pubDate>Sat, 13 Feb 2010 00:08:24 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Work Holiday Authorization]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=82267</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
STUDENT WORK AND TRAVEL PROGRAMME


On 24 September 2008, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Miche&#225;l
Martin T.D., signed a major new agreement with the US Government
that will enableIrish and US citizens to work and travel in each
other countries for up to 12 months. The agreement reflects not
only the close historical and cultural links between Ireland and
the United States of America, but also the vibrancy of the modern
economic and commercial relationship between our countries.


In order to qualify for the programme participants should be either
in postsecondary education or have recently graduated (i.e. within
12 months).


This new programme will not effect the operation of the highly
successful Student Work and Travel programme which permits students
from the US and Ireland to work and travel for several months every
summer. This J1 programme will continue to exist as a separate,
more limited programme.


HOW TO APPLY?


1. U.S. Citizens:


US citizens wishing to travel to Ireland under the terms of the
agreement should make an application for a US Working Holiday
Authorisation at the Embassy of Ireland in Washington D.C. or the
Consulates General of Ireland in Boston, Chicago, New York and San
Francisco.


A completed and signed application form should be presented
at the Embassy of Ireland in Washington D.C., or at you nearest
Irish Consulates General in Boston, Chicago, New York or San
Francisco, together with:



A current United States passport showing twelve months validity
after theintendeddate ofentry to Ireland.


2 recent identical passport photographs with your name on the
reverse.


Current curriculum vitae (with at least two references).


Original bank statement showing that you have access to €1,500
($2,000) plus a return
ticket;OR
Original bank statement showing that you have accessto
€3,000($4,000).


Originals of any qualifications
obtainedORA
letter from school/college/university (whereapplicable).


The relevant fee of $381, payable by cashier’s check or money order
only.



Please note that fees may be made payable to the Consulate of
Ireland. We do not accept personal cheques or credit
cards.


Once the Embassy or Consulate General is satisfied with the
documentation above, the application will be approved in principle
and the applicant notified. The Working Holiday Authorisation
will be issued on submission by the applicant of:



Purchased return airline tickets (i.e. roundtrip).


Certificate of medical/travel insurance valid for the duration of
the trip (based on dates on tickets).


Valid United States passport that is valid for the entirety of the
trip to Ireland(i.e. for a fullyear after their
ticketed date of entry).



Once in Ireland, US participants in the programme will need to
register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB). A
registration fee of Euro €150 will be applicable.


NOTE: Section
9 of the Immigration Act 2004 sets out the legal requirement
for non-EEA nationals to register in Ireland when staying for more
than 3 months. This means that you are obliged to
register with your local immigration registration officer
(GNIB) following your arrival in Ireland. Registering with
immigration officials means appearing in person before the Garda
National Immigration Bureau (if you are in Dublin) or the District
Headquarters in other Garda Districts.


2. Irish Citizens:


Irish citizens wishing to travel to the US should consult the
website of the US


Embassy in Dublin for detailed information http://dublin.usembassy.gov/ .


The US government has in place a two step application process for
this scheme.


Applicants must first apply to an authorised sponsoring
organisation to be issued with a form DS-2019, and once that
document has been issued they should apply to the US Embassy for
the relevant visa. A full list of the authorised sponsoring
organisations is available on the website of the US Embassy.


Some sponsoring organisations will specifically focus on the Irish
scheme, such as the Boston Irish Immigrant Centre - www.iicenter.org. In
order to assist Irish citizens interested in participating in this
scheme links to other organisations focussing specifically on the
Irish scheme will be added here as and when details are confirmed.


Irish citizens wishing to travel to the US should contact an
appropriate sponsoring organisation or the US Embassy in Dublin
directly for further information about this scheme.


___________________________________________________________________________


Please see the Related Documents below for the WHA Application
Form.

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Tue, 09 Feb 2010 23:24:38 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Visa Fees]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=35656</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
From February 2010 standard non-refundable Visa Application
Processing Fees apply as follows:


Type of Visa:
 Visa
Fee






Single entry




$109






Multiple entry




$167






Transit




$58







Please note that the Consulate accepts money orders or cashier’s
checks made payable to the Consulate of Ireland. The
Consulate does not accept personal checks or credit cards.


Some applicants are not required to pay a fee. This includes
Visa required spouses and certain family members of EEA citizens
(including Irish nationals). Proof of the relationship must
be provided with the application.


In addition, applicants from some countries are not required to pay
a fee. As this changes from time to time current information
should be sought from the Consulate.

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Tue, 09 Feb 2010 23:23:04 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Passport Fees]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=35646</link>
					<description><![CDATA[       



Type


Applicability



Fee





Standard 10 Year



Applicable only to those aged 18-64 inclusive



$136




Large 10 Year


Available on request to very frequent travellers


$181




Standard 10 Year


Availableto persons aged 65 and over


Free gratis




Standard 3 Year


Issued to children under 3 years


$42




Standard 5 Year


Applicable to youths aged between 3-17 years inclusive


$58




Emergency Travel Certificate


Only intended for people who have lost their passport, or who have
had their passport stolen, and must urgently travel to Ireland


$42





]]></description>
					<pubDate>Tue, 09 Feb 2010 23:14:16 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Consulate Closure Dates]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=35630</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
In 2010, the Consulate will be closed on the following dates:


Friday, 1 January
Monday, 15 February
Wednesday, 17 March
Friday,2 April
Monday,5 April
Monday,31 May
Monday,5 July
Monday,6 September
Monday, 11 October
Thursday, 25 November
Friday, 26 November
Monday, 27 December
Tuesday, 28 December


If you are in need of emergency assistance, please contact the
Consulate at +1-415-823-7150 and leave a message. The
messages are monitored regularly, and the Duty Officer will contact
you as soon as possible. Alternatively, you may contact the
Duty Officer at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin at
+353-1-408-2000.

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:06:22 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Living & Working in Ireland]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=79055</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=79044</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=35642</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=79038</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=79058</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[Useful Links]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=37362</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Irish
Connect

Tourism
Ireland

Industrial
Development
Authority

Enterprise
Ireland

Invest
Northern
Ireland

Irish Dairy
Board

Irish Cultural
Center, Phoenix, Arizona


J1 Students, please see the Summer 2009 Guide found at the bottom
of this page.

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 23 Jul 2009 19:08:42 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Contact Us]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=35628</link>
					<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 16 Jul 2009 19:30:11 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
		
	</channel>
</rss>
