
<rss version="2.0">
	<channel>
		<title>English</title>
		<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=33166</link>
		<description></description>
		<language>en</language>
		<pubDate>Wed, 08 Sep 2010 08:09:10 UTC</pubDate>
		
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Types of Visa]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=33196</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[Recent Events]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=83496</link>
					<description><![CDATA[    
The Embassy of Ireland





in association with





the Warsaw University Library


is pleased to invite you to a





Bloomsday Celebration





Wednesday 16 June, 2010


14:00





Venue: Warsaw University Library, ul. Dobra 56/66


Room256 (second floor)





Bloomsday, June 16th, is held in celebration of James Joyce’s most
famous novel &quot;Ulysses&quot;, all the action of which occurs on that day.


Bloomsday is named after one of the main characters, Leopold Bloom.





Programme:





Walking in the old Dublin of 1904 -a show of slides and
commentary by Piotr Paziński, Polish Joycean expert





Bloom, (2003)the filmbased
on the novel (in English)





Lecture inPolish with translation into English


Film in English





Admission free


All enquiries to the Embassy of Ireland


022 849 66 33


_____________________________________________





An Evening Of Irish Traditional Music


(Event cancelledbecauseash cloud prevented travel
from Ireland. Hopefully to be rescheduled in Autumn 2010)


The Embassy of Ireland


in association with


the State Museum of Ethnography in Warsaw


and


the Cultural Division of the University of Warsaw


is pleased to invite you to a special free public concert


An Evening of Irish Traditional Music


Uileann Pipes, Irish Flute &amp;amp; Fiddle


by


Mary Mitchell-Ingoldsby (uileann pipes)


and


Aoife Granville (Irish flute, fiddle)





18:00, Wednesday 5 May, 2010


Venue: State Museum of Ethnography, Warsaw


ul. Kredytowa 1


Mary Mitchell-Ingoldsby and Aoife Granville, two experienced
musicians and traditional Irish music scholars from University
College Cork in Ireland, play in Poland for the first time, perform
a range of traditional pieces and giving a short talk on Ireland's
rich musical history and on their own specific instruments.
Introductory remarks by Polish musicologist Dr Tomasz Nowak.


A second concert will take place in the Catholic University of
Lublin on Thursday, 6 May.





All enquiries to the Embassy of Ireland 022 849 66 33











The Dunboyne Consort Choir


The Embassy of Ireland


is pleased to invite you to two performances in Warsaw by


Irish choral group


the Dunboyne Consort


The group will sing a wide variety of choral works,
from the Church music


of Mozart and Handel to Irish folksongs and Renaissance madrigals


19:00 Friday 30 April, 2010


Holy Cross Church, ul. Krakowskie Przedmiescie 3


&amp;amp;


19:30 Saturday 1 May 2010


Chapel of the Mercy of God Church (Kości&#243;ł Miłosierdzia Bozego),
ul. Ateńska 12


Both events are open to the public and admission is
free.





All enquiries to the Embassy of Ireland


022 849 66 33


The Dunboyne Consort hails from the village of Dunboyne,
20 kilometres north-west of Dublin and was founded over thirty
years ago.


The group is largely made up of singers from the locality and
performs a range of


choral works with a considerable emphasis on Irish folksongs
and


Renaissance madrigals, along with some Church music and general
choral pieces.


They perform a couple of times a year locally,


and frequently travel abroad to participate in music
festivals.


On this, their first visit to Poland, the Consort will
have


the pleasure to perform with two Polish groups, the Polonia and
Epifania choirs








The Embassy of Ireland


is pleased to invite you to a public lecture by


Dr
Ruan O’Donnell


(Head of History Department, University of Limerick)



 Irish
and Polish revolutionaryliberation movements





in
Europe and the USA



from Napoleon toPilsudski andDmowski, Collins and
Pearse



Connections and Crosscurrents


Venue: Institute of History, Faculty of History, University
of Warsaw,


Krakowskie Przedmiescie 26/28


Room A, Second Floor


Thursday, 15 April 2010, 3pm


Lecture
is in English - Admission Free


Directions: Enter by main university gate on Krakowskie
Przedmiescie. Walk towards red building, but then turn first
right. Enter door immediately to right. If unable to locate,
ring 692 495 692.

Other enquiries: ring 022- 849 66 33














Ireland's cuisine and culture will be the subject of popular
Polish TV programme MAKŁOWICZ W PODR&#211;Ż (Maklowicz On Tour)
in fourhalf-hour programmes which are to be broadcast on TVP2
shortly.


The Maklowicz on Tour programme features the learned and
entertaining Polish chef and culture enthusiast Robert Maklowicz
visiting various countries worldwide and exploring local cuisine,
history and culture.


It has a weekly audience in Poland of about two million viewers and
has broadcast episodes on about 40 countries, since launch in
1998.This is the first time that Ireland is the subject of
the programme.


The programmes are also rebroadcast on Polonia TV, for Polish
living abroad.


Dates of broadcast


Sunday March 28, featuring Dublin city, 11.20am


Easter Sunday 4 April featuring Dublin and environs and
focussing on Irish Easter traditions, 9.20am


Sunday 11 April - featuring Cork and wider region, 11.20am


Sunday 18 April - featuring Galway and Connemara region
11.20am


(Scheduled broadcast timesmay besubject to
change)


See link to the Maklowicz on Tour website


The programme was madethrough the co-operation of Tourism
Ireland, Bord Bia and the Embassy of Ireland in Poland.


Eddie Brannigan, Embassy WARSAW





23 February - Migration seminar


The Embassy of Ireland


and


Centre of Migration Research, University of Warsaw


are pleased to invite you to a lecture by


Professor Alan Barrett


(Economic and Social Research Institute of Ireland)


Go West! Migration to IrelandSince 2004


- Assessing the Outcome for


Migrants and Hosts



Followed by a comment by Professor Marek Ok&#243;lski (Director of the
Centre of Migration Research) and public discussion


Since Ireland opened its labour market in 2004, almost
500,000 people from the EU-10 states of Central and Eastern Europe
have registered for work there. About 330,000 of these new arrivals
have been Poles. Professor Alan Barrett examines how Ireland and
its new residents have fared in this period.


Professor Alan Barrett is author of numerous publications on
migrants and the labour market in Ireland. He is programme
coordinator of Migration Research at the Economic and Social
Research Institute of Ireland and co-author of its influential
Quarterly Economic Commentary. He has published in journals such as
Labour Economics, the Journal of Population Economics, the Oxford
Review of Economic Policy, the International Migration Review and
Economics Letters.


Venue:
Tyszkiewicz-Potocki Palace, University of Warsaw, Krakowskie
Przedmiescie 32


Tuesday 23 February 2010.Time
15.00-17.00


Please RSVP to confirm attendance: migration.cmr@uw.edu.pl or +22
659 74 11









Security Policy Seminar - 18 February 2010




The Embassy of Ireland and the Polish
Institute of International Affairs


are pleased to invite you to a seminar


Common Security and Defence Policy


and military neutrality: An Irish perspective


with participation of


Daniel Keohane


Head of Security Research at EU Institute for Security Studies
(EUISS) in Paris


With the Polish EU Presidency next year expected to focus on EU
defence and security policy,


Daniel Keohane will speak on how Ireland as a military
neutral state


and a non-member of NATO conducts its
security policy within EU structures.


18 February 2010 (Thursday), 11.00–13.00 am


Polish Institute of International Affairs


1a Warecka Street, Warsaw - Conference room, 1st floor


The seminar will be held in English


Those wishing to attend are kindly requested to confirm their
participation


by 17 February 2010 via phone: (0-22) 556 80 09, or e-mail:
   kolakowska@pism.pl


Daniel Keohane is a noted specialist in EU Security and
Defence Policy (ESDP), counter-terrorism, and the defence industry,
and is currently Senior Research Fellow at the European Union
Institute for Security Studies (EUISS) in Paris. Widely
published on security and defence matters, he was previously Senior
Research Fellow for security and defence policy at the Centre for
European Reform in London, and a research associate at the
Institute for National Strategic Studies, National Defense
University, in Washington DC. He also worked at the Aspen Institute
in Berlin. Among his recent publications are:


&#183; European
Security and Defence Policy – the first 10 years (EUISS, 2009),


&#183; Towards a
European defence market (EUISS, 2008)


&#183; Willing and
able? EU defence in 2020 (CER, 2008), and


&#183; The Absent
Friend: EU foreign policy and counter-terrorism (JCMS, 2008).


Daniel was educated at Trinity College Dublin, the University
of Heidelberg, and the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced
International Studies (SAIS Bologna/Washington).




]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 21 Jun 2010 15:29:09 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Ireland in Poland]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=33167</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
February 2009


Welcomefrom Ambassador


I am delighted to welcome you to the website of the Embassy
ofIrelandtoPoland.


Since my appointment as Irish Ambassador to Poland in September
2005, I have been struck by the sheer range of links and contacts
which have been developing between Ireland and Poland and by the
fact that these are continuing to grow at a fast rate.


A key bond which now exists between our two countries is our
membership of the European Union. As the Union has developed to
comprise 27 Members, bilateral relations between each country have
become more important than ever before. Ireland and Poland have
already identified many common views and shared interests on
multiple issues arising before us. I am confident that we will work
even more closely together in the coming years.


There has been a revolution in our relations since the accession of
Poland to the EU and our opening of our labour market to what has
proved very high numbers of Poles who have had a major impact on
our economy and our society, so much so that even after a few years
it is difficult for Irish people to imagine life in Ireland without
a significant Polish contribution.


I am pleased that, as illustrated by bilateral trade statistics and
such initiatives asestablishment of the Irish Chamber of
Commerce in Poland in 2005, economic links between Ireland and
Poland are also developing enormously.


Relations in the cultural and social spheres are also progressing
well and hold further significant potential for helping us to get
to know each other even better over the years ahead.


This website is intended for Irish people already in Poland or for
those who might be considering visiting or doing business here. I
hope that it also will be of interest to Polish people who wish to
find out more about Ireland and who would like to pursue business
or tourism or other interests. My Embassy team and I stand ready to
assist you as best we can with your queries and with helping you to
realise your goals.





10 April 2010


Statement from President McAleese on Smolensk air
crash


I am deeply saddened to learn that a plane crash in Russia has led
to the tragic death of President Lech Kaczynski, his wife Maria and
scores of other passengers (including senior Polish Officials).
This shocking news will cause immense sadness to the people of
Poland to whom I convey my heartfelt sympathy and that of the Irish
people. I am also acutely conscious that this tragedy will be
particularly painful for the Polish community in Ireland as they
come to terms with this terrible loss far from their native land.


I had the honour of meeting President Kaczynski when he visited
Ireland in February 2007 and we celebrated together the strong
bonds of friendship which unite Ireland and Poland. The deep
sadness being felt in Poland today is shared by many in Ireland who
hold the Polish people in high regard and with great affection. At
this time of trauma and bereavement, I extend to the family of
President Kaczynski, the Polish Government and people my sincere
condolences on their tragic loss.


Mary McAleese
President of Ireland



Letter of Condolences from President McAleese to acting President
Komorowski (PDF 143kb)



Letter of Condolences from the Taoiseach to Polish Prime Minister
Tusk (PDF 268kb)


__________________________

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Fri, 18 Jun 2010 12:57:18 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[About the Embassy]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=33168</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
The Embassy of Ireland in Warsaw is open to the public Monday to
Friday from 09.00 – 13.00 and 14.00 – 17.00. The Embassy's
telephone lines are open Monday to Friday from 09.00 - 13.00 and
from 14.00 - 17.00.


The Visa Office is open in the mornings only, for personal callers
from 09.00-13.00 and for telephone enquiries from 9.00-13.00.
Visa queries cannot be taken in the afternoon.


Diplomatic Staff
Ambassador - Declan O’Donovan
First Secretary (Political and Economic) - Eddie Brannigan
First Secretary (Agriculture, Fisheries and Food) - Karina
Wrigley
Second Secretary (Consular and Administration) - Maurice O'Donnell


Commercial Counsellor/Director of Enterprise Ireland Office in
Warsaw - Karen Cohalan

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Fri, 18 Jun 2010 12:44:34 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[News and Events]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=33174</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   



Free Public Lecture on


Oscar Wilde,


25 May 2010





The Embassy of Ireland


in association with


the Warsaw University Library


is pleased to invite you to a public lecture by





Professor Davis Coakley





Oscar Wilde - Growing up in Ireland


Tuesday 25 May, 2010


16:00





Venue: Warsaw University Library, ul. Dobra 56/66


Room 316 (upstairs in the library)





Lecture in English with translation into Polish





Admission free


All enquiries to the Embassy of Ireland


022 849 66 33







]]></description>
					<pubDate>Wed, 19 May 2010 14:02:55 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Travel Disruption Info]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=83481</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
This information was lastupdatedon 4 May at
11.00 hrs


The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) informed Irish-based
airlines that restrictions would be imposed on all flights in and
out of Ireland from 0700 hrs local until 1300 today, Tuesday 4th
May due to the risk of ash ingestion in aircraft engines.


The IAA has subsequently confirmed that flights in and out
of Ireland will resume from 1pm today, Tuesday 4 May however the
situation will be reviewed as the week goes on.


Intending passengers are advised to contact their
airline to check on the status of their specific flight and
tostay in close contact with their airline over the next few
days.


HOW DO I CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
FORADVICE AND ASSISTANCE?


As a result of the re-opening of airspace across Europe and
a widespreadimprovement in the Volcanic Ash Cloud Crisis, the
Department of Foreign Affairs dedicated Consular Crisis Helpline is
no longer operational. Should you require advice and assistance
please contact the Consular AssistanceUnit at the Department
of Foreign Affairs during normal Irish office hours (Monday-Friday)
on 01 408 2000 / +353 1 408 2000. The Consular Assistance Unit can
provide information, adviceandsupport, including
information on alternative routes to Ireland,but cannot make
individual travel arrangements.


We encourage those in need of assistance to carefully
review the information contained on this page before making contact
with us.


_____________________________________________


Useful Links



Aer Lingus: www.aerlingus.com


Ryanair: www.ryanair.com


Department of Transport: www.transport.ie


Irish Aviation Authority: www.iaa.ie



_____________________________________________


LATEST INFORMATION ON FLIGHTS


Passengers should stay in close contact with their airlines
regarding any flights which may have been cancelled or rescheduled
as a result of the most recent closure of Irish airspace.


Full details are available on their respective websites or
by contacting their call centres in Dublin. Existing bookings on
flights which were cancelled can be transferred free of charge to
new flights via the airlines' websites.



Aer Lingus: www.aerlingus.com
/ +353818 365 000


Ryanair: www.ryanair.com
/ +353 1 248 0856



Intending passengers are also advised that a number of
airlines have revised their check-in deadlines and bag-drop
procedures until the backlog hasbeen cleared.Full
information is available on your airline's website.


If your travel arrangments were made through a travel
agent, tour operator or online travel concession site, you are
advised to contact the agent directly.


_______________________________________________


GENERAL INFORMATION 


Please check the websites of your airline and intended
departure airport for more information.


For those abroad, it isessentialthat you keep in
contact with your tour operator and with the airline which holds
your booking.


Irish citizens abroad are advised to register their details
on the Travel Registration system of the Department of Foreign
Affairs website. You can do this here
.


Those with genuine emergencies, such as a shortage of prescribed
medical products (see 'Medical' further down),
etc.areadvisedto contact their local Irish
Embassy, Consulate or Honorary Consulate which will endeavour to
assist you. If you are running out of funds, you should ask a
relative or friend to transfer money through the normal commercial
companies. Your local IrishEmbassy, Consulate or Honorary
Consulate can advise in this area : you will find contact details
for all Irish Embassies and Consulates overseas here.


If your foreign visa is expiring shortly and you cannot leave,
please contact the local Irish mission or your travel
agentfor advice.


Important information regarding the USA:While Irish
airspace has officially reopened as of April 21, immigrants who
were stranded or are still delayed in the US should take action if
they have overstayed their visa as a direct result of the delays
caused by the volcano. If you are unsure if the overstay was the
result of the volcano and for other visa questions please contact
an Irish Center near
   you.


Medical


Some Irish people affected by the current travel restrictions may
need to access prescription medicines while abroad. This may
apply in particular to people with certain conditions who require
medicine on an ongoing basis, and may only have supply for a short
trip.

If you are in an EU/EEA country (link to list), there are
arrangements in place for emergency situations of this kind.
Many pharmacists may be able to dispense a small quantity of
prescription medication to cover an unexpected delay in
travel.

Patients should in the first place bring their existing medication
packet to a local pharmacist, outline the delay in their travel,
and ask for an emergency supply. It is also a good idea to have
contact details for your home GP and Pharmacy to hand, in case
contact with them is needed.

People will most likely have to cover the cost of the medication at
the point of sale, but on return to Ireland may be able to be
reimbursed via their health insurance or through the HSE if
applicable.

In some countries, the pharmacist may require a local doctor's
prescription to dispense medication and will advise on what to do
in that case.

If you are in an EU/EEA country, and are unable to access an
emergency supply via a pharmacist directly, you can use your
European Health Insurance Card or EHIC card to access health
services, such as a GP visit, to get a local prescription.
You can read more about the services available through the EHIC
card in each Member State here (link to ehic.ie).

EHIC cards are available to anyone resident in Ireland. If
you are abroad but do not have an EHIC card, you can make contact
with your HSE Local Health Office to enquire about accessing a
temporary EHIC certificate - (Link to LHO phone numbers).

If you are in a country outside the EU/EEA, pharmacy regulations
may differ, so seek advice first from a pharmacist as above, but a
visit to a local doctor may be required. Again, the cost of this
visit will most likely have to be paid by the patient at the time,
but many health insurance policies allow for reimbursement of such
costs on return home.

It is important for patients and pharmacists to note that different
brand names and packaging may be used in different countries for
the same medication. Also, other countries have greater use
of generic medications, which have the same ingredients as familiar
branded medication, and do the same job, with the same safety
record. Patients who are dispensed with emergency medication
should ensure that they familiarise themselves with any differences
in the brand or packaging dispensed, and should seek advice from
the local pharmacist if they have any questions.


INFORMATIONON POLAND


AIRLINES


Aer Lingus has opened a public telephone line in Warsaw at 00 48 22
626 8402


Ryanair website www.ryanair.com/lv


Wizzair website www.wizzair.com


Coach and Train
Alternative means of travel by rail, bus and ferry (singly or in
combination) are available in limited form and are in heavy demand.


Routes, times, and prices (especially on international rail) can be
difficult to identify with completeness and reliability, and are
subject to rapid changes due to congestion.


Pressure on IT travel systems is also complicating planning.


The Embassy does not have a policy of recommending any individual
companies, but, without prejudice to this caveat, information and
travel advice may be sought from the following companies:


Biuro Podr&#243;ży Travelida (Travelida Travel Office)
Chłopickiego Street, 11
04-314 Warszawa
tel: 00 48 22 61 211 82 (from Irish mobile) fax:00 48
22 87 96 873
email: ania@travelida.pl skype:
travelida1
(Note: with this company, email has proved fastest response).


First Class S.A. travel agency
Nowowiejska Street, 5
00-643 Warszawa
Ph: +48 22 57 87 148
Fax:+48 22 57 87 120
email: pkp@firstclass.com.pl
www.firstclass.com.pl


RAILWAY



Polish State Railways website (PKP)

http://rozklad-pkp.pl/query.php/en?q=en/node/146&amp;amp;ld=pkp&amp;amp;seqnr=1&amp;amp;ident=ow.087429.1271660384&amp;amp;OK#focus

(This site is currently experiencing some problems)


Money Transfer



Western Union money transfer agency can be used to transfer money
from one location in Ireland to a location in Poland. A list of
Western Union offices in Ireland can be seen at www.moneytransfer.ie/
Western Union offices in Poland can be seen at http://www.westernunion.com.pl/polska/


Medical



The Embassy has a list of English speaking doctors and clinics for
various locations in Poland.


English-speaking medical personnel may also be available at
www.cmlim.pl/en/Contact and
www.enel.pl/en/onas/historia.asp?


(Note: The Embassy, in providing information, does not offer
recommendations).


Contact the Embassy duty officer at 00 48 602 765 602 if needed.

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Wed, 05 May 2010 08:45:23 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Travel Advice]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=33241</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Volcanic
activity in Iceland


General Information


Volcanic ash from the most recent eruption on 14 April is causing
disruption to flights to and from many Northern European countries,
including Scandinavia. The length of these disruptions is dependent
on the volcanic activity and the weather patterns in the region.


The situation is still very serious throughout Europe and is
unlikely to improve in the immediate future. All Irish airports are
currently closed and the majority of airspace and airports in
Europe continue to have severe restrictions in place. The weather
maps show the volcanic ash cloud hanging over England and Wales and
most of mainland Europe. So there will continue to be restrictions
in those countries.


Please check the websites of your airline and intended departure
airport for current information.


The situation is quite changeable and updates on the travel
situation will be available first on the following link http://www.transport.ie/feature.aspx?Id=34


Crisis Centre


In view of the ongoing difficult circumstances, the Department has
opened itsConsular Crisis Centre.Itcan be
contacted on +353 1 408 2999. The Centre is there to assist those
in difficulty and should only be accessed by those in genuine need.
The Department will be able to provide information and reassurance
but cannot make individual travel arrangements.


For those abroad, it is important that you keep in contact with
your tour operator and with the airline which holds your booking.


Citizens are advised to register their presence on the travel
registration section of this site ../home/index.aspx?id=40332
.


Those with genuine emergencies, such as a shortage of prescribed
medical products (see 'Medical' further down),
etc.areadvisedto contact their local Irish
Embassy, Consulate or Honorary Consulate which will endeavour to
assist you. If you are running out of funds, you should ask a
relative or friend to transfer money through the normal commercial
companies. Your local IrishEmbassy, Consulate or Honorary
Consulate can advise in this area : you will find contact details
for Irish Embassies and Offices
abroad here.


If your foreign visa is expiring shortly and you cannot leave,
please contact the local Irish mission or your travel
agentfor advice.


Medical


Should you need to purchase prescription medication you should
approach a pharmacy in the area and request their help. With their
agreement, you can ask your GP to fax through a copy of the
relevant prescription. Should there be a discrepancy in the name of
the medication (due to language or other), please contact the
nearest Irish Embassy or Consulate for assistance.


Travel Tips


The following information has been given in good faithto
the Department of Foreign Affairs to assist Irish citizens,
however,the Department does not accept any responsibility for
its accuracy at any particular point in time.


Options for returning to Ireland:


Direct routes to Ireland: Cherbourg-Rosslare and
Roscoff-Cork



Irish Ferries have no availability for their Cherbourg-Rosslare
sailings until Saturday (20.00), while Celtic Link advises that
they have no availability for their Cherbourg-Rosslare sailings
until Sunday (19.00).


Brittany Ferries have a sailing from Roscoff to Cork at 21.30 on
Friday. Limited availability at the moment.


Call them if necessary as websites are slow given the demand. Foot
passengers in particular may secure places more easily booking by
phone.



French ferry ports with routes to Britain


France



Calais Port– Dover (P&amp;amp;O, Seafrance) – NB
large crowds reported to be there; it is advised that passengers
seek to depart from other locations in this list.


Calais (Eurotunnel – for passengers with cars
only) – Folkestone


Dunkerque – Dover (Norfolk Lines)


Boulogne – Dover (LD Lines)


Dieppe – Newhaven (Transmanche Ferries)


Le Havre – Portsmouth (LD Lines)


Caen – Portsmouth (Brittany Ferries)


Cherbourg – Poole (Brittany Ferries), Portsmouth
(Brittany Ferries &amp;amp; Condor Ferries)


St Malo – Poole (Condor Ferries), Weymouth (Condor
Ferries), Plymouth (Brittany Ferries)


Roscoff – Plymouth (Brittany Ferries)



Alternatives


Belgium – ports / Eurostar


Ostend


Zeebrugge


Brussels (Eurostar – we have reports that people are securing seats
to London)


Holland - ports


Rotterdam


Hook of Holland


Trains


Eurostar operates from Paris, Lille, Calais and Brussels to London
St Pancras. As of today (19 April), first available tickets from
Paris to London are for Friday 23 April but tickets might possibly
be found from other locations such as Brussels. Eurostar are
stressing that only passengers with confirmed reservations should
arrive at their rail terminals. Bookings through www.eurostar.com or (from within
France – premium rates apply) 0892-353539.


Website for booking trains within France: http://www.voyages-sncf.com/


Passengers making their way through France are recommended to
concentrate on getting to city/town locations where high-speed TGV
services are offered, as industrial action has caused major
disruption to regional (TER) trains in particular. As of today (19
April), French railway company SNCF are currently offering:



A 90% service on TGV high-speed trains (with disruptions
concentrated on south-east France, i.e. regions of Burgundy,
Franche Comt&#233;, Rh&#244;ne-Alpes, Languedoc-Roussillon, Midi-Pyr&#233;n&#233;es et
Provence-Alpes-C&#244;te-d’Azur)


75-80% services on most other inter-city services and Paris
regional trains


62% service on trains with branding “Corail” and “T&#233;oz”


50% service on regional (TER) trains


Overnight (LUNEA) trains are severely disrupted



Information on Poland


AIRLINES


Aer Lingus has opened a public telephone line in Warsaw at
00 48 22 626 8402


Ryanair website www.ryanair.com/lv


Wizzair website www.wizzair.com


Coach and Train


Alternative means of travel by rail, bus and ferry (singly or in
combination) are available in limited form and are in heavy demand.


Routes, times, and prices (especially on international rail) can be
difficult to identify with completeness and reliability, and are
subject to rapid changes due to congestion.


Pressure on IT travel systems is also complicating planning.


The Embassy does not have a policy of recommending any individual
companies, but, without prejudice to this caveat, information and
travel advice may be sought from the following companies:


Biuro Podr&#243;ży Travelida (Travelida Travel Office)


Chłopickiego Street, 11


04-314 Warszawa


tel: 00 48 22 61 211 82 (from Irish mobile) fax:00 48
22 87 96 873


email: ania@travelida.pl skype:
travelida1


(Note: with this company, email has proved fastest response).


First Class S.A. travel agency


Nowowiejska Street, 5
00-643 Warszawa
Ph: +48 22 57 87 148
Fax:+48 22 57 87 120
email: pkp@firstclass.com.pl
www.firstclass.com.pl


RAILWAY


Polish State Railways website (PKP)



http://rozklad-pkp.pl/query.php/en?q=en/node/146&amp;amp;ld=pkp&amp;amp;seqnr=1&amp;amp;ident=ow.087429.1271660384&amp;amp;OK#focus


(This site is currently experiencing some problems)


Money Transfer


Western Union money transfer agency can be used to transfer
money from one location in Ireland to a location in Poland. A list
of Western Union offices in Ireland can be seen at
www.moneytransfer.ie/


Western Union offices in Poland can be seen at http://www.westernunion.com.pl/polska/


Medical


The Embassy has a list of English speaking doctors and clinics for
various locations in Poland.


English-speaking medical personnel may also be available at
www.cmlim.pl/en/Contact and
www.enel.pl/en/onas/historia.asp?


(Note: The Embassy, in providing information, does not offer
recommendations).


Contact the Embassy duty officer at 00 48 602 765 602 if
needed.


Cancelled Flight Information


For the information of passengers intending to fly who have had
flights cancelled, the following link to the Irish Commission for
Aviation Regulation sets out passengers' rights. http://www.aviationreg.ie/Air_Passenger_Rights/Default.83.html


The Embassy Duty Officer may be contacted at number 00 48
602 765 602.


 

TRAVEL INSURANCE


The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends that
comprehensive travel insurance, including personal medical
insurance, is obtained before travelling to Poland.


Travellers should note that the Irish Governmentis not
responsible for any personal expenses incurred by medical treatment
abroad,emergency medical repatriation or for repatriation of
remains.


Please note thatAccident and Emergency departmentsin
Polish public hospitals may not accept private insurance
membership cards and may requirea cash paymentif
anEuropean Health Insurance Card(EHIC)is
notproduced. The EHIC is readily recognised and
accepted in Poland. However,we recommend that comprehensive
medical insurance is still obtained before traveling as the EHIC
covers emergency treatment in public hospitals only. For
information on the EHIC and how to obtain a card please visit
www.ehic.ie.


ENTRY REQUIREMENTS


EU citizens do not require a visa to travel to Poland. Please
note that you will require a visa to enter or transit Belarus. This
includes anyone travelling by train on the Warsaw-Moscow route.


CRIME


Visits to Poland are relatively free of trouble. However, as
with travelling to any country, we would advise people to use their
common sense and be very careful of their passports, cash, ATM and
credit cards. Robbery with violence is not common in Warsaw
but pickpocketing is a problem in public areas and on public
transport to or from Warsaw Airport and at the main railway
stations, especially in crowded situations. It is recommended that
you leave your passport in a safe place in your accommodation and
bring a photocopy of it when you go out. We would also advise that
you bring another form of identification with you to Poland, such
as a driving licence. The loss or theft of a passport must be
reported to the police as a statement of loss is required for the
issuance of a new passport or emergency travel documents.
Please note that only the Embassy in Warsaw is authorised to issue
replacement travel documents.


It is also worth noting that outside tourist areas in the major
cities, English is little spoken. Even in tourist areas, English
speaking may be limited. In the west and north in areas which
were German for hundreds of years until 1945, travellers may find
German rather than English a useful second language.


There have been reports in Warsaw, particularly at the airport, of
overcharging by non-regulated taxi drivers. You should use official
taxis, which have the name and telephone number of the taxi company
on the side of the door and on the top of the taxi (beside the
occupied/unoccupied light). Taxis with a crest but no company name
are not officially registered taxis. On arrival at Warsaw Airport,
you should ignore all offers of taxis inside the arrivals hall and
go instead to the rank outside. Otherwise in Warsaw, it is
preferable to telephone taxis for service rather than to use parked
or passing taxis which can charge a good deal more. Service
by the companies using telephone service is usually prompt and
reliable.


LOCAL LAWS &amp;amp; CUSTOMS


Please note that while in Poland, Irish citizens are subject to
Polish law, which may differ in some areas to Irish law. In
particular, public drunkenness (ie. in the streets, on public
transport etc.) may be dealt with very severely by the Polish
authorities who have the right to detain people in detoxification
centres if they believe them to be very drunk. We would strongly
advise Irish citizens who are travelling to Poland to avoid
drinking in public areas which is against the law, and to avoid any
appearance of being drunk. There have been recent negative press
reports on the conduct of stag and hen parties in Krakow in
particular. Irish people are well regarded in Poland but are not
immediately recognisable to Poles as Irish and may receive
unfriendly treatment because of the stag/hen party phenomenon. The
Embassy is aware of instances where English-speaking tourists in
Krakow, including Irish, have been subjected to violent attacks.
Visitors should be extra vigilant for pick-pocketing and other
petty crime.


ROAD SAFETY


If you plan to drive in Poland,you should note that roads are
often of poor standard and driving can be dangerous. Last year
there were two serious car accidents involving Irish citizens, with
one fatality. Conditions are hazardous, therefore, especially in
winter when you should equip your car for the severe climate. Since
April 2007, you must drive with your headlights on at all times all
round the year. Seat belts must be used in both front and back
seats. The use of a mobile phone while driving (unless it is
“hands-free”) is banned. Your Irish driving license is valid in
Poland. You are also legally required to carry the original
vehicle-registration papers, ownership documents and insurance
papers at all times. Please note that there is a zero tolerance of
drink driving in Poland. Car theft and the theft of documents from
vehicles are common.


PANDEMIC A/H1N1(HUMAN SWINE 'FLU) 


Relevant information is available on the webiste of the
PolishMinistry of Health at www.mz.gov.pl (Polish language only).


DUAL NATIONALS


Under Polish law, a Polish passport holder must be treated as a
Polish national while in Poland, even if he or she holds another
country’s passport. The Polish authorities, therefore, require dual
nationals to enter and exit Poland on a Polish passport. If
you are a dual national of Poland and Ireland and are arrested or
detained in Poland, you will be deemed to be Polish by the Polish
authorities. You will have the same rights as any other Polish
citizen in these circumstances (including the right to legal
representation), however the Irish Embassy may only be able to
offer you limited consular assistance.


ASSISTANCE FOR IRISH CITIZENS IN POLAND


The Irish Embassy in Poland is located in Warsaw.



If you intend to stay in Poland for an extended period of time, you
are encouraged to register yourdetails with
theEmbassy.Please click here for
the Embassy's contact details.

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 19 Apr 2010 15:21:44 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Travel Advice]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=33241</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Volcanic
activity in Iceland


General Information


Volcanic ash from the most recent eruption on 14 April is causing
disruption to flights to and from many Northern European countries,
including Scandinavia. The length of these disruptions is dependent
on the volcanic activity and the weather patterns in the region.


The situation is still very serious throughout Europe and is
unlikely to improve in the immediate future. All Irish airports are
currently closed and the majority of airspace and airports in
Europe continue to have severe restrictions in place. The weather
maps show the volcanic ash cloud hanging over England and Wales and
most of mainland Europe. So there will continue to be restrictions
in those countries.


Please check the websites of your airline and intended departure
airport for current information.


The situation is quite changeable and updates on the travel
situation will be available first on the following link http://www.transport.ie/feature.aspx?Id=34


Crisis Centre


In view of the ongoing difficult circumstances, the Department has
opened itsConsular Crisis Centre.Itcan be
contacted on +353 1 408 2999. The Centre is there to assist those
in difficulty and should only be accessed by those in genuine need.
The Department will be able to provide information and reassurance
but cannot make individual travel arrangements.


For those abroad, it is important that you keep in contact with
your tour operator and with the airline which holds your booking.


Citizens are advised to register their presence on the travel
registration section of this site ../home/index.aspx?id=40332
.


Those with genuine emergencies, such as a shortage of prescribed
medical products (see 'Medical' further down),
etc.areadvisedto contact their local Irish
Embassy, Consulate or Honorary Consulate which will endeavour to
assist you. If you are running out of funds, you should ask a
relative or friend to transfer money through the normal commercial
companies. Your local IrishEmbassy, Consulate or Honorary
Consulate can advise in this area : you will find contact details
for Irish Embassies and Offices
abroad here.


If your foreign visa is expiring shortly and you cannot leave,
please contact the local Irish mission or your travel
agentfor advice.


Medical


Should you need to purchase prescription medication you should
approach a pharmacy in the area and request their help. With their
agreement, you can ask your GP to fax through a copy of the
relevant prescription. Should there be a discrepancy in the name of
the medication (due to language or other), please contact the
nearest Irish Embassy or Consulate for assistance.


Travel Tips


The following information has been given in good faithto
the Department of Foreign Affairs to assist Irish citizens,
however,the Department does not accept any responsibility for
its accuracy at any particular point in time.


Options for returning to Ireland:


Direct routes to Ireland: Cherbourg-Rosslare and
Roscoff-Cork



Irish Ferries have no availability for their Cherbourg-Rosslare
sailings until Saturday (20.00), while Celtic Link advises that
they have no availability for their Cherbourg-Rosslare sailings
until Sunday (19.00).


Brittany Ferries have a sailing from Roscoff to Cork at 21.30 on
Friday. Limited availability at the moment.


Call them if necessary as websites are slow given the demand. Foot
passengers in particular may secure places more easily booking by
phone.



French ferry ports with routes to Britain


France



Calais Port– Dover (P&amp;amp;O, Seafrance) – NB
large crowds reported to be there; it is advised that passengers
seek to depart from other locations in this list.


Calais (Eurotunnel – for passengers with cars
only) – Folkestone


Dunkerque – Dover (Norfolk Lines)


Boulogne – Dover (LD Lines)


Dieppe – Newhaven (Transmanche Ferries)


Le Havre – Portsmouth (LD Lines)


Caen – Portsmouth (Brittany Ferries)


Cherbourg – Poole (Brittany Ferries), Portsmouth
(Brittany Ferries &amp;amp; Condor Ferries)


St Malo – Poole (Condor Ferries), Weymouth (Condor
Ferries), Plymouth (Brittany Ferries)


Roscoff – Plymouth (Brittany Ferries)



Alternatives


Belgium – ports / Eurostar


Ostend


Zeebrugge


Brussels (Eurostar – we have reports that people are securing seats
to London)


Holland - ports


Rotterdam


Hook of Holland


Trains


Eurostar operates from Paris, Lille, Calais and Brussels to London
St Pancras. As of today (19 April), first available tickets from
Paris to London are for Friday 23 April but tickets might possibly
be found from other locations such as Brussels. Eurostar are
stressing that only passengers with confirmed reservations should
arrive at their rail terminals. Bookings through www.eurostar.com or (from within
France – premium rates apply) 0892-353539.


Website for booking trains within France: http://www.voyages-sncf.com/


Passengers making their way through France are recommended to
concentrate on getting to city/town locations where high-speed TGV
services are offered, as industrial action has caused major
disruption to regional (TER) trains in particular. As of today (19
April), French railway company SNCF are currently offering:



A 90% service on TGV high-speed trains (with disruptions
concentrated on south-east France, i.e. regions of Burgundy,
Franche Comt&#233;, Rh&#244;ne-Alpes, Languedoc-Roussillon, Midi-Pyr&#233;n&#233;es et
Provence-Alpes-C&#244;te-d’Azur)


75-80% services on most other inter-city services and Paris
regional trains


62% service on trains with branding “Corail” and “T&#233;oz”


50% service on regional (TER) trains


Overnight (LUNEA) trains are severely disrupted



Information on Poland


AIRLINES


Aer Lingus has opened a public telephone line in Warsaw at
00 48 22 626 8402


Ryanair website www.ryanair.com/lv


Wizzair website www.wizzair.com


Coach and Train


Alternative means of travel by rail, bus and ferry (singly or in
combination) are available in limited form and are in heavy demand.


Routes, times, and prices (especially on international rail) can be
difficult to identify with completeness and reliability, and are
subject to rapid changes due to congestion.


Pressure on IT travel systems is also complicating planning.


The Embassy does not have a policy of recommending any individual
companies, but, without prejudice to this caveat, information and
travel advice may be sought from the following companies:


Biuro Podr&#243;ży Travelida (Travelida Travel Office)


Chłopickiego Street, 11


04-314 Warszawa


tel: 00 48 22 61 211 82 (from Irish mobile) fax:00 48
22 87 96 873


email: ania@travelida.pl skype:
travelida1


(Note: with this company, email has proved fastest response).


First Class S.A. travel agency


Nowowiejska Street, 5
00-643 Warszawa
Ph: +48 22 57 87 148
Fax:+48 22 57 87 120
email: pkp@firstclass.com.pl
www.firstclass.com.pl


RAILWAY


Polish State Railways website (PKP)



http://rozklad-pkp.pl/query.php/en?q=en/node/146&amp;amp;ld=pkp&amp;amp;seqnr=1&amp;amp;ident=ow.087429.1271660384&amp;amp;OK#focus


(This site is currently experiencing some problems)


Money Transfer


Western Union money transfer agency can be used to transfer
money from one location in Ireland to a location in Poland. A list
of Western Union offices in Ireland can be seen at
www.moneytransfer.ie/


Western Union offices in Poland can be seen at http://www.westernunion.com.pl/polska/


Medical


The Embassy has a list of English speaking doctors and clinics for
various locations in Poland.


English-speaking medical personnel may also be available at
www.cmlim.pl/en/Contact and
www.enel.pl/en/onas/historia.asp?


(Note: The Embassy, in providing information, does not offer
recommendations).


Contact the Embassy duty officer at 00 48 602 765 602 if
needed.


Cancelled Flight Information


For the information of passengers intending to fly who have had
flights cancelled, the following link to the Irish Commission for
Aviation Regulation sets out passengers' rights. http://www.aviationreg.ie/Air_Passenger_Rights/Default.83.html


The Embassy Duty Officer may be contacted at number 00 48
602 765 602.


 

TRAVEL INSURANCE


The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends that
comprehensive travel insurance, including personal medical
insurance, is obtained before travelling to Poland.


Travellers should note that the Irish Governmentis not
responsible for any personal expenses incurred by medical treatment
abroad,emergency medical repatriation or for repatriation of
remains.


Please note thatAccident and Emergency departmentsin
Polish public hospitals may not accept private insurance
membership cards and may requirea cash paymentif
anEuropean Health Insurance Card(EHIC)is
notproduced. The EHIC is readily recognised and
accepted in Poland. However,we recommend that comprehensive
medical insurance is still obtained before traveling as the EHIC
covers emergency treatment in public hospitals only. For
information on the EHIC and how to obtain a card please visit
www.ehic.ie.


ENTRY REQUIREMENTS


EU citizens do not require a visa to travel to Poland. Please
note that you will require a visa to enter or transit Belarus. This
includes anyone travelling by train on the Warsaw-Moscow route.


CRIME


Visits to Poland are relatively free of trouble. However, as
with travelling to any country, we would advise people to use their
common sense and be very careful of their passports, cash, ATM and
credit cards. Robbery with violence is not common in Warsaw
but pickpocketing is a problem in public areas and on public
transport to or from Warsaw Airport and at the main railway
stations, especially in crowded situations. It is recommended that
you leave your passport in a safe place in your accommodation and
bring a photocopy of it when you go out. We would also advise that
you bring another form of identification with you to Poland, such
as a driving licence. The loss or theft of a passport must be
reported to the police as a statement of loss is required for the
issuance of a new passport or emergency travel documents.
Please note that only the Embassy in Warsaw is authorised to issue
replacement travel documents.


It is also worth noting that outside tourist areas in the major
cities, English is little spoken. Even in tourist areas, English
speaking may be limited. In the west and north in areas which
were German for hundreds of years until 1945, travellers may find
German rather than English a useful second language.


There have been reports in Warsaw, particularly at the airport, of
overcharging by non-regulated taxi drivers. You should use official
taxis, which have the name and telephone number of the taxi company
on the side of the door and on the top of the taxi (beside the
occupied/unoccupied light). Taxis with a crest but no company name
are not officially registered taxis. On arrival at Warsaw Airport,
you should ignore all offers of taxis inside the arrivals hall and
go instead to the rank outside. Otherwise in Warsaw, it is
preferable to telephone taxis for service rather than to use parked
or passing taxis which can charge a good deal more. Service
by the companies using telephone service is usually prompt and
reliable.


LOCAL LAWS &amp;amp; CUSTOMS


Please note that while in Poland, Irish citizens are subject to
Polish law, which may differ in some areas to Irish law. In
particular, public drunkenness (ie. in the streets, on public
transport etc.) may be dealt with very severely by the Polish
authorities who have the right to detain people in detoxification
centres if they believe them to be very drunk. We would strongly
advise Irish citizens who are travelling to Poland to avoid
drinking in public areas which is against the law, and to avoid any
appearance of being drunk. There have been recent negative press
reports on the conduct of stag and hen parties in Krakow in
particular. Irish people are well regarded in Poland but are not
immediately recognisable to Poles as Irish and may receive
unfriendly treatment because of the stag/hen party phenomenon. The
Embassy is aware of instances where English-speaking tourists in
Krakow, including Irish, have been subjected to violent attacks.
Visitors should be extra vigilant for pick-pocketing and other
petty crime.


ROAD SAFETY


If you plan to drive in Poland,you should note that roads are
often of poor standard and driving can be dangerous. Last year
there were two serious car accidents involving Irish citizens, with
one fatality. Conditions are hazardous, therefore, especially in
winter when you should equip your car for the severe climate. Since
April 2007, you must drive with your headlights on at all times all
round the year. Seat belts must be used in both front and back
seats. The use of a mobile phone while driving (unless it is
“hands-free”) is banned. Your Irish driving license is valid in
Poland. You are also legally required to carry the original
vehicle-registration papers, ownership documents and insurance
papers at all times. Please note that there is a zero tolerance of
drink driving in Poland. Car theft and the theft of documents from
vehicles are common.


PANDEMIC A/H1N1(HUMAN SWINE 'FLU) 


Relevant information is available on the webiste of the
PolishMinistry of Health at www.mz.gov.pl (Polish language only).


DUAL NATIONALS


Under Polish law, a Polish passport holder must be treated as a
Polish national while in Poland, even if he or she holds another
country’s passport. The Polish authorities, therefore, require dual
nationals to enter and exit Poland on a Polish passport. If
you are a dual national of Poland and Ireland and are arrested or
detained in Poland, you will be deemed to be Polish by the Polish
authorities. You will have the same rights as any other Polish
citizen in these circumstances (including the right to legal
representation), however the Irish Embassy may only be able to
offer you limited consular assistance.


ASSISTANCE FOR IRISH CITIZENS IN POLAND


The Irish Embassy in Poland is located in Warsaw.



If you intend to stay in Poland for an extended period of time, you
are encouraged to register yourdetails with
theEmbassy.Please click here for
the Embassy's contact details.

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 19 Apr 2010 15:21:44 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Travel Disruption Info]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=83481</link>
					<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 19 Apr 2010 14:15:41 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Authentication of Documents]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=33202</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[About Poland]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=33239</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Name:Republic of Poland
Capital:Warsaw
Population:38,111,000 (2003)
Head of State:President Lech Kaczyński (December 2005)
Prime Minister:Donald Tusk(November2007)


History









966


1025







The Polish court adopts Christianity in 966 when Mieszko I is
baptised.


Boleslaw Chobry, son of Mieszko, becomes the first King of
Poland in 1025AD, crowned only at the end of his
reign shortly before his death.





1385


‘Personal Union’ of Poland and Lithuania through the marriage of
Queen Jadwiga and Wladyslaw Jagiello.




1410


Defeat of the Teutonic Knights at the Battle of Grunwald.




1493


Foundation of the first Sejm (Parliament) made up of the
Senate and Chamber of Deputies.




1569


Under the Treaty of Lublin, Poland and Lithuania unite to form a
commonwealth stretching from the Baltic to the Black Sea and almost
from Berlin to Moscow.




1596


The Capital is moved from Krakow to Warsaw by King Zygmunt III
Wasa.




1610-12


Polish occupation of Moscow.




1655-60


“The Deluge”- Invasion of Poland by Swedish Army




1683


King Jan III Sobieski of Poland raises the Turkish siege of Vienna.




1772


The First Partition of Poland




1791


On 3 May, King Stanislaw August Poniatowski proclaims a new
constitution.




1793


The Second Partition of Poland.




1795



The Third Partition of Poland sees Prussia, Austria and Russia
divide and occupy Poland. Warsaw comes under Prussian rule
until 1815. After the Congress of Vienna, theKingdom of
Poland ('Congress Kingdom') is created,featuringa
liberal consituitution. The Kingdom is attached by personal union
to Russia, with Tsar Alexander 1 Romanov the first king.





1830-32


The November Uprising against Russia. Congress Kingdom is
incorporated into Russia.




1863-64


The January Uprising.




1918


An independent Polish state under Marshall Pilsudski is recognised
by the Allied Powers following the end of World War I.




1920


The Miracle on the Vistula – The Polish Army under Marshall
Pilsudski stops the Red Army invasion of Poland and seizes areas of
Lithuania and Ukraine.




1926


Marshall Pilsudski assumes power in a coup.




1939


World War II begins with the German attack on Westerplatte, near
Gdansk.




1943


The Warsaw Ghetto uprising.




1944


The Warsaw Rising against German occupation.




1945


The Soviet-backed ‘Lublin Committee’ proclaims itself the
Provisional Government of Poland. The Yalta agreement
consigns Poland to the Soviet sphere of influence.




1955


The founding of the Warsaw Pact.




1956


Poznan Strikes




1978


Cardinal Karol Wojtyła is elected Pope.




1980


General strikes in Gdansk spread countrywide. The Solidarity trade
union is formed.




1981


General Jaruzelski declares martial law.




1989


Round Table talks between the Communist Government and Solidarity
agree a power-sharing arrangement and the holding of free
elections. In these elections, the Communists are defeated
and Tadeusz Mazowiecki is elected Prime Minister.




1990


Lech Walesa is elected President.




1997


Poland applies for membership of the EU and NATO




1999


Poland joins NATO




2004


Polish Accession to the EU






System of Government


Poland is a constitutional democracy with executive power held by
the Prime Minister, as Head of Government. The Government
(Council of Ministers) conducts the internal and foreign affairs of
the State “not reserved to other State organs or local government”.
The President also has executive power. He/she is elected directly
by the people to a five year term and may only serve for two terms.
The President is the guardian of the Constitution, Poland’s
territorial integrity and the maintenance of international
political and military alliances. He/she is also Commander of
the Armed Forces. Foreign and security policy is a shared
competence of the President and the Government.


Poland’s Constitution was ratified by referendum and adopted by
Parliament in 1997. The Constitution states that a referendum
requires a voter turn-out of more than 50% to be binding.


There are two Houses of Parliament, a 460-seat lower house (the
Sejm), and a 100-seat upper house (the Senat). Elections take place
at least once every four years and did so most recently on 21
October 2007. The main political parties in the present Sejm are
Civic Platform (PO), Law and Justice (PiS), the Left and Democrats
grouping (LiD) and the Polish Peasants’ Party (PSL).


Poland has a devolved system of government with sixteen regions or
provinces, known as Wojewodztwa or Voivodship, each with a
Parliament (Sejmik), a Marshal who is the head of the local
government, and a Voivod who is appointed by central Government to
act in its interests and to ensure that Polish law is observed. The
regions are further subdivided into Powiats (counties) and
Gminas (communes). Assemblies at theses levels also
have powers, as do Presidents (Mayors), especially in Poland’s
large cities.


For further details about Poland, please see the official
information website of the Government of the Republic of Poland

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Tue, 30 Mar 2010 11:00:56 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Who needs a Visa?]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=33199</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[Marriage Abroad]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=33205</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Irish citizens who wish to marry in Poland must receive a
certificate of freedom to marry from the Embassy. This certificate
is known as a Certificate de Coutume.


Irish citizens requiring a Certificate de Coutume are asked to
contact the Embassy at +48 22 849 66 33 to make an appointment.


Documents required


The following documents are required for each Irish person:



Completed MP1 Form (Questionnaire to be
    completed by Irish citizen seeking a “Certificate de Coutume”
    for marriage abroad)


Completed MP2A form (Statutory Declaration
    by Irish citizen seeking a “Certificate de Coutume” for
    marriage abroad)


Original long form birth certificate


Copy of Irish passport


Fee of €20.00/PLN 90.



If an Irish citizen who wishes to marry in Poland has previously
been divorced they shouldprovide the following:



Completed MP2E Form (if the divorce decree
    is issued by the Irish courts).


Completed MP2B form (if the divorce decree
    is issued by a court outside of Ireland).


Original petition of divorce


Original Final decree of divorce



If a foreign national who wishes to marry an Irish citizen has been
divorced, they must also provide the following:



Completed MP2D form (Statutory declaration to be made by a divorced
person who wishes to marry an Irish citizen requiring a
“Certificate of Coutume” for marriage abroad)


Original long form birth certificate for the foreign national


Original petition of divorce


Final decree of divorce


Copy of the foreign national’s passport or national identity card.


]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 11 Feb 2010 09:54:21 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Living & Working in Ireland]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=79461</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=79439</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=33184</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=79426</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=79467</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[Studying in Ireland]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=82428</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Ireland’s traditional reputation for educational excellence is
recognised the world over. Dating back to the Middle Ages, Ireland
– known as the Island of Saints and Scholars -provided education to
much of the western world: more recently, Irish writers such as
James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, WB Yeats, George Bernard Shaw and
Oscar Wilde, are studied around the world, while ongoing investment
in research and development has placed modern Ireland at the
cutting edge of science and technology.


Successive modern governments in Ireland have regarded education as
a key priority and today Ireland has one of the highest education
participation rates in the world, with almost half of young people
entering third-level education. Irish Universities, Colleges and
Institutes of Technology are acclaimed internationally for their
high academic standards, while the many established English
language schools have a well-founded reputation for quality.


Ireland is also a uniquely attractive place to live, with friendly
people and a wide range of cultural and sporting activities. In
2007, students from 142 countries pursued courses in Higher
Education in Ireland, with another 140,000 studying English here.
This international experience, together with its cultural links to
the English-speaking world, its intensive investment in research
and development, and its strong connections to industry, has been
central to Ireland’s development as a knowledge society in the new
global economy.




Education Ireland



The Irish Education System



Third Level Education



Irish Universities



Institutes of Technology in Ireland



Private Higher Education Colleges



Fourth Level Education



English Language Sector



Useful Links






Education Ireland


Education Ireland was formally established to provide information
about Ireland as a centre for international education. Its website
(www.educationireland.ie) acts
as a central contact point for information about programmes
available in Irish Universities, Institutes of Technology and
private Colleges, and provides comprehensive links to other Irish
education websites.


Back


The Irish Education System


Education in Ireland is compulsory from age 6 to 16, or until
students have completed three years of secondary education.
However, most children start in primary education at the age of 4.
There are over 3,200 primary schools in Ireland, most of which
receive capital funding from the State, supplemented by local
contributions. The second-level sector comprises over 750
secondary, vocational, community and comprehensive schools.
Almost 60% of students attend secondary schools; 26% attend
vocational schools; and 14% attend community and comprehensive
schools. Second-level education consists of a three-year Junior
Cycle followed by a two or three-year Senior Cycle. In the Senior
Cycle, there is an optional Transition Year Programme. During the
final two years of Senior Cycle, students take either the
established Leaving Certificate; the Leaving Certificate Vocational
Programme or the Leaving Certificate Applied.


Back


Third Level Education


The higher education system in Ireland is broad in scope and
encompasses the university sector, the technological sector, the
colleges of education and private independent colleges. The
institutions within the first three groupings are autonomous and
self-governing, but are substantially state funded.


Back


Irish Universities


The seven Universities in the Republic of Ireland offer
state-of-the-art training through a broad range of Bachelors,
Masters and PhD programmes. These Universities are attractive
destinations for Irish, European and international students,
reflecting the unique combination of a quality education and an
exciting cultural experience. Irish Universities are fully
integrated into the life of their cities and regions, with vibrant
student communities and social life.


Significant government investment in research and development makes
the Irish Universities an especially attractive destination for
young researchers and scholars. The Universities play a central
role in ensuring that Ireland continues to advance and becomes a
fully-fledged knowledge society. The receipt of significant funding
through the Government's Strategic Innovation Fund underpins their
performance in research and the output of highly-skilled graduates
with doctoral qualifications and post-doctoral experience. The
Universities have rigorous quality assurance procedures which
adhere to the highest international standards.



Back


Institutes of Technology in Ireland


The 14 Institutes of Technology (IoTs) in the Republic of Ireland
offer programmes at levels 6 to 10 of the National Framework of
Qualifications.These include undergraduate programmes
leading to higher certificate awards, Ordinary Bachelors degrees,
Honours Bachelors degrees and post-graduate awards, both taught and
by research, leading to Masters and Doctoral degrees, in a wide
variety of subjects. Most have schools of Science, Engineering
&amp;amp; Technology, and Business. In addition, many of the Institutes
have developed special programmes in areas such as Humanities &amp;amp;
Languages; Paramedical Studies and Healthcare; Art &amp;amp; Design;
and Tourism. The quality assurance procedures of each Institute are
approved by the Higher Education and Training Award Council (HETAC).
The qualifications awarded byHETAC are internationally
recognised by academic; professional; trade; and craft bodies.



Back


Private Higher Education Colleges


The various private independent colleges are mainly involved in
providing business and professional educational training. Courses
on offer include: Accountancy and Business Studies; Law;
Humanities; Hotel and Catering; Tourism Studies; and Art. Many of
the programmes offered by these colleges are validated by the
Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC) and some have
links with Universities and/or professional associations through
which the offered courses are accredited.



Back


Fourth Level Education


Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have a critical role to play
in ‘Fourth Level' or post-graduate education in Ireland.
Significant funding is provided for research being carried out in
the HEIs, much of it coming through the Higher Education
Authority’s Programme for Research in Third Level
Institutions (PRTLI), and major research initiatives funded by
Science Foundation
Ireland. The Government’s 2006 Strategy for Science, Technology
and Innovation sets out a vision and roadmap for the coherent
development of research, technological development and innovation.
Government research support continues to increase under the
National Development Plan, 2007-2013.



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English Language Sector


Ireland has a well-founded reputation for the excellent quality of
its English language services. The quality assurance body for the
sector in Ireland is the Advisory Council for English Language
Schools (ACELS) which administers an inspection scheme, leading to
recognition by the Department of Education and Science . A full list of
the over 110 quality-assured and recognised schools and
organisations (ELTOS) is available on the ACELS website.
These offer a wide variety of courses, and generally provide a full
package of tuition, accommodation and extra-curricular activities.
English language training can also be combined with sporting
activities such as angling, golf or tennis. The English language
sector is supported in its promotional activities by F&#225;ilte Ireland.



Back


Useful Links


The Education Ireland website acts as a central point of
contact for information on Irish education and on programmes
available in Irish Universities and colleges. It provides
up-to-date comprehensive information on courses;scholarships;
coming to Ireland; and learning English in Ireland (www.educationireland.ie).


The National
Qualifications of Ireland (NQAI) is the Irish centre for the
recognition of international qualifications. If you have completed
a qualification outside Ireland, you may wish to have it assessed
in order to gain employment or undertake further studies in Ireland
(www.qualificationsrecognition.ie).


Qualifax is
Ireland's National Learners' Database. It is the &quot;one stop shop&quot;
for learners. Qualifax provides the most comprehensive information
on further and higher education and training courses in Ireland
(www.qualifax.ie).


The National Framework
of Qualifications (NFQ) provides a way to compare
qualifications, and to ensure that they are quality-assured and
recognised at home and abroad. Students are encouraged to use the
NFQ to identify the qualification they will achieve before making
decisions. Qualifications recognised through the NFQ are
quality-assured: this means that your course, and the institution
at which you study, are reviewed on an ongoing basis www.nfq.ie).


The Higher Education
and Training Awards Council (HETAC) develops, promotes and
maintains higher education and training awards to the highest
international standards and quality (www.hetac.ie).


The Irish
Council for International Students (ICOS) promotes the general
welfare of international students (www.icosirl.ie).


The Irish Universities
Assocation (IUA) is the representative body for the seven Irish
Universities (www.iua.ie).


The Institutes of
Technology of Ireland (IOTI) is the representative body for the
thirteen Irish institutes of technology (www.ioti.ie).


The Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA) is a
self-regulating association of independent third level colleges
formed in 1991 to represent the interests of its member colleges
and their students (www.heca.ie).


The Advisory Council
for English Language Schools (ACELS) is the quality assurance
body for English language teaching in Ireland. ACELS administers an
inspection/recognition scheme leading to recognition by the
Department of Education and Science (www.acels.ie).


F&#225;ilte Ireland promotes the English language
   schools (www.failteireland.ie).


The Student
Finance website is a convenient and user-friendly source of
information on financial support for further and higher education
in Ireland (www.studentfinance.ie).



Back

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:37:23 UTC</pubDate>
		
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					<title><![CDATA[Application Form]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=75040</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
COMPLETING YOUR APPLICATION FORM ON-LINE


A new visa system is now operating at this Mission. The new system
includes the facility for applicants to complete their application
form on-line.


To launch an on-line application please click here.


Applicants are reminded that completing the on-line application
form is only the first step in the visa application process. An
application can only be processed when the on-line form is
completed AND the required backing documentation, passport
photograph and appropriate fee are received by the relevant
office as indicated by the on-line system.


It is no longer possible to apply using a downloaded/paper
application form.


INFORMATION NOTE TO ASSIST APPLICANTS


An information note has been prepared to assist applicants. This is
available in English, and also in Arabic,Chinese, French, Russian,Turkishand Urdu.

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:32:05 UTC</pubDate>
		
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