www.corkcity.ie/newcomersguidec/o Cork City Development Board, 89-90 South Mall, CorkTel. 021 4924596, email dce@corkcity.ie

Name Telephone PageBus Eireann 021 4508188 46Centre for the Unemployed 021 4275876 14, 45Citizen’s Information Centres 1890 777121 iiCois Tine 021 4316593 33, 50Cork City Childcare Company 021 4507942 41Cork City Council

Housing 021 4966222 9Higher Education Grants 021 4924087/96 44Library Service 021 4924900 51Recreation Facilities 021 4924323 53

Dept of Education & Science 021 4536300 42Dept of Enterprise, Trade & Employment

Employment Rights Information 01 6313131/1890 201615 17Work Permits Section 01 6313333/08 or 1890 201616 12Working Visas 01 6313186 12

Dept of Foreign AffairsVisas 01 6331001 34Citizenship (marriage/ancestry) 01 4780822 34

Dept of Justice Equality & Law Reform Asylum Division 01 6028202 34Citizenship (residency-based) 01 6167700 34

Dept of Social & Family Affairs 021 4270055 19, 21Equality Authority 01 4173336/1890 245545 17, 23Equality Tribunal 01 4174100/1890 344424 23FÁS 021 4856200 12Garda Síochána

Anglesea St Station 021 4522000 22Immigration Section 021 4522086 22, 32Confidential free phone 1800 666111 22

Immigrant Council of Ireland 01 8656525 34Iarnrod Eireann (Irish Rail) 021 4506766 46Irish Refugee Council 01 8724424 34Legal Aid Board 021 4275998/4551686 23Local Employment Services 021 4302310 14Migrant Rights Centre 01 8881355 34Motor Tax/Drivers Licences Office 021 4544566 30NASC (Irish Immigrant Support Centre) 021 4317411 33, 50National Car Testing Service 1890 200670 30Refugee Information Service 01 8382710 34Refugee Legal Service 021 451000/1800 202420 23Revenue Commissioners 021 4325000 16SONAS DP Ireland 021 4302310 33Southern Health Board 021 4965511 9, 10, 21, 37Threshold 021 4271250 8

Disclaimer: Members of the Cork - One City, Many Communities group have made every effort to ensure the accuracyof all information contained in the Newcomer's Guide to Cork City. However, they can accept no responsibility for anyloss, injury or inconvenience sustained by any reader as a result of information or advice contained in the guide.

Quick IndexUseful Numbers g

Lord Mayor’s MessageWelcome to Cork, which is first and foremosta maritime city; the port is our gateway to theworld. A city of ideas and a city of individuals,at the core of our ethos has been a respectfor the individual. Our people are known fortheir friendliness, warmth and willingness tohelp others.

Throughout its history, people from all parts ofthe world have made Cork their home; peoplewhose customs and cultures have helped toshape today’s City. As a new Corkonian youare now part of this rich tradition.

I am sure this guide, which is full of usefulinformation on living and working in Cork, willhelp you settle in to your new home.

Cllr Seán MartinLord Mayor, Cork City

IntroductionThis guide aims to introduce newcomers to all aspects of living in Cork – fromfinding somewhere to live and a job to understanding the school system and whatbus goes where. Printed in English, French, Russian and Romanian, it alsosignposts readers to where they can find more detailed information and support.

The guide has been produced by the Cork - One City, Many Communities group.This broad partnership brings together organisations such as Cork City Council,Cork City Partnership, Cork Social and Health Education Project, Irish ImmigrantVoice, NASC – Irish Immigrant Support Centre, YMCA, Youth Information Centreand others, with the aim of promoting interculturalism and awareness of culturaldiversity in the city

The guide could not have been produced without the help of many people. Inparticular we would like to thank members of the consultative group –representatives of new communities in Cork who volunteered their time to guideand shape the development of the guide. We would also like to thank researcherAli Dogan Demir and all those who funded the guide – the Know Racismprogramme, Comhairle, Cork City Council and the RAPID programme.

Steering CommitteeCork One City, Many Communities

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How to use the Guide The aim of this guide is to give an overview of some of the key information youwill need having come to live in Cork. All language versions of the guide arealso available on www.corkcity.ie/newcomersguide, which will be updated toreflect new developments. In each chapter the guide answers some of the mainquestions you might have and sources of further information are listed in eachsection. However, there are also a number of general information sources whichare very helpful and can help with a broad range of queries.

Citizens Information Centres (CICs)provide free, impartial andconfidential information on all aspectsof public services and entitlements.They are open to everyone regardlessof nationality or status.

Citizen’s Information Centres inCork city have offices at:City Centre80 South Mall, tel 021 4277377. Free legal aid advice clinic everysecond Wednesday, 6.30pm – 7.30pm Blackpool90 Great William O’Brien St, tel 021 4501787. BlackrockHeritage Business Park, BessboroRoad, Bessboro, tel 1890 777121 andConvent Road, tel 021 4358352. KnocknaheenyHarbour View Rd, tel 021 4302301. MayfieldNewbury House, Old Youghal Road,tel 021 4508300. While the City Centre CIC is openMon-Fri 10 am – 4 pm, all others havelimited opening hours – it’s advisable

to telephone first to check currentopening hours.

The Golden Pages is a directoryadvertising contact details for avariety of businesses and services.The directory is distributed annually toall households and copies are alsoavailable in public libraries or atwww.GoldenPages.ie

Two very useful websites withinformation on all public services are:

www.oasis.gov.ie www.comhairle.ie

The Citizen's Information PhoneService is open from 9am - 9pm, tel 1890 777121 (calls charged atlocal rates).

www.thegreenbook.ie provides a listof statutory, community and voluntarysector services in Cork. Free copies ofthis directory are also available fromthe Department of Social and FamilyAffairs, tel 021 4917477

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Contents1 SETTING THE SCENE

A Short History of Ireland 1History Of Cork 3Culture & Everyday Customs 4Understanding the Cork People 5Weather 6

2 ACCOMMODATIONPrivate Rented Accommodation 7Buying a Home 9Supports Available 9Emergency Accommodation 10

3 EMPLOYMENTWork Permits 11Working Visas And Work Authorisation 12Finding A Job 12Wages & Taxes 14Your Rights At Work 16

4 SOCIAL WELFARE PAYMENTSUnemployment Benefit & Assistance 19Child Benefit 19One Parent Family Payment 20Family Income Supplement 20Supplementary Welfare Allowance 20Maternity Benefit 20Other Payments 21

5 LAW & ORDERIrish Police Force 22Legal Advice 22Discrimination 23

6 DRIVING IN IRELANDDriving Licences 28Insurance 29Motor Tax 29National Car Test 29Parking 30

7 IMMIGRATION ISSUES Visas 31GNIB Registration Cards 32Asylum Seekers & Refugees 32Support for Immigrants 33Irish Citizenship 34

8 HEALTHCAREPublic Healthcare 35Private Healthcare 37What To Do In An Emergency 37Pregnancy 38Pharmacies/Chemists 38

9 SUPPORT SERVICESPeople with Disabilities 39Young People 40Women 40Older People 40

10 EDUCATION & TRAININGPre-Schools & Childcare 41School System 42Third Level Education 43Further Education & Training 44Learning English 45

11 EVERYDAY LIVING Public Transport 46Voting Rights 47Banking 47Public Holidays 48Media 48Faith Communities 49Country of Origin Groups 50Places To See 50Libraries 51Public Parks 52Sports Facilities 52

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Welcome to Cork – the second cityand biggest county in Ireland. Thischapter gives a brief introductionto Cork – its history, culture,customs and most important – itsweather!

Ireland is a small island in theextreme northwest of Europe - just486km long and 275 km wide. Theisland of Ireland is made up of fourprovinces, Ulster, Connaught,Leinster and Munster, which aredivided into thirty-two counties. 26counties form the Republic ofIreland. The remaining six countiesin Ulster make up the territory ofNorthern Ireland, which is part ofthe United Kingdom of GreatBritain.

The population of the Republic ofIreland is quite small. In 2002 thetotal population was 3.9 million,with over 1 million people living inDublin. Cork City is the secondbiggest city in the Republic, with apopulation of 123,000 (a further325,000 people live in CorkCounty).

A Short History ofIreland What we know today as the islandof Ireland was connected to Britainby land during the last Ice Age. Asthe ice melted and sea levels rose,this land connection graduallydisappeared and by 6000 BCIreland was separated from Britain.Since that time, Ireland has beenshaped by the arrival of severaldistinct groups, such as the Celts,Vikings and Anglo Normans. Thetimeline overleaf gives a basicoverview of some of the key stagesin Ireland’s history.

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2000 on Economic growth heralds era of net immigration.1998 Good Friday Agreement puts Stormont Assembly in place -

Northern Ireland is run by its locally elected members.1973 Ireland joins the European Economic Community (now the EU). 1937 New Irish constitution declares Ireland an independent state

known as Éire. 1921 War of Independence is followed by the Anglo-Irish Treaty, which

provides for separate parliaments for the North of Ireland andthe remaining 26 counties. Divisions over this partition of Irelandlead to a Civil War in 1922/3.

Late 19th C Pressure grows within Ireland for Home Rule (an IrishParliament) and land reform.

1845-49 Potato crops fail and cause famine. 1.4 million die of starvationand 1.4 million leave for the USA and elsewhere – this traditionof emigration continued to the recent past.

1801 Irish Parliament abolished as Ireland becomes part of the UnitedKingdom.

18th C Industrial Revolution flourishes in Belfast, strengtheningeconomic ties with Britain.

17th C Much land was confiscated from the native Irish and given tonew settlers. “Penal Laws” try to further suppress Catholicism.

16th C Henry VIII and Elizabeth I strengthen English control over Irelandand seek to repress Catholicism.

15th C English influence gradually reduced to small area around Dublin,known as “The Pale”

13-14th C English settlers colonise parts of Ireland – development of legalsystem and parliament based along English models.

1169 Start of the Anglo-Norman invasions – by 1250 75% of Irelandwas under Anglo-Norman control.

9 & 10th C Vikings arrive from Scandinavia. 432 AD St Patrick comes to Ireland and is popularly viewed as having

introduced Christianity. 500 BC Arrival of Celts from Central Europe – their language is linked to

the Irish spoken today. 3000BC Late Stone Age (Neolithic) farming people reach Ireland – their

stone burial sites can still be seen throughout the country. 6000BC Middle Stone Age (Mesolithic) people are Ireland’s first

inhabitants.

History Of Cork

The name Cork is derived from theIrish word “corcaigh” meaning“marshy place”, referring to themarshes on which much of the citydeveloped. Its origins can be tracedback to the early 7th century when,according to legend, Saint Finbarrfounded a monastery – probably onthe site of what is now St Fin Barre’sCathedral. From this initial smallsettlement Cork developed into atown following the Viking invasionswhich started in the 9th century.

The Vikings gradually integrated withthe native Celts, and Cork’sdevelopment continued to be shapedby external influences. The next majorinfluence was the Anglo-Normanswho captured Cork in 1177. Underthem it was granted its first royalcharter in 1185, giving it city status.The 800th anniversary of this charterwas celebrated in Cork in 1985.

During the 12th century Corkcontinued to grow as a trading port.Most of the medieval walled citystood on an island formed bybranches of the River Lee and wasentered via the North and SouthGates. The Gaelic resurgence, whichbegan in the late 14th century, sawmuch of the countryside revert to theGaelic Irish. However, Cork and othertowns remained loyal to the English.Around this time Cork went into aneconomic decline, which continueduntil the late 17th century.

Cork has a strong maritime historyand its deep natural harbour means ithas always been a centre for trade –from the Viking longships to today’spassenger ferries and cargo ships. Inthe 18th century Cork regained muchof its prestige as a trading centrebecause of its harbour, with trade incorn, butter, wool and beefparticularly prominent. The cityexpanded as marshes were reclaimed.

The struggle for independence in thelate 19th and early 20th centuriesmeant there were turbulent timesthroughout the country. In Cork thispeaked in 1920, when the city’s LordMayor Tomás MacCurtain wasmurdered by British Crown forces andhis successor Lord Mayor TerenceMacSwiney died on hunger strike in aLondon prison. By the end of 1920much of Cork, including the City Halland what is now St Patrick St, wasdestroyed by fire by British forces.

As the second city of the Republic ofIreland, Cork continued to developthroughout the 20th century. Thedecline of traditional industries, suchas shipbuilding and carmanufacturing, has been followed bythe development of strongpharamaceutical, engineering and ITindustries.

Further information aboutthe history of Cork Citycan be found inwww.corkcity.ie

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Culture

Irish culture is rich in its diversity andreflects the influence of the Celts,Vikings, Norman and others, whohave come to Ireland over thecenturies. The Irish languagedeveloped from one of the Celticdialects during the Bronze Age inIreland and Britain. The Irish languageis still the main spoken language inparts of Ireland (known as the“Gaeltacht”) and is visible on roadsigns and heard on television andradio.

Traditional sports in Ireland includehurling and Gaelic football. Bothgames are played throughout thecountry and county teams competefiercely in All Ireland championshipseach year. Cork has a strong trackrecord in both All Ireland hurling andfootball championships and pride inthe Cork teams’ achievements unitesall its people.

Irish traditional music and folk musicare part of a musical tradition thatstretches back over manygenerations. The traditionalinstruments are the Harp, UilleannPipes, Bodhrán, Flute and Fiddle. TheHarp became the symbol of Ireland.Nowadays Irish traditional musicculture is closely associated withpubs, where music is oftenperformed. Traditional Irish dance isstill popular, particularly amongstchildren and has become famous

worldwide through the touring show“Riverdance”. Irish dancing sessions,known as “ceilí”, provide opportunitiesfor everyone to enjoy Irish dancing.Throughout 2005 Cork will celebrateits designation as European Capital ofCulture with an extensive programmeof events (www.cork2005.ie)

Everyday Customs

As a newcomer to Cork (and Ireland)you may find that some of thecustoms and unspoken rules ofbehaviour are quite different to thoseyou are used to. This can lead tomisunderstandings. Some usefulpoints to remember are listed below.

● Irish people are generally verypolite and often use phrases suchas “please”, “thank you”, “if youwouldn’t mind”, “sorry”, etc.

● Irish people often don’t like to say“No” directly. In general they willbe polite and friendly and softennegativity by saying things like “Iam afraid not”, “Unfortunately”, “Iam sorry” or just “Sorry”.

● Irish people usually shake handswhen greeting one another. Whenspeaking with someone it is usualand polite to look him/her in theeye. Averting the eyes when talkingmay be interpreted as beinguninterested.

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● When waiting for a service, e.g. in abank, post office, shop etc, it isusual to go to the back of thequeue of people who are alreadywaiting. This queue is usuallyclearly visible. In some cases, suchas waiting for a bus, there may notbe an ordered queue. Yet evenhere people usually take note ofwho is there before them and letthem board first.

● Most Irish people send cards tofriends and family to celebrateoccasions such as birthdays,anniversaries, Christmas Day,marriages, new babies etc.

Understanding the Corkpeople

You will notice that Irish people haveaccents. There’s a huge variety ofaccents - depending on where theperson comes from. The Cork accentcan be hard to understand, until youget used to it, as people tend tospeak very quickly. Ask them politelyto speak more slowly, they won’tmind. In Cork the people also usesome local dialect which can makethem more difficult to understand.Some commonly used words andphrases include:

“Boy” often added at the end ofsentences eg “good on you boy” as ageneral form of address.

“C’mere” (or “c’mere to me”)Literally means “come here” but it isreally just an opening expressionused to get someone’s attention, like“listen” or even just “hey”.

“Cop on” means “common sense” –can be used as a noun or a verb, “copyourself on” – have some commonsense.

“Craic” Pronounced “crack” thismeans fun, enjoyment and laughter –often refers to a good night out.

“Grand” Literally means “impressive”and is also used for “thousand”. InCork it means, “fine, good, OK”. For

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instance if you ask how someone is,s/he is likely to reply, “grand”.

“I will, yeah!” Literally “ok, I will” butoften said in a sarcastic way andactually means, “No, I will not!”

“It is sorted” Literally means “It isdone” but it can also mean, “it is inprogress or it will be done”.

“Lad(s)” Any male, though usually afriend. When pluralised, it candescribe a group of males andfemales.

“Like” Usually used to comparesomething, but in Cork it can beplaced anywhere in the sentence -mostly at the end (e.g. do you knowlike?). In this context “like” does notreally have a meaning.

“Sorry” Literally an apology, but inmost cases means “Excuse me” andalso takes the place of “No” where itis too rude to say directly.

“Your man” Literally “the manbelonging to you” but in Cork this isused to refer to a specific person.

Weather

The weather is a favourite discussiontopic amongst Irish people. Strangerspassing in the street often say “lovelyday” or, more often, comment on therain. Temperatures are fairly similarover the whole country. The coldestmonths are January and Februarywith average temperatures ofbetween 4°C and 7°C, and July andAugust are the warmest. Extremes oftemperature, below -3°C or above26°C, are very rare. While snow is veryrare, rain can be expectedall year round. Thewettest months areusually Decemberand January.

Since Ireland issituated in thenorthwest ofEurope, thedays are longerin summer andshorter in winter.The evenings arebright up to 10 pm insummer, while in winter itcan be dark by 5 pm. In order toavoid very dark days the clocks areput back one hour in Autumn (usuallythe last Sunday in October) and goforward one hour on the last Sundayin March.

You have a number of choices whenlooking for accommodation in Cork.Firstly, you can rent – usually from aprivate landlord. Types of rentedaccommodation include houses,apartments or flats, house shares (i.e.a room in a house rented by others)and bed-sits (a combined bedroomand sitting room with sharedbathroom and limited cookingfacilities). Or you may decide to buyyour own home. Whichever youchoose, some of the key points youneed to know are outlined below.

Private RentedAccommodation

How to find the right place? Finding accommodation in Cork in theright place and at the right price canbe difficult. In particular you shouldtry to avoid late August andSeptember/October, when Cork’suniversity and colleges open. At thistime of the year thousands ofstudents from across the country willalso be seeking accommodation. Agood place to start when looking for

accommodation is the ads in the localand evening newspapers, such as theEvening Echo available early eachafternoon (look in the classified adssection – usual headings are“accommodation” or “house share”). If you are interested in the ad andwant to see the place, make anappointment to see theaccommodation. You should startcontacting landlords as early aspossible as the accommodation couldbe gone in couple of hours.

Accommodation ads in newspapersinclude many abbreviations – here aresome of most common:

CH: Central Heating. (GFCH – gas fired central heating). FF: Fully Furnished. NRA: No Rent Allowance. Professional (or prof): Someonecurrently employed and working. NS: Non-Smoker.

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Another way to find accommodationis through letting and accommodationagencies and estate agents (checkthe Golden Pages under the heading“letting agents” for contact details).However, most agencies charge a feeso check out their charges andservices beforehand. Other places tolook are the notice boards insupermarkets and in colleges. Thereare also some websites on theInternet with details of availableproperties. Or you could place yourown ad in the local newspaper.

Rent, Deposits & Contracts Once you’ve found suitableaccommodation, be sure you clearlyunderstand the terms and conditions,for example the amount of rent, whenit should be paid, does it include billssuch as gas, electricity and bincharges, how long you can stay etc.Most landlords ask for a deposit(usually one month’s rent) as well asone month’s rent in advance. Alwaysask for a receipt. The deposit will bereturned to you when you leave,provided that you have paid all bills,given sufficient notice and notdamaged the property. All landlordsshould (but many don’t) provide arent book, which includes their nameand address and records the depositand rent paid.

Your landlord may ask that you sign alease. A lease is a written agreementcontaining the conditions you bothagree to. A lease is usually for a

specific time (eg 6 or 12 months) andif you leave before then you may haveto pay the rent for the remainder ofthe lease. If you sign a lease withothers, you become responsible foreach other’s rent. If you don’tunderstand the terms of the leasecontact Threshold (see addressbelow) for free advice before signing.

What are you rights? Your landlord cannot ask you to leaveduring the period of your lease,unless you have broken some of theterms of the agreement. Your rentcannot be increased during that timeunless a condition is put into thelease. Even if you don’t have a lease,your landlord must give you fourweeks notice in writing if they wantyou to leave the property (you mustdo the same if you plan to leave).

If you think your deposit has beenunfairly withheld, the terms of yourlease have been broken or you havehad problems with your landlord,contact Threshold for free housingadvice and information.

Threshold,Father Matthew Quay, Cork, Tel 021 4271250, e-mail: threshold@tinet.ie www.threshold.ie

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Buying A Home

To buy a house in Ireland, you willprobably need to get a loan from anIrish bank. This loan is called amortgage and is usually repaid over25 years or more. As well as this loanyou will also need to pay a largedeposit. The size of the mortgage(loan) you qualify for will depend onthe amount you earn. Information onother charges payable when buying ahouse and advice on mortgages isavailable from independent mortgagebrokers, banks and building societies.However they all charge differentinterest rates so it’s important toshop around.

House prices have increased greatlyover recent years and are highest incities. In 2004 the average cost ofbuying a house in Cork city is€230,000. Houses are usuallyadvertised and sold through estateagents, although some are soldprivately, e.g. through ads innewspapers.

Supports Available

Local authorities (e.g. Cork CityCouncil) help those who cannotafford to buy or rent their own home,by providing houses and flats at a lowrent. Demand for such housing ishigh and priority is given to familieswith children and older people.Applicants must meet eligibilitycriteria (e.g. around income levelsand) and even then may spend

months or years on the waiting listbefore getting accommodation.

Local authorities also help people onlow income to buy their own homes,through schemes such as: Shared ownership – the house isowned jointly by the buyer and thecouncil. Affordable housing – houses aresold to eligible buyers at less than themarket value.

Eligibility for both schemes dependson level of need and income, andresidency status.

If you are living in private rentedaccommodation and receive a socialwelfare or health board payment, youmay be eligible to receive anallowance to help pay your rent. Thesize of the allowance will depend onyour income and the amount of rentpayable each week. As with all socialwelfare payments, to be eligible youmust be considered “habituallyresident” (see page 18).

Local Authority Housing Support,Cork City Council, City Hall, Cork, tel 021 4966222.

Rent Allowance, Southern HealthBoard, Community WelfareHeadquarters, Abbey Court House,George’s Quay, Cork, tel 021 4965511

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EmergencyAccommodation

If you do not have anywhere to stay inthe case of an emergency or a crisis,there are several organisationsproviding temporary shelter forhomeless people. The first point ofcontact should be your localCommunity Welfare Officer in theSouthern Health Board, who willadvise you of your rights andentitlements.

If you need assistance outside ofoffice hours, there are a number ofvoluntary organisations which provideemergency accommodation, food andother support.

Cork Simon Community (accommodation and day centrefor men and women aged 18 andover) Andersons Quay, Cork. Tel 021 4278728 (24 hours a day,Monday – Sunday)

Society of St. Vincent de Paulruns St Vincent’s Hostel (for menonly), Anglesea Terrace, Cork. Tel 021 4317899 up to 9pm,Monday to Sunday.

Edel House(accommodation for women andchildren), Grattan Street, Cork.Tel: 021 4274240, open 24 hours,Monday to Sunday

Riverview(temporary accommodation forteenage girls 15-18), 3 North Mall,Cork. Tel 021 4304205. Open 24 hours, Monday to Sunday

EmergencyAccommodation

Southern Health Board, CommunityWelfare Headquarters, Abbey CourtHouse, George’s Quay, Cork, tel 0214965511. The office is open duringoffice hours, Monday to Friday.

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Employment

The rules governing who can workfreely in Ireland and who needspermission (a permit, visa orauthorisation) are complicated. Wehave tried to give a general overview ofthe current situation but cannot coverall cases.

Work Permits

Many people are free to work without awork permit, including: ● Citizens of a European Economic

Area (EEA) country (the EUcountries plus Norway, Iceland,Liechtenstein) and Switzerland.

● Persons who have been grantedrefugee status.

● Students (for up to 20 hours perweek in term time, full time inholidays.

● Non-EEA workers legally employedin one Member State who aretemporarily sent on a contract toanother Member State.

● Persons who have been grantedpermission to remain in Irelandbecause: - They are the spouse or parent ofan Irish citizen. - They have been given temporaryleave to remain on humanitarian

grounds, having been in the Asylumprocess.

If you need a work permit the key pointto note is that it may only be appliedfor by an employer on behalf of aprospective employee. The employermust have a permit before theemployee starts work. Working withouta valid work permit is an offence underIrish law. If you have a work permit it ispossible to change employers, but onlyif the new employer gets a work permiton your behalf. The existing workpermit needs to be returned to theDepartment with a cover letter fromthe previous employer.

An employer will pay between €65 and€500 for a permit, depending on itslength. A permit can last for up to oneyear. Applications for renewal ofpermits should be made before the endof the current permit. The standardwaiting time is 8-10 weeks but it maytake longer depending on the numberof applications.

Working Visas and Work Authorisation

Because of skills shortages in certainsectors in Ireland, it is possible toapply for a working visa or workauthorisation. Applications must bemade from outside Ireland and theperson applying must have an offerand contract of employment from anemployer in Ireland in one of thenamed sectors (such as health care,information technology, constructionengineering and town planning). Thekey difference between these andwork permits is that workingvisas/work authorisation are grantedinitially for 2 years and the personmay change employer (provided thatthey stay in the same sector).

Finding a Job

There are several useful sourceswhen you are looking for a job inCork. Firstly, jobs are advertised innewspapers. The Friday edition of theIrish Times and Irish Examiner and theThursday edition of the IrishIndependent include many job ads.Jobs advertised in these nationalnewspapers may be based anywherein Ireland. The Cork-based EveningEcho includes job ads every day andthese are usually for positions in Cork.

Jobs are also advertised in the FÁSoffices and local employment service(see page 14)

Cork also has several recruitmentagencies (a full listing is included inthe Golden Pages under “RecruitmentSpecialists”). Many recruitmentagencies are accessible online –these include: www.irishjobs.ie, www.bestjobs.iewww.recruitireland.com,www.jobsireland.com, www.topjobs.ie and www.monster.ie

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For the latest information andapplication forms contact:Department of Enterprise,Trade and Employment,Davitt House, 65a Adelaide Road,Dublin 2. www.entemp.ie

Work permits sectionTel. 01 6313333/3308email. workpermits@entemp.ie

Working visas tel. 01 6313186email. workingvisas@entemp.ie

Further Information

FÁS Employment Services Office,Sullivan’s Quay, Cork. Tel: 021 4856200 and in the FASCentre, 30/31 Shandon Street,Cork. Tel: 021 4946162.

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How to Apply for a Job? Once you’ve found a job ad thatinterests you and seems to matchyour skills, the next step is to applyfor the position. The job ad will tellyou how to apply – this usuallyinvolves sending an application letterand curriculum vitae (see below) by aspecific date. It’s important not tomiss that date, as late applicationsare not usually considered. Theemployer may want you to applyusing an application form, which isgenerally mentioned in the ad andavailable from the employer.

Curriculum Vitae (CV) A CV (curriculum vitae) gives a briefoverview of your education and workexperience and seeks to show theemployer why you are suitable for thejob. A CV will include:● Personal details (name, age,

contact details, etc) ● Education details● Work experience and employment

history. ● Interests and activities. ● Additional information such as

ability with foreign languages,computing skills, etc.

● Names and addresses of peoplewho will give you a reference(usually past employers).

The layout of a CV is important. Itshould be easy to read, clear andconcise (1-2 pages at most). As spaceis limited you should adapt your CV tomatch the specific requirements of

each job you are applying for. CVsamples can be obtained from theInternet (e.g. www.ucc.ie/careers) andfrom recruitment agencies.

What is a Cover LetterWhen applying for a job always senda cover letter along with yourapplication or CV. Begin the letterwith “Dear Sir/Madam” if you don’tknow the surname. End with “Yourssincerely”.

Start by indicating the job you areapplying for and where you learnedabout the vacancy. Go on to say whyyou are interested in this job. Mentionyour relevant qualifications andrelated work experience. Finally,indicate your availability for interviewand if necessary ask for furtherinformation.

The Interview The employer will invite applicantswho seem best suited for the job toan interview. If you are called for aninterview you should prepare well.Find out if there is any aptitude(ability, skill) test included in theinterview. Know the organisation andthe job. Think about your strengthsand weaknesses. Allow enough timeto arrive 20 to 30 minutes early. Dressprofessionally and give a firmhandshake. Listen to the questionscarefully and answer clearly andconcisely. If you don’t understand aquestion ask for clarification. If youdon’t know the answer to a question

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say so. When given the opportunity toask questions, it is the right time todemonstrate what you know aboutthe company. Leave on a positivenote.

Support in Finding WorkThere are a number of organisationswhich provide support, free of charge,to people looking for work (providedthat they are eligible to work inIreland). FÁS provides a range ofservices to help people find work,including career guidance andinformation on jobs and trainingopportunities. The first step is toregister at your local FÁS Office(Contact details page 12).

The Local Employment Service(LES) has offices throughout CorkCity, which provide help to those whohave been unemployed for a numberof months, or who may face particulardisadvantages in finding work (e.g.single parents, people with disabilitiesand Refugees). The service is free,confidential and provides supportwith career guidance, education andtraining, CV and interview preparationand job placement. There are 7 LESoffices in Cork City.

Support, advice and a free CVpreparation service are also availablefrom the Centre for theUnemployed, 13 North Main StreetCork. Tel 021 4275876, e-mail cctu@eircom.net

Wages & Taxes

Once you have a job you will pay taxin the PAYE (pay as you earn) system(unless you are self-employed). In thePAYE system the amount of tax youowe is calculated by your employerand deducted from your wages everyweek or month. Pay Related SocialInsurance (PRSI) contributions willalso be deducted from your salary ifyou earn over a certain amount. YourPRSI contributions may entitle you to

Blackpool/The Glen: Gt. WilliamO’Brien Street, Blackpool, Cork. Tel 021 4506266. City Centre: Government Buildings,Sullivan’s Quay, Cork. Tel 021 4856437Churchfield/Farranree: Parochial Hall, Knockfree Avenue,Gurranabraher, Cork. Tel 021 4211048. Knocknaheeny: Hollyhill ShoppingCentre, Hollyhill, Cork. Tel 021 4211050Mahon: Portacabin, RingmahonHouse, Mahon, Cork. Tel 021 4975883Mayfield: Old Youghal Road,Mayfield, Cork. Tel 021 4507499Togher: Greenwood Estate, Togher,Cork. Tel 021 4320428

LES Offices in Cork

15

social welfare benefits at a futuredate. All employees are entitled toreceive a pay slip from theiremployers. It is a confidential writtenstatement of the total gross wages,the details of any deductions forinstance PRSI and PAYE and the netpay after deductions.

Shortly after the end of each financialyear (31st December) your employershould give you a P60 form. This setsout the gross amount of pay receivedplus the details of deductions forPAYE and PRSI. If you leave thecountry before the end of thefinancial year you may be eligible toclaim a tax refund. Your P60 isimportant and should be kept safe, asyou may need it to claim socialwelfare benefits or tax refunds. It alsoprovides you with proof of thedeductions made from your pay. Ifyou leave a job your employer shouldgive you a P45 form, which youshould then give to any newemployer.

When you start work for the first timeyou need to contact the tax office toget your Certificate of Tax Credits(CTC). However, before contacting thetax office you should have obtainedyour PPS number (see below) –always quote this number whencontacting the tax office. Fill out anapplication form 12A, which isavailable from any tax office or fromthe Revenue Commissioner’s website,www.revenue.ie. After receiving your

application form, the tax office willsend both you and your employer acertificate of tax credits, which setsout in detail the amount of tax creditsand standard rate cut off point due. Ifyour employer does not hold a CTCfor you, s/he must deduct tax atemergency rates, which may result inexcessive tax deductions (althoughthis would be repaid to you later).

PPS NumberAll employees should have a PPS(Personal Public Service) number. Thisis your unique reference number forall your dealings with the PublicService e.g. applying to the RevenueCommissioners (tax office) for a taxcredits certificate, applying to theDepartment of Social and FamilyAffairs for a payment etc. Foremployment it is advisable to apply assoon as possible as without a PPSnumber you will be taxed at thehigher rate.

PPS numbers are allocated by yourlocal Social Welfare Office. You mustapply in person, complete theapplication form (Reg 1) in the officeand provide proof of identity. You willneed to bring a passport or NationalID Card or Immigration Card (in thecase of a non EEA national), andproof of address in Ireland. You mayalso be asked for evidence of activityin your home country (ie evidence ofeither birth/work/unemployment/residency/tax liability/education) soit’s best to bring such documents with

you. If you have a problem with thesedocuments call 021 4270055beforehand for advice. Furtherinformation can be found atwww.welfare.ie.

Your Rights at Work

There is a wide range of legislationwhich guarantees minimum rightsand protection for both full-time andpart-time workers. Examples of suchrights include:

Terms and Conditions: When youstart a new job you and youremployer sign a Terms and Conditionsform. This sets out detailedinformation related to your wage,working hours, breaks, holidays,maternity pay, sick pay, etc. At theend of the pay period your employershould give you a payslip showingyour wages and deductions for tax,social insurance (PRSI) etc.

Pay Related Rights: Generallyworkers are entitled to a minimumwage – in 2004 this was €7 per hour.However, this does not apply to allemployers – e.g. those under 18 andthose who have not worked for twoyears. Certain sectors of industry,including agriculture, constructionand hotel and catering, are coveredby agreements, which set minimumrates of pay, which may be in excessof the National Minimum Wage.

Working Time Rights: On averagean employer should not expect you towork for more than 48 hours perweek (usually averaged over 4months). You are entitled to at least11 consecutive hours rest (breaks)per 24-hour period and at least one

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The following leaflets and formscontain more information onpersonal tax credits and the PAYEtax system:

IT1 Tax Credits, Rates andReliefs

IT2 Taxation of MarriedCouples

IT11 Employee’s Guide to PRSIIT20A PAYE/PRSI on Benefits

from Employment (from1/1/04)

OP1 One Parent Family TaxCredit Claim Form

Rent 1 Rent Relief Claim FormRES2 Coming to Live in Ireland

These forms are available fromLoCall 1890 306706 or from yourlocal tax office – Office of theRevenue Commissioners,Government Offices, Sullivan’sQuay, Cork tel 021 4325000. Theycan also be downloaded fromwww.revenue.ie

Further Information

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24-hour rest per week. Employeeswho work on Sundays have a right tobe compensated by extra pay or timein lieu (i.e. paid time off at a laterdate).

Holidays: Employees are entitled toat least 20 days holiday (or annualleave) every year plus 9 publicholidays. Where employees arerequired to work on public holidays,they should receive either an extra offor an extra day’s pay. Part-timeworkers are also entitled to holidays –the number of days depends on thenumber of hours they work.

Maternity and Parental Leave: Ifyou are pregnant you are entitled toat least 18 weeks maternity leavefrom your job. You can also take anadditional 8 weeks, but you will notget any Maternity Benefit for theseextra weeks. Each parent is alsoentitled to 14 weeks unpaid parentalleave for each child which can betaken in a single block or at intervalsuntil the child is five.

Protection Against DiscriminationThe Employment Equality Actprohibits discrimination againstemployees on a number of grounds –including age, gender, race, religion,family status, marital status, disability,sexual orientation and membership ofthe traveller community. This Actprevents discrimination not only inaccess to employment but also inconditions of employment – training,promotion, etc.

Other legislation obliges employers togive minimum notice before theydismiss an employee and sets outminimum payments for workers whoare made redundant. This short guidecannot give a full picture of thislegislation.

What if I have a problem withmy employer? If you think your employer has treatedyou unfairly regarding wages,holidays, work conditions, hours ofwork, redundancy, unfair dismissal etcyou can contact the IndependentWorkers Union Centre for a freeconsultation - 55 North Main Street,Cork, tel 021 4277151.

Dept of Enterprise, Trade andEmployment, Employment Rights Information Unit,Davitt House,65a Adelaide Road,Dublin 2.Tel 01 6313131 Lo-call 1890 201615 www.entemp.ie

Equality Authority2 Clonmel St, Dublin 2.Tel 01 417 3336Lo-call 1890 245545

Further Information

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Social Welfare Payments

The Social Welfare system in Irelandprovides a range of income andfamily supports and other services.These are targeted at people withparticular needs – e.g. those who areunemployed, families, people withdisabilities and carers. Social WelfarePayments fall into 2 groups – socialinsurance schemes and socialassistance schemes:

Social insurance schemes areavailable to those who have paid aspecific number of social insurancecontributions (PRSI) while workingand often have the words “benefit” or“contributory” in the title, e.g. Old AgeContributory Pension, Widow/Widowers Contributory Pension,Disability Benefit, UnemploymentBenefit.

Social assistance schemes are notlinked to PRSI contributions, butapplicants must pass a “means test”.That is your income (or “means”)must be below a certain level. Thelevel will vary depending on the

scheme and your familycircumstances. Examples of socialassistance schemes includeUnemployment Assistance, Old Ageand Widow/Widower’s Non-Contributory Pension, One-ParentFamily Payment and SupplementaryWelfare Allowance.

In May 2004 the Governmentintroduced a new condition whichrestricts access to a number of socialassistance payments (means testedpayments) and Child Benefit topeople who are deemed to be“habitually resident”. This conditionapplies to everyone, regardless ofnationality and is in addition to thenormal qualifying criteria forpayments. In general if you have beenin Ireland for two years or more andintend to remain and make it yourpermanent home then you will beconsidered “habitually resident”.

19

However this two year period is only aguideline and if you have been herefor a shorter time but candemonstrate future intent (e.g. if youare seeking asylum in Ireland, havebought a home, have family and/orsocial ties etc) you may also beconsidered “habitually resident”.

In this guide we can only give anoverview of some of the mainpayments available. For furtherinformation on all Social Welfarepayments and to find out if you areeligible and how to apply contact theDept of Social & Family Affairs, or theSouthern Health Board (see contactsbelow). Unless otherwise stated thepayments outlined below areadministered by the Dept of Social &Family Affairs.

Unemployment Benefit& Assistance

If you are unemployed you may beentitled to receive an unemploymentpayment. There are two mainunemployment payments:Unemployment Benefit andUnemployment Assistance. The keydifference between the two is thatUnemployment Benefit is not meanstested, but is based on your PRSIpayments. If you have not workedbefore in Ireland, or have not paidenough PRSI payments, you will notbe eligible for unemployment benefit.Unemployment Assistance does not

depend on PRSI contributions, but ismeans tested. This means that anyother income that you or yourhusband/wife has will be take intoconsideration (e.g. cash income andsavings).

In order to qualify for either payment,you must be unemployed, under 66years of age, fit to take up andavailable for full-time work andgenuinely seeking work. To apply youshould contact your local socialwelfare office and bring with you yourbirth certificate or passport, ahousehold bill and if you have been inwork previously your P45 form or aletter from your employer confirmingthat you are no longer employed andthe reasons for this. It is importantthat you should apply for anunemployment payment as soon aspossible (ideally on the first day ofunemployment) even if you don’t haveall the documents needed.

Child Benefit

Also known as children’s allowance,this is a universal payment availableto all parents or guardians, regardlessof their income or PRSI contributions(provided they meet the habitualresidence requirement). The amountpaid depends on the number ofchildren and benefit is paid eachmonth until the child reaches 16 years(or 19 years if they are still in full timeeducation and/or have a disability).

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Child benefit is usually paid to thechild’s mother (or stepmother),provided that the child is living withthem. However, benefit can be paid tothe father/stepfather who is livingwith and supporting the child if thechild is not living with themother/stepmother, or to anotherperson who is caring for the child.

One-Parent FamilyPayment

One-Parent Family Payment providessupport for men or women who arebringing up a child or childrenwithout the support of a partner (e.g.single parents and people who arewidowed, divorced, separated, partneris in prison etc). The payment ismeans tested and only available tothose who are resident in the stateand are the main carer of at least onechild.

Family IncomeSupplement

Family Income Supplement is aweekly payment for low-incomefamilies including lone parentfamilies, where at least one parent isat work. In order to qualify for thispayment you must work at least 19hours a week, have at least one childwho is normally living with andsupported by you and your averageweekly income must be below a fixedamount (this amount will vary

depending on your family size). Youshould apply for this payment as soonas possible after starting work, or youcould lose it.

Supplementary WelfareAllowance

The Supplementary WelfareAllowance is paid to people whoseincome is insufficient to meetparticular needs. It may be paid on aweekly basis or once off exceptionalneeds payments. The payment ismeans tested and the amount paidvaries depending on circumstances.To enquire about eligibility for thispayment you should contact theSouthern Health Board, CommunityWelfare Office (see contact detailsbelow).

Maternity Benefit

Pregnant women who are at work areentitled to at least 18 weeks maternityleave from work. After this period youare entitled to return to the same job,terms and conditions. MaternityBenefit is a payment for employedand self-employed women while onmaternity leave. In order to qualify forMaternity Benefit you should havemade a certain level of PRSIcontributions and should apply atleast 6 weeks before you plan to startmaternity leave (12 weeks if you areself-employed).

Other Payments

Pre-Retirement Allowance – allowspeople aged 55 years and over toretire from work and receive a weeklypayment.Old Age Pension – for people agedover 66 years. Widow’s/widower’s Pension – forpeople whose husband or wife hasdied. Disability payments – there are arange of payments, benefits andpensions for people who are ill orhave a disability. Carer’s Allowance – a means testedpayment for carers who live with andlook after people who need full timecare.Carer’s Benefit – a payment madeto insured persons who leave theworkforce to look after people whoneed full time careRent supplement – means testedallowance to support rent costs(Southern Health Board).Back to Work and Back toEducation/training – there are awide range of schemes, which try tosupport people who are unemployedbut wish to start work or enrol ineducation/training programmes. Back to School Clothing andFootwear Allowance – available toeligible families to support the costsof uniforms and shoes for children atschool. (Southern Health Board)

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For further information on the fullrange of social welfare benefitsand how to apply, contact:

Dept of Social & Family Affairs, Hanover Street, Cork. Tel 021 4270055 www.welfare.ie

Southern Health Board,Community Welfare Office, Abbey Court House, Cork.Tel 021 4965511 www.shb.ie

Further Information

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Law & Order

Irish Police Force

The police force in the Republic ofIreland is called the Garda Síochana(guardians of the peace), usuallyreferred to as the Garda or pluralGardaí (pronounced as gar-dee). Theforce is unarmed and very friendlyand serves the whole community. TheGarda emergency numbers are 999and 112. However it does not alwaysrequire a crisis to contact the Gardaí– if you find yourself in difficulty youcan contact the Gardaí and you willfind them co-operative and helpful.

If for any reason a Garda needs toask you for identification, you shouldco-operate and supply all theidentification or documentation askedfrom you. It is advisable to be politeand stay calm at all times. The Gardashould tell you the reason you arebeing stopped – if not you should ask.In the unlikely event that you arearrested you must be treated fairly,politely and with respect. The Gardaíare governed by a strict code ofbehaviour that recognises your rights,including the right to legal advice(see below).

Legal Advice

If you are in need of legal advice andassistance, you can contact a solicitor.The contact number and addresses ofsolicitors can be found in the GoldenPages. If you can’t afford a solicitor,you may qualify for legal aid (usuallycivil cases only). Legal aid is available

The main Garda Station in Cork isAnglesea Street, Cork. Tel 021 4522000

Immigration Section, Tel 021 4522086

You can also call the GardaConfidential Line, Free phone 1800 666111

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A NEWCOMER’S GUIDE TO CORK CITY

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to any non-national, regardless oftheir status, if their income is below acertain level (although it should benoted that there are often lengthywaiting lists). Free legal aid clinics arealso held in the city centre CIC (seepage ii).

If you are an asylum seeker goingthrough the asylum process you canaccess free legal services from theRefugee Legal Service.

Discrimination

The law says that you cannot bediscriminated against directly orindirectly in the provision of a widerange of goods and services, (such asaccommodation, entertainment, credit

and banking facilities, transport andeducation) on any of the followinggrounds: gender, marital status, familystatus, religion, age, disability, sexualorientation, race, nationality and ethnicorigin. There is also a law, which bansthe public use of words, writtenmaterial or behaviour, which mayresult in hatred of particular groups.

If you are being harassed, you cancontact the Gardaí in Anglesea Streetor call 021 4522000 for advice.

If you feel you have beendiscriminated against, you cancomplain to the Equality Tribunal butthis must be done within 2 months ofthe incident. For initial advice on anycase, you can contact the EqualityAuthority.

Legal Aid Board, 1A South Mall, Cork. Tel 021 4275998, orLegal Aid Board, North QuayHouse, Popes Quay, Cork. Tel 021 4551686.

Refugee Legal ServiceJones Engineering Building, Euro Business Park, Little Island,Cork. Tel 021 451000. Free phone 1800 202420.

Contact Details

Equality Authority2 Clonmel Street, Dublin 2. Tel 01 4173333 orLo-call No 1890 245545,www.equality.ie

Equality Tribunal,3 Clonmel Street, Dublin 2Tel 01 4174100Lo-call 1890 344424

Contact Details

River Lee North Channel

River Lee South Channel

Clark's Bridge

St. Vincent'sBridge

Gaol Brid

ge

WellingtonBridge

ShakyBridge

North GateBridge

Washin

North

Main

St..

South

MaLancaster Q

uay

Shears St.

Western Rd.

Dyke Parade

Tobin St.

Bisho

University College Cork

Fitzgerald's Park

Castle St.

Kyle St..

Adelaide St.

Cor

Barrac

k St.

Hannover St.

Proby's Quay

Bish

op's

St.

Dean St.Fort St.

Gill Abbey St.

College Rd.

Don

ovan

's R

d.

Gaol Walk

St. Finbar's Rd.

Shar

men

Cra

wfo

rd S

t.

Kyrl's Quay

Po

Shan

don

St.

Shandon St.

Dominic St.

Roman St.

Wolfe Tone St.

North Mall

Sunday's Well Rd.

Mardyke Walk

Cork PublicMuseum

MardykeSports Grounds

Shanakiel Rd.

Strawberry H

ill

Blarney St.

Blarney St.

Convent Ave.

Bacherlor's Quay

Grattan St.

Liberty St.

Henry St.

Gree

nvill

e Pl

ace.

Wood St.

Peter St.

Victoria Cross

P

P

P

Cork City GaolHeritage Centre

Hospital

Wandesford

Quay

GateCinema

KinoCinema

The Wanna

N22 Killarney

To Cork University Hospital & Cork

Institute of Technology

Garda Stations

Tourist Information

Parking

Airport

Ferry

Hospital27

15

17

26

18

14

24

6

1. Train Station2. Bus Station3. City Hall4. Fire Station5. Anglesea Garda Station6. University College Cork7. General Post Office (GPO)

8. English Market9. Central Library10. Southern Health Board11. Citizen's Information Centre12. Threshold13. FÁS13. Revenue Commissioners

River Lee

Micheal CollinsBridge

Eamon De Valera

Bridge

Clontarf Brid

ge

Parnell Brid

ge

Parliment Bridge

South Gate

Bridge

Nano NagleBridge

TrinityBridge

Brian BoruBridge

St. PatricksBridge

Christy RingBridge

gton St.

thM

ain

St.

South Mall

Gra

nd P

ara

de

Oliver Plunkett St. Lower

South

Link R

d.

Lower Glanmire Rd.

St. Patrick's Quay

MacCurtain St.

Alb

ert S

t.

Angle

sea S

t.

Princes St.

Tuckey St..

..

op Lucey Park

..

Carey's Lane

French Church St.

Cornmarket St. Academ

y St.M

alborough St.

Cook St.Robert St.

Morgan St.

Pembroke St.

Father Matthew

St.

Smith St.

Winthrop St.

Maylor St.

Paul St.

Coal Quay

Lavitt's QuayMerchant's Quay

Anderson's Quay

Penrose Quay

Wellington Rd.

York

St.

Summer Hill

Alfred St.

Horgan's Quay

Railw

ay S

t.

Victoria Quay

Albert Quay

Albert Quay

Swiney Quay

Unio

n Q

uay

Lapp's Quay

Mor

rison

's Q

uay

Father Matthew Quay

George's Quay

South Terrace

Copley St.

Sawmill St.

Infir

mar

y Rd

.

Abbey St.

Evergreen St.

Douglas St.

Quaker Rd.

Windmill Rd.

High St.

Southern Rd.

Old Blackrock Rd.

Hibernian Rd.

Old Station Rd.

Boreenmanna Rd.

Mar

y St

.

Dun

bar S

t.

Whi

te S

t.

Rutla

nd S

t.

Sullivan's Quay

yCove St.

Victoria Rd.

Blackrock Rd.

Albert Rd.

Parn

ell P

lace

Clontarf St.

ope's Quay

John Redmond St.

Upper John St.

Pine

St.

Leitr

im S

t. Rd

.

Camden Quay Brid

ge S

t.Coburg St.

Leitrim St.

St. P

atric

k's

HillRichm

ond Hill

P

P

P

P

P

P

KentRailwayStation

BusStation

GPO

Hospital

St.Pat

rick

'sSt.

Sum

mer

hill

Sout

hEmmetPlace

CapitalCinema

N20 LimerickMallow / Blarney

N8 DublinRosslare

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aven

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003

R600 AirportKinsale / West Cork

Oliver Plunkett St.

1

2

21

3

25

To St Finbarr's Hospital

78

10

13

20 11

16

12

22

23

9

19

4

5

14. Centre for the Unemployed15. Dept of Social & Family Affairs16. Legal Aid Board17. NASC18. Cois Tine 19. St Vincent de Paul20. YMCA & Cork Youth Information Centre21. Tigh FiIí

22. Cork College of Commerce23. St John’s Central College24. Shandon Steeple

Hospitals: 25. South Infirmary26. Mercy27. Erinville

CITY CENTRE

Tivoli (11)Ballyvolane (7)Orbital (1)

Lotamore (8A)

Mayfield (8)

Montenotte (7A)Mahon (2)

Southern Orbital (19)

Skehard (10)

Well Road (7A)

Donnybrook (7)

Grange (6)

Ballyphehane (3)

Pouladuff (9)

Glasheen (10)

Bishopstown (8)

Knocknaheeney (2)

Farranree (3)

Mallow Rd (5A)

Sundays Well (4)

Lansdowne Court (9)

CUH (14)

Glenthorn (12)Friars Walk (4)

KNOCKNAHEENEY

GURRANABRAHER

SHANAKIEL

SUNDAY'S WELL

BLACKPOOL

THE GLEN

GLENTHORN

BALLYVOLANE

FAIRHILL

FARRANREE

MAYFIELDMONTENOTTE

ROCHESTOWN

DOUGLAS

GRANGE

BLACKROCK

MAHONBALLINLOUGH

SKEHARD

TIVOLI

BALLINTEMPLE

TOGHER

GLASHEEN

BALLYPHEHANE

BALLINCOLLIG

BISHOPSTOWN

Cork City Bus Routes (from City Centre)

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Driving in Ireland

Motorists drive on the left side of theroad in Ireland. Everyone in a carmust use a seatbelt – both front andback. The speed limit is usually 30miles per hour (mph) (48 km/hour) incities, towns, villages and other builtup areas unless otherwise stated. Thegeneral speed limit is 60 mph. Mainroads are patrolled by marked andunmarked police cars, which dospeed checks. Drivers caughtspeeding must pay a fine and receivepenalty points on their driving licence(12 penalty points means you loseyour licence).

It is illegal to drive with a bloodalcohol level of over 80 milligrams perml in Ireland. There is no “safe”amount which you can drink – somepeople may be under the limit withone drink, others are not. It is alsoillegal to use a mobile phone whiledriving. Detailed information ondriving rules, road signs, etc. can befound in the book “Rules of theRoad”, available in libraries andbookshops.

Before you drive in Ireland, both youand your vehicle must meet specificrequirements. Firstly, you must have avalid driving licence, which is always

with you when driving. Your vehiclemust be adequately insured, taxedand roadworthy.

Driving Licences

If you already have a driving licence,which was issued in a EU country, orNorway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, youcan drive in Ireland for as long as it isvalid. You may apply to exchange itfor an Irish licence within one year ofarrival, but this is not obligatory. If youhave a licence from any other country,you may drive in Ireland for up to 12months. However, if you plan to staylonger than 12 months you shouldapply for an Irish driving licence.Drivers with licences from Australia,South Africa, Japan, Switzerland,South Korea, Jersey, Isle of Man orGibraltar can exchange for an Irishlicence within one year of arrival, withno need to sit the driving test.

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How to applyThe first step is to applyfor a provisional drivinglicence, which is usuallyvalid for 2 years.Applicants must firstpass a driving theorytest (a written test onrules of the road etc).Once you have aprovisional licence you

can start learning to drive.However, while on your first

provisional licence, you must alwaysdrive under the supervision ofsomeone with a full driving licence.When you are a competent driver thenext step is to apply for a full drivinglicence. To do so you must pass anoral test and a practical driving test.Full driving licences should berenewed every 10 years.

Insurance

Motor vehicle insurance iscompulsory in Ireland. You cannotdrive a vehicle for which you are notinsured and all vehicles shoulddisplay an insurance disc on theirwindscreen. Costs can vary greatlybetween different insurancecompanies so it’s advisable to checkprices with several companies. Somecompanies will accept a no-claimsbonus from abroad. However, you willneed to provide written evidence ofyour insurance record and each caseis assessed individually.

Motor Tax

Drivers must also pay motor tax fortheir vehicle. The rate of tax variesdepending on the engine size – thebigger the engine, the higher the tax.Motor tax discs (like insurance discs)must be displayed on the frontwindow of your car at all times.Further information and applicationforms can be obtained from theMotor Taxation/Drivers LicencesOffice (see contact details below).

National Car Test & NCT

To ensure they are roadworthy, allvehicles which are four years old ormore must pass the National Car Test.Cars that pass the test are issued witha NCT disc that must also bedisplayed on the front windscreen. The disc is valid for 2 years, when thecar must be retested. Vehicles that failthe test cannot be driven on a publicroad. NCT tests in Cork city takeplace in NCT Centre, Euro BusinessPark, Little Island, Cork.

Parking

Finding a parking place in Cork canbe difficult. Most car parks charge bythe hour. If parking on the road makesure that parking is allowed. Parkingis never allowed on roads withdouble yellow lines, in disabled driverspaces, on footpaths and within 5metres of a junction. Streets withsingle yellow lines forbid parking atcertain times. These times will beshown on a sign nearby (usually8.30am – 6.30pm, Monday -Saturday). Cars parked illegally maybe towed away or clamped.

The city centre operates a discparking system. Cars parked in a discparking area (indicated by streetparking signs) must display a validparking disc. The parking limit in eacharea is also indicated on the sign –either 1 or 2 hours. Cars whichoverstay their disc may get a parkingticket or be clamped. Parking discscan be bought at newsagents,garages and convenience stores.Scratch off the panels to indicate thetime and date you parked and displaythe disc in the window next to thekerb.

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Motor Taxation/Drivers LicencesOffice, Farranlea Road, Cork. Tel 021 4544566,www.corkcoco.comwww.drivingtest.ie

National Car Testing Service(NCTS) Ltd., Customer Service,Citywest Business Campus,Lakedrive 3026, Naas Road,Dublin 24. Tel 1890 200670, e-mail: info@ncts.iewww.ncts.ie

Further Information

Immigration Issues

31

Immigrants are people who movefrom another country to Ireland to liveor work. The term is very broad andincludes Irish nationals returninghome, EU nationals, other nationalsmoving to live or work in Ireland,people seeking asylum, programmerefugees, etc. The term “non-national”is often used when referring toimmigrants.

Visas

An Irish visa is a stamp needed onyour passport while you are travellingfrom your country to Ireland. EUnationals and nationals from certaincountries such as USA, Australia anda few African countries do not needvisas to enter the State. A list ofcountries whose passport holdersrequire visas to enter Ireland isavailable from the Department ofForeign Affairs (see contact details,page 34). When applying for a visasome documentation will be requiredsuch as passport, green card, a letterfrom your employer or college,marriage certificate etc. It’s advisableto call first to find out whatdocuments will be needed.

There are two types of visas – single-entry (which allows holders to enterthe State once through the validityperiod of the visa) and multiple-entryvisas (which allows holders to leaveand enter the State several timesthrough the validity period of thevisa). There is a stamp on the visa,which defines your purpose of stay inIreland such as study, work, touristetc. A Transit Visa allows the holder totransit through the country’s airports.

The decision on whether or not togrant a visa is made by theDepartment of Foreign Affairs.Reasons for refusal are not given. In general, visitors’ visas are for amaximum of 3 months and aredifficult to extend. Extensions tovisitors’ visas are not granted if achange of status is involved. If theperson wants to change status from avisitor to a student or a worker, s/hehas to return to the country fromwhich s/he came and make theapplication to the Irish Embassy orConsulate there. You should alwayskeep in mind that laws regardingimmigration issues may change.

GNIB Registration Cards(Green Cards)

Anyone from outside the EU whointends to stay in Ireland for morethan 3 months must register with theGarda Siochana and obtain a GNIB(Garda National Immigration Bureau)card – commonly known as a “greencard”. In order to apply for a greencard you must have permission toremain in the country, e.g. as astudent, with a work permit, or beingmarried to an Irish or EU citizen. Youmay be asked for a green card by aGarda in the street or in the airportwhen you are entering the country(apart from first time entry). Asylumapplicants get a temporary residencecard, known as a RAC card, from theRefugee Applications Commissioner.For further information contact theImmigration section at Anglesea StGarda Station, tel 021 4522086between 12 noon and 1pm, or 4-5pmMonday to Friday.

A green card may have one of fourtypes of stamp. Each has a differentmeaning: Stamp 1 shows the person has awork permit (either through a specificemployer or holiday work permit)Stamp 2 indicates that the person isa student. Stamp 3 is a restricted stamp, whichshows that you are not entitled towork or study in Ireland. Stamp 4 is a very broad one, which

for instance is given to spousesmarried to an Irish citizen and peoplegranted refugee status.

Asylum Seekers &Refugees

Asylum Seekers are people whohave applied for refugee status. Somepeople who do not succeed in beingdeclared refugees are given what isdescribed as “humanitarian leave toremain” or just “leave to remain”.Asylum seekers who do not succeedin getting either refugee status orhumanitarian leave to remain aredeemed illegal immigrants and maybe deported. Free legal advice isavailable to all those applying forasylum via the Refugee Legal Service(see page 23).

In general asylum seekers areprovided with accommodation inhostels or accommodation centres.This is referred to as “direct provision”.Meals are provided on site and eachperson receives a small weeklypayment.

This guide can only give a briefoverview of the asylum seekingprocess – for detailed informationcontact the Irish Refugee Council (seebelow for contact details). The mainsteps involved in applying for refugeestatus are as follows:

● You are advised to apply for asylumat the point of entry to Ireland and

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from there the application will bedealt with by the RefugeeApplications Commissioner.

● The application must beaccompanied by the original traveldocuments such as passports,originals of identity documents,birth and marriage certificates ifneeded.

● You must attend for an interviewwhen requested. This interview maytake a couple of hours. You shouldbring additional information ordocumentation, which supportsyour case to the interview.

● You must also inform theDepartment of Justice, Equality andLaw Reform each time you changeyour address. If you move from onearea of the country to another, youhave to notify the Department andyour local Health Board.

● You cannot leave the State withoutpermission and cannot enteremployment while your applicationis under consideration.

Refugees are people who havesucceeded in their application forasylum. Refugees are entitled tobroadly the same rights as Irishcitizens. They are entitled to take upwork or self-employment and getsocial welfare payments. People whoare given leave to remain may get thatstatus subject to certain conditions butmost have the same rights asrefugees.

Support for Immigrants

There are a number of organisations inCork, which provide support torefugees, asylum seekers and otherimmigrants. (See also Englishlanguage classes page 45). Theseinclude:

Cois Tine, Convent Place, Proby’s Quay, Cork and 21 VictoriaAvenue, Cork. Tel 021 4316593, e-mail coistinecork@eircom.net Cois Tine is a multicultural interfaithorganisation which addresses thepastoral, spiritual and social needs ofthe immigrant community. It provides afree drop in centre for immigrantsopen Monday – Friday, 10.30am –4.30pm, as well as information andreferral for counselling. Irish Immigrant Voice,e-mail irishimmigrantsvoice@iolfree.iewww.guybeni.com/html/iiv.htmlEmpowers immigrants’ solidarity andprovides a platform for their voices tobe heard.NASC, The Irish Immigrant SupportCentre, Sharman Crawford St, Cork. Tel 021 4317411, e-mail: nasccork@eircom.netNASC provides general informationclinics, legal clinics and runs a numberof sub groups. Open Monday – Friday, 10am – 6pm(closed 1.15pm - 2.15pm)SONAS DP Ireland Ltd (SupportOrganisation for the Needs of AsylumSeekers), c/o Cork City Partnership,Sunbeam Industrial Estate, Millfield,Mallow Rd, Cork. Tel 021 4302310, e-mail: sorinasonasireland@eircom.net

St. Vincent de Paul, Tuckey St., Cork.Tel 021 4270444 Provides free legal advice (Wed &Thurs pm). Drop-in centre on Sundayafternoons in Christian BrothersSchool, Sullivan’s Quay, Cork.Cork City Partnership,Sunbeam Industrial Estate, MallowRoad, Cork. Tel 021 4302310, e-mail: info@partnershipcork.ieSupports immigrant representativegroups.

Dublin-based organisations whichprovide detailed information on theofficial procedures, rules andregulations regarding refugees andasylum seekers, include: ● Irish Refugee Council, 35/36 Arran

Quay, Dublin 7. Tel 01 8724424.www.refugeecouncil.ie

● Amnesty International, SeánMcBride House, 48 Fleet Street,Dublin 2. Tel 01 6776361.www.amnesty.ie

● Department of Justice, Equality andLaw Reform, Asylum Division, 72-76 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.Tel 01 6028202, www.justice.ie.

● Refugee Information Service,27 Annamoe Terrace, Dublin 7.Tel 01 8382710. www.ris.ie

General information for all immigrantsis available from:● Immigrant Council of Ireland, 42

Upper Dorset Street, Dublin 1. Tel 01 8656525,www.immigrantcouncil.ie

● Migrant Rights Centre, 3 BeresfordPlace, Dublin 1. Tel 01 8881355

Irish Citizenship

There are a number of grounds onwhich immigrants can apply for Irishcitizenship. In 2004 those eligible toapply for citizenship included: ● People married to an Irish citizen

for at least 3 years. ● People with at least one parent or

grandparent born in Ireland. ● People resident in Ireland for 5

years or over.

To find out more about applying forcitizenship see contacts below.

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Visa contact:Department of Foreign Affairs, Burgh Quay, Dublin 2.Tel 01 633 1001 (2.30-4pm)

Citizenship on grounds ofmarriage or ancestry contact:Department of Foreign Affairs, 80 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2. Tel 01 4780822.

Citizenship on grounds ofresidency contact:Dept of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2. Tel 01 6167700 (9.30am-12.30pm)

Further Information

Healthcare

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Cork has a range of public andprivate hospitals, which provideservices on an inpatient andoutpatient basis. Some providegeneral services, while othersspecialise in maternity, orthopaedic,geriatric services etc. A full list ofhospitals in Cork can be found in theGolden Pages. Patients should notvisit a hospital without anappointment, except in an emergency(see Emergency section below).Hospital appointments are arrangedby a family doctor – know as a GP(general practitioner). Healthcare isavailable in Ireland through both apublic and private system.

Public Healthcare

Anyone who is “ordinarily resident” inIreland can access the public healthcare system – regardless ofnationality. To be considered“ordinarily resident” you must showthat you intend to stay in Ireland forat least 1 year (e.g. by showing yourwork permit, green card, rentalagreement etc). Regional health

boards are responsible for providinghealth and social services in theirarea – in Cork this is the SouthernHealth Board. The public healthsystem distinguishes between twocategories of patients – medicalcardholders and others. People with amedical card are entitled to a fullrange of medical services, many ofwhich are free of charge. Peoplewithout medical cards are entitled topublic hospital services but must paya charge.

Medical Card Holders If you qualify for a medical card youare entitled to the full range ofmedical services, free of charge.Usually your dependents (e.g.dependent husband/wife andchildren) will also qualify for freemedical services. Services available tomedical card holders and theirdependents, include: ● Visits to a family doctor (GP)● Hospital services (in public

hospitals only)

● Most medicines, which areprescribed by your doctor

● Maternity and infant care● Dental, optical and aural services

(although these may be restricted)● Medical appliances, etc

However, some of these services mayhave long waiting lists. Whenchoosing a family doctor (GP) youshould pick one from a list of doctorsavailable from the Southern HealthBoard – the doctor you pick shouldbe within seven miles of where youlive. The doctor should sign anacceptance form (also available fromthe Health Board), accepting you as apatient, which you then return to theHealth Board.

To qualify for a medical card you mustpass a means test – that is yourincome should be below a certainlevel. The income limit variesdepending on your age and familycircumstances. Everyone aged 70years and over, who is normallyresident in Ireland, is entitled to amedical card – regardless of theirincome. You may automatically qualifyfor a medical card if you alreadyreceive certain benefits – such assupplementary welfare allowance, oldage and widow/widowers’ noncontributory pensions, disability ordeserted wife’s allowances, one-parent family payment to name a few.To find out if you are eligible for amedical card and to get anapplication form you should contact

the Southern Health Board (seecontact details below).

Non Medical Card Holders Without a medical card, you will beconsidered as a private patient whenyou visit your family doctor (or GP)and must pay for their services.Charges for visiting a GP are not setand will vary between doctors so youshould check prices beforehand. Youwill also have to pay for prescribedmedicines and drugs – although ifthese costs are above a certainamount you may get state support.There is no charge for maternityservices from family doctors (GPs)during and immediately afterpregnancy.

If you do not qualify for a medicalcard, you can still access services inpublic hospitals (including consultantservices), but must pay a charge.While fees tend to go up each year,the examples below of 2004 pricesshould give you an idea of what toexpect to pay:

● Hospital treatment in a public wardcosts €45 per day – but no one ischarged over €450 in a year,regardless of the amount of daysspent in hospital.

● A visit to the Accident &Emergency Department of ahospital costs €45, unless you arereferred by your family doctor (GP).

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Private Healthcare

Private healthcare is available toanyone who can pay for it. Manypeople take out private healthinsurance to cover the costs oftreatment in private hospitals (orprivate rooms in public hospitals) andvisits to private doctors andconsultants. The main health insurersin Ireland are VHI and BUPA (seetelephone directory for contactdetails). Each offers a range ofinsurance schemes, but may notcover you for existing medicalconditions.

What to do in anEmergency

In an emergency situation dial 999 or112 and ask for the ambulanceservice. These numbers can also beused for fire brigade, Garda, lifeboat,coastal and mountain rescueemergencies. Calls to these servicesare free but should only be used inemergency cases.

A number of hospitals provideaccident and emergency (A&E)services on a 24-hour seven days aweek basis. In a medical emergency,you can go directly to the A&Ewithout an appointment. There is acharge for A&E visits (currently €45)unless you have a medical card.

Southern Health Board,Abbeycourt House,George’s Quay, Cork.Tel 021 4965511,Lo-call 1850 742000.

Contact Details

Cork University (Regional)Hospital: Wilton, Cork.Tel: 021 4546400 (Bus No. 14 goesinto the hospital complex anddrops people at the door of A&E).

South Infirmary VictoriaHospital: Old Blackrock Road,Cork. Tel 021 4964333

Mercy Hospital: Granville Place,Cork. Tel 021 4271971

A&E Departments

Pregnancy

Maternity and infant care services areprovided free of charge regardless ofwhether you have a medical card.Pregnant women should book into ahospital for the birth of a child underthe care of a consultant. Pregnantwomen who have received antenatalcare elsewhere, should bring theirmedical notes and results of any testspreviously carried out to avoidduplicating the tests unnecessarily.Women with pregnancy relatedemergencies can go directly to eitherof the following hospitals, which have24-hour admission rooms:

● St. Finbarr’s Hospital, MaternityUnit: Douglas Road, Cork. Tel 021 4966555

● Erinville Maternity Hospital:Western Road, Cork. Tel 021 4275211. This hospital is being currentlymoved and combined with the CorkUniversity Hospital.

Pharmacies/Chemists

While you canbuy a numberof medicineswithout aprescription ata pharmacy(usuallyreferred to as achemist), mostare onlyavailable if you have a prescriptionfrom a doctor (GP). If you have amedical card there is generally nocharge for prescribed drugs ormedicines (although there are someexceptions). If you don’t have amedical card, you will have to pay forprescriptions. However, the DrugsPayment Scheme limits the amountwhich an individual or family mustpay for prescriptions in any onemonth to €78 (2004) – registrationforms for this scheme are availablefrom doctors’ surgeries and theSouthern Health Board.

While most pharmacies are open from9am to 5.30pm, there are a number oflate night pharmacies which remainopen until 10pm and others whichopen limited hours on Sundays andbank holidays. A list of chemists,including opening hours, is availablein the Golden Pages (see page ii).

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Support Services

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There are a wide variety of services inCork provided by public bodies andvoluntary groups to meet any specificneeds you may have. Support groupsexist for older people, lone parents,people with addiction problems,people with bereavements, carers andpregnant women – to name just afew. We have outlined just some ofthe main services below – for a fulllisting it’s worth taking a look at the“Green Book – Directory of Statutory,Community and Voluntary SectorServices in Cork”. This very usefulguide is available free of charge fromthe Dept of Social and Family Affairs,tel 021 4917477 or can be accessed atwww.thegreenbook.ie

People with Disabilities

The Southern Health Board provides arange of services for people withdisabilities, including community careservices such as home helps,personal assistance, speech andlanguage therapy, physiotherapy, daycare and respite care. Financialsupports are also available, such asmobility allowances (contact detailspage 37).

FÁS, the national training agency,provides training and employmentsupports for people with disabilities(contact details page 12).

There are many voluntaryorganisations which provide services,support and information for peoplewith disabilities, including:

Enable Ireland, Lavanagh Centre,Ballintemple, Cork. Tel 021 4294803.Cope Foundation, Bonnington,Montenotte, Cork. Tel 021 4507131.Cork Association for the Deaf, 5MacCurtain St, Cork. Tel 021 4505944Centre for Independent Living,20 Commons Road, Cork. Tel 021 4391570People with Disabilities in Ireland,41 Penrose Wharf, Penrose Quay,Cork. Tel 021 4551986.National Council for the Blind ofIreland, 21-23 Oliver Plunkett St,Cork. Tel 021 4271020

A booklet, named “Entitlements forPeople with Disabilities” can beobtained from any CitizensInformation Centre, (see page ii) orcan be downloaded fromwww.comhairle.ie

Young People

There are also several centres in Corkproviding help for children and youngpeople. These include:

Cork Youth Information Centre,11/12 Marlboro Street, Cork. Tel 021 4270187 or 021 4273056, e-mail: yiccork@iol.ie, www.youthinformation.ie/ireland The centre has also produced a freeguide for young people entitled “YouAre Not Alone”. Children Rights InformationBureau, ISPCC Centre, 12 MaryStreet, Cork. Tel 021 4962949/ 4262485, e-mail: ispccork@indigo.ie – providesinformation for children and parentsabout children’s rights andentitlements. National Children ResourceCentre, 18 St. Patrick’s Hill, Cork. Tel 021 4552100, e-mail: ncrc@cork.barnardos.ie,www.barnardos.ie – provides a libraryand information centre related tochildren and families.

Women

A free booklet – “Cork Women’sDirectory of Services” is available freeof charge while supplies last fromCork City Partnership, SunbeamIndustrial Estate, Millfield, MallowRoad, Cork. Tel 021 4302310. We havedeliberately not repeated this listing

here, but for cases of emergencyhave included some of the mainsupport groups for womenexperiencing domestic violence orsexual abuse:Cork Rape Crisis Centre, 5 CamdenPlace, Cork. Tel 021 4505577, Free phone: 1800 496496, e-mail: info@cork-rapecrisis.ie,www.cork-rapecrisis.ie Cork Domestic Violence Project,34 Paul Street, Cork. Tel 021 4275678. Cuanlee Refuge, Kryl’s Street, Cork.Tel 021 4277698 – supplies refuge forwomen and their children whoexperienced domestic violence.Mná Feasa - Women’s DomesticViolence Project, Ionad na nDaoine,36 Ardmore Avenue, Knocknaheeny,Cork. Tel 021 4211757OSS (One-Stop-Shop), DomesticViolence Resource InformationCentre, 94 South Main Street, Cork.Tel 021 4222979/4222966, e-mail: osscork@eircom.net

Older People

Cork Older People’s AdvocacyService, 4 Carriglee, Western Rd,Cork. Tel 021 4278464/4357888, e-mail: olderadvocacy@eircom.net

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Education & Training

The education system in Irelandinvolves three main stages: Primaryand Post Primary Education, (providedby schools) and Third Level Education(provided by universities or institutesof technology).

Pre-schools & Childcare

There is no state provision of pre-school services for young children.However, there is a range of childcarefacilities available, including pre-schools, nurseries, crèches,playgroups and individualchildminders. Many of these areprivately run and fees can be high.Some community facilities providesubsidised childcare for people in thearea. Demand for childcare is usually

high and it may be difficult tosecure a place for yourchild. A list of childcareservices and the

contact addresses of all the crèches,preschools etc can be obtained fromthe Southern Health Board (see page37). Normally there is a long waitinglist for most childcare places.

An alternative to creches and pre-schools is to find a privatechildminder. These are usuallyadvertised in local papers, such asthe Evening Echo. You may also beable to find the details ofchildminders and babysitters on thenotice boards in shopping centres.The Cork City Childcare Company hasproduced a number of free guides tohelp inform parents – “A Guide toChoosing Childcare” and “How toChoose a Childminder”.

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Cork City Childcare Company,Penrose Wharf, Cork. Tel 021 4507942www.corkcitychildcare.ie

Further information

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School System

The law requires that all childrenmust participate in full time educationbetween the ages of 6 and 16(although most children start schoolat age 4 or 5). Most schools in Irelandare state-aided and attendance is freefor all children – regardless ofnationality or status. However, thereare usually some costs involved (e.g.towards books, photocopying orschool uniforms). Some support isavailable to people on low income orreceiving social welfare benefits (e.g.the Back to School Clothing &Footwear Allowance and ExceptionalNeeds Payment may cover uniformcosts – see page 21).

The school year starts in Septemberand all schools close during July andAugust (secondary schools are alsoclosed in June). Other school holidaystake place at Christmas, Easter andbetween terms (usually end ofOctober and February).

Primary Schools

When starting school, usually at age 4or 5, children enrol in primary (ornational) school, where they study for8 years. You can send your child toany school of your choice, providedthat a place is available there. Lists oflocal schools are available from the Department of Education & Science(contact details below).

Once you’ve chosen a school, contactthe principal to see if a place isavailable. If not, he/she may be ableto suggest an alternative school. Mostprimary schools are under themanagement of a church (themajority are Roman Catholic) butthere are some multi-denominationaland non-denominational schools.

Post Primary/Second Level Schools

At age 12 or 13 children go to postprimary/second level school. Thereare a number of different types ofpost primary schools – the mostcommon is the secondary school.Other types of school includecommunity and comprehensiveschools and community colleges. Aswith primary schools, most secondlevel schools are denominational.Children must stay in second leveluntil they reach 16 years of age. Whilethe Irish language is a compulsorysubject some students may beexempt, e.g. children who attendededucation outside Ireland up to 11years of age.

Department of Education & Science,Regional Office, Heritage Industrial Estate, Bessboro Road, Mahon, Cork.Tel 021 4536300 email: ro_southern@education.gov.ie

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Second level education involves 2cycles, each of which ends with anexamination: ● Junior cycle – a three-year

programme ending in a JuniorCertificate exam

● Senior cycle – a two or three yearprogramme (3 year programmesinclude a “transitional year”focusing on personal development,work experience and other newskills). Most students do theestablished Leaving Certificateprogramme, which involves 6 or 7subjects. However, other optionsinclude the Leaving CertificateVocational Programme and theLeaving Certificate Applied. Entryto third level education is usuallylinked to the results achieved inthe Leaving Certificate, with themost popular courses taking onlythose with the highest scores.

Third Level Education

Third level education in Ireland ismainly provided by universities andInstitutes of Technology – includingUniversity College Cork and the CorkInstitute of Technology. Universitiesoffer degree programmes atBachelors, Masters and Doctoral level.Institutes of Technology provideprogrammes along a progressionladder from certificate to diploma todegree level, as well as postgraduatedegrees. Each university and ITproduces a prospectus every year,

which outlines all its courses andother services and is available free ofcharge.

Irish and other EU citizens pay notuition fees for their first full-time,undergraduate course (providedthey’ve been living in the EU for atleast 3 of the previous 5 years and thecourse is at least 2 years). People withrefugee status may also qualify forfree fees. All other students, includingnon-EU citizens, post graduatestudents, part-time students etc mustpay fees. Fees vary between collegesand courses and currently range from€6500 to €15,500 per year.

A number of grant schemes operateto support students on third levelcourses. The main grant is the HigherEducation Grants Scheme whichprovides maintenance grants foreligible students attending full timecourses. Additional “top-up” grantsare available for disadvantagedstudents. The grant scheme is open toIrish and other EU/EEA citizens,people with refugee status and someother categories of people withpermission to remain in the state. Toqualify your income must be below acertain level and you must have livedin the area for one year beforeapplying.

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How to Apply for Third LevelEducation? Applications for most full time,undergraduate courses are madeonce a year (closing date is usually 1February) through the CentralApplications Office (CAO). Applicantsshould indicate which courses andwhere they would like to study inorder of preference. Once the LeavingCertificate results are available inAugust, offers of places are sent toapplicants. Entry requirements arelinked to Leaving Certificate resultsand some courses require very highresults (e.g. medicine). A list of allcourses and information on how toapply is available in the CAOhandbook – CAO, 33 Eglinton St,Galway. Tel 091 5098000, www.cao.ie

Mature students (i.e. those aged 23 orover) may apply for third level coursesregardless of their Leaving Certificateresults. See the “Guide for MatureStudents” available free of chargefrom the Dept of Education andScience. Supports, exemptions andapplication procedures for maturestudents differ between providers –many now have mature studentofficers who can provide advice andinformation.

If you already have a qualification andwant to find out whether it’srecognised in Ireland, contact theNational Qualifications Authority ofIreland, 5th Floor, Jervis House, Jervis St, Dublin 1. Tel 01 8871500, e-mail: info@nqai.ie

Further Education & Training

Between the level of post primary andthird level education, there is also avariety of other further education andtraining courses. The City of CorkVocational Education Committee(VEC) oversees three furthereducation colleges:

● Cork College of Commerce,Morrisons Island, Cork. Tel 021 4222100.

● Coláiste Stiofáin Naofa, TramoreRoad, Cork. Tel 021 4961020.

● St John’s Central College, SawmillSt, Cork. Tel 021 4276410.

Each offers a range of one, two andthree year full and part time courses

Cork City Council, Higher Education Grants section,Tel 021 4924087/4924096or 4924363, e-mail: highereducation@corkcity.iewww.corkcity.ie

Cork Institute of Technology,Bishopstown, Cork.Tel 021 4326100, www.cit.ie

University College CorkTel 021 4903000, www.ucc.ie

Contact Details

in a variety of subjects. Post LeavingCertificate (PLC) courses are one-yearcourses, which focus on vocationaland technological skills and takeplace in schools and communityeducation colleges. There is no fee toattend these courses and participantson some programmes (e.g. theVocational Training OpportunitiesScheme, VTOS) may receive a trainingallowance.

FAS is the national training agencyand provides training in a range ofskills for people in employment andthose who are unemployed (but havethe right to work). Training coursesfor many of its training programmesare aimed at those who areunemployed and these are usuallyfree and may involve a trainingallowance (see contact details page 12).

Learning English

English language classes areprovided, free of charge, by a numberof groups. Access to some of theseclasses will depend on your status.The main providers include:

Cork Centre for the Unemployed,13 North Main Street, Cork. Tel 021 4275876, e-mail: cctu@eircom.net Classes are free and open toeveryone, regardless of your status. Welcome English, Convent Place,Cork – open to asylum seekers andrefugees. For further information drop

into the Welcome English centre,open Monday - Friday, 10am – 4pm,or call Sister Celeste, tel 087 9189841

Integrate Ireland – classes are free,but only open to those with refugeestatus. To find out more call in to TighFilí, MacCurtain Street, Cork between9am and 1pm, Monday - Friday.

There are also a number of feepaying schools which teach English.These include:

Cork International LanguageAcademy (CILA), Fitzgerald House,Grand Parade, Cork. Tel 021 4905934.Open enrollment, pay per class, freeinternet & social activities.

Cork English College, 30-32Patrick’s Quay, Parnell Place, Cork.Tel 021 4551522, fees based on tenweek courses, open enrolment fordaytime classes, evening classes startSeptember, January & March.

Cork Language CentreInternational, 16 St Patrick’s Place,Wellington House, Wellington Quay,Tel 021 4551661. Daytime classes only– open enrolment.

The Language Centre, O’RahillyBuilding, University College,Cork. Tel 021 4902043e-mail: Info@langcent.ucc.iewww.ucc.ie/esol Daytime and eveningclasses, enrolment September,January and Easter.

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Everyday Living

Public TransportBuses are the main form of publictransport within Cork City. BusEireann runs 12 bus routes in the city,most of which travel via the citycentre (see map, page 27). Bus faresare a fixed fee wherever you travel inthe city (in 2004 the fare was €1.20).Reduced fares are available forchildren aged under 16 and thoseaged 66 and over can apply for freetravel passes (which provides freetravel on bus and rail across Ireland)from the Department of Social &Family Affairs. Bus timetables forvarious routes are available free ofcharge from the main bus station inParnell Place.

Commuter bus services to the rest ofCork and expressway bus services toplaces throughout Ireland all leavefrom the bus station in Parnell Place.Fares depend on the distancetravelled - for details on times andfares call Bus Eireann on 0214508188, www.buseireann.ie

Train services in Cork run from KentStation and are operated by IarnrodEireann (Irish Railways). There arefive main train routes from Cork – toCobh (Co. Cork), Tralee, Limerick,Rosslare and Dublin. For informationon times and fares call IarnrodEireann on 021 4506766 or visitwww.irishrail.ie

Direct flights to cities throughoutEurope are available from CorkAirport, situated five miles outside thecity centre. For information onservices contact Cork Airport. Tel 021 4313131 or visit website:www.corkairport.com

Passenger ferries travel betweenRingaskiddy (10 miles outside Corkcity centre) to destinations in the UKand France.

Voting Rights

The right of non-nationals to votevaries with the type of election:

● Everyone aged 18 and over(including asylum seekers) canvote in local elections (electscouncillors to the local authority –e.g. Cork City Council).

● Only Irish citizens can vote inPresidential elections, inReferendums (changes to the Irishconstitution) and Seanad elections(the senate/upper house ofParliament).

● Irish and UK citizens can vote ingeneral elections (electsrepresentatives to the Dáil – thelower house of parliament).

● Irish and EU citizens who areresident in Ireland can vote inEuropean Parliament elections

In order to vote in any election yourname must be on the electoralregister. The register is producedeach year by the city or countycouncil and includes the names andaddresses of everyone aged 18 andover who is entitled to vote. The draftregister is put on display in libraries,post offices and other publicbuildings every November andchanges can be made up to 25November. However, if you arequalified to vote but not included onthe register, you can apply to beincluded in the Supplement to theRegister. If you change your address,you should inform the register.

Banking

Banks and building societies inIreland are usually open Monday toFriday, from 10am to 4pm. Whenopening an account you will be askedfor photo identification (passport,driving licence etc) and proof ofcurrent permanent address (usuallyhousehold bills such as electricity, gasor phone bill). If an original bill is notavailable (e.g. because bills are notusually paid in your name) then youremployer can help with aletter stating your name,address, date of birth andPersonal Public Service (PPS)number. You may need tocheck with the bank as thenecessary documentationdiffers from bank to bank. Assome bank charges are high,

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Dept of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government,Franchise Department, Custom House, Dublin 1. Tel 01 8882000, or lo call 1890 201607,www.environ.ie

Cork City Council, Franchise Department, City Hall, Cork. Tel 021 4926222/021 4924000

Further Information

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it’s worth checking the charges andshopping around before opening anaccount. Money transfers can bemade from banks, credit unions orpost offices.

Public Holidays

Most workplaces are closed onpublic/bank holidays, includinggovernment offices, post offices,banks etc. Bus and train services maybe reduced on bank holidays.Increasingly city centre shops andshopping centres may open for partof the day. On Good Friday andChristmas Day everything is closedincluding the pubs.

Public Holidays ● New Year’s Day 1 January● St Patrick’s Day (national holiday)

17 March● Good Friday* Late March or April ● Easter Monday Late March or April ● First Monday in May ● First Monday in June ● First Monday in August ● Last Monday in October ● Christmas Day 25 December ● St Stephen’s Day 26 December

* While not officially a public holiday, manybusinesses also close on Good Friday

Media

Newspapers Cork’s main daily newspaper is theEvening Echo, which focuses on local

news. It includes a classifiedadvertisements section, which isuseful if you’re looking for items tobuy, services, accommodation, etc.There are also a number of free localpapers, usually produced weekly,such as Inside Cork. National dailynewspapers include the IrishExaminer, Irish Independent and IrishTimes. These include national andinternational news, withsupplements onaccommodation, jobvacancies, etc onparticular days.These newspapersand many otherscan be read free ofcharge in most libraries. MetroÉireann is a monthly newspaper withup to date information for immigrantsand ethnic communities. Metro Éireann, tel: 01 8690670, www.metroeireann.com

Television & Radio In Ireland, thenational televisioncompany responsiblefor public servicebroadcasting is calledRTÉ. RTÉ broadcaststhree channels - RTÉ1 and Network 2(largely Englishlanguage) and TG 4(Irish language). Thefourth channel is TV3,run by a private TV company.

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Radio is also very popular in Irishdaily life and local Cork stations are aparticularly good source of local newsand information (eg Red FM 104.5 –106.1 and 96 FM, 95.4 – 96.8). CorkCampus Radio 97.4 FM hosts Cork’sonly multicultural radio show“Diversity Speaks”. Broadcast everyTuesday at 2pm the programmeaddresses the issues affecting thevarious ethnic minority communitiesliving in Ireland and specifically inCork. For further details contact CorkCampus Radio at radio@ucc.ie Tel 021 4902170/4902008

FaithCommunities

While the mainreligion in Cork isCatholicism, the number of other faithcommunities is quickly increasing.These include: Catholic Church, Cork & RossDiocesan Office, Redemption Road,Cork. Tel 021 4301717, e-mail: secretary@corkandross.org Church of Ireland, Diocesan office,14 Cove Street, Cork. Tel 021 4272262,e-mail: office@cork.anglican.org Cork Muslim Society, 69 RiverviewEstate, Glasheen, Cork. Tel 021 4342955. Mosque, Heinz Haupt Health Centre,Vicars Road, Togher, Cork. Tel 087 2402832

Baptist Church, MacCurtain Street,Cork. Tel 021 4894464. Cork Hebrew Congregation, TheSynagogue, 10 South Terrace, Cork.Tel 021 4870413, e-mail: rosehill@iol.ie. Christian Orthodox Community ofCork, 1 Sydenham Terrace,Monkstown, Cork. Tel 021 4841187/086 3533113, Jehovah Witnesses, Cork CentralCongregation of Jehovah Witnesses,The Kingdom Hall, Hibernian Road,Cork. Tel 021 4873174 or 021 4770880. Presbyterian, Trinity PresbyterianChurch, Little William Street, off YorkStreet, McCurtain Street, Cork. Tel 021 4891437, e-mail: jfaris@presbyterianireland.org Methodist Church, Ardfallen,Douglas Road, Cork. Tel 021 4292503,Church of Jesus Christ of LatterDay Saints, Sarsfield Road, Wilton,Cork. Tel 021 7434790 Religious Society of Friends(Quakers), Summerhill South, Cork.Tel 021 4504830. Grace Christian Fellowship, St Patrick’s Woollen Mills, Douglas,Cork. Tel 021 4372913www.graceireland.comThe Father’s Bosom ChristianFellowship, c/o South ParishCommunity Centre, Grattan Street,Cork.Celestial Church of Christ, 8 Sydney Place, Cork.The Redeemed Christian Churchof God, O’Sullivan’s Quay PrimarySchool, Cork.

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Christ Restoration Life Ministry, 7 Knapp’s Square, CorkArts Theatre, Cork. Tel 021 4533549,086 3065201Greater Light InternationalMinistries, Little Island CommunityCentre, Co. Cork. Tel 021 4355154, 087 7774559

Country of Origin Groups

There are a variety of national groupsin Cork – e.g. Congolese IrishPartnership, Cork SomalianCommunity, Association ofCameroonians in Ireland, Ivory CoastGroup, Zimbabwean Group andTogolese in Ireland, to name just afew. Other groups include the EasternEuropean Association of Ireland andKurdistan Solidarity Group(www.kurdistansolidarityireland.com)Contact details can often change andnew groups are always emerging. Forup to date contact details, andinformation on other groups, contact:

● Cois Tine Drop-In Centre, Convent Place, Proby’s Quay, Corkand 21 Victoria Avenue, Cork. Tel 021 4316593, e-mail coistinecork@eircom.net; or

● NASC, The Irish Immigrant SupportCentre, Sharman Crawford St, Cork.Tel: 021 4317411, e-mail: nasccork@eircom.net; or

● Cork City Partnership, SunbeamIndustrial Estate, Mallow Road,Cork. Tel 021 4302310.

Places To See

As a newcomer to Cork, there aremany historic buildings and churchesyou may like to visit. Some of themain sights include St Ann’s Churchin Shandon, where visitors can ringthe bells. The Shandon steeple is oneof Cork’s main landmarks. The EnglishMarket on Prince’s Street is famousfor its fresh food products and is theplace to go for foods from around theworld. Cork’s public museum islocated in Fitzgerald’s Park, while theCrawford Art Gallery on Emmet Placeis Cork’s main art gallerywith both art andsculptureexhibitions.The CorkVision Centre,on NorthMain St,houses a scalemodel of the cityand lots of information onthe attractions and history of Cork.For further information on places tosee and visit in Cork visit the TouristInformation Centre, Grand Parade,Cork. Tel 021 4273251 or visit www.cork-guide.ie, www.corkcity.ie orwww.cork-insight.com/corkcity/interest.html

When it comes to entertainment Corkhas a lot to offer, from cinemas andtheatres to music and dance. ‘WhazonCork’ is a freee monthly listing of

events, and can be picked up in manybars and shops, or visited atwww.whazon.com/cork

Libraries

Cork has a network of public librarieswhich are open to everyone living orworking in the city. Anyone can dropin and read a book or newspaper freeof charge, find out more about thecity’s culture and facilities, and itspast, access the world wide web and

send e-mails. To borrow booksyou need to join the library

– applications forms areavailable at each library,and to join you need toshow proof of addressand pay a small fee. All

libraries have publicaccess PCs with internet

links, which can be used for€1/30 minutes, and a children’slibrary. Libraries often host free eventsfor children and adults, and are usefulsources of information for what’sgoing on locally.

Central Library, Grand Parade, Cork.Tel 021 4924900. Open Monday –Saturday, 10.00am – 5.30pm (IncludesMusic Library and Local StudiesLibrary).

Douglas Library, Douglas VillageShopping Centre, Cork. Tel 021 4924932. Open Tuesday –Saturday 10.00am to 5.30pm, lateopening Thursdays until 8.30pm.

Hollyhill Library, Hollyhill ShoppingCentre, Cork. Tel 021 4924928. OpenTues, Wed, Fri and Sat 10.00am to5.30pm, Thursday 1.00pm – 8.00pm.

Mayfield Community Library,Murmont, Mayfield, Cork. Tel 021 4924935. Open Tuesday –Saturday, 10.00am – 1.00pm and2.00pm – 5.30 pm. Late openingWednesday until 8.00pm

St Mary’s Road Library, CathedralCross, Cork. Tel 021 4924933. Open Tuesday – Saturday, 10.00am –1.00pm and 2.00pm – 6.00pm

Tory Top Road Library,Ballyphehane, Cork. Tel 021 4924934.A new library is being built and willopen in Spring 2005. Until then amobile library is available atBallyphehane Community Centre, ToryTop Road, on Fridays from 10.00am –1.00pm and 2.00pm – 5.00pm

There is also a mobile library servicein other parts of the city. To find outmore contact Cork City LibraryService. Tel 021 4924900

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Public Parks

Cork City is well providedwith parks, playgrounds

and pleasant walks.Fitzgerald Park is a

short distancefrom the city

centre andfeatures an

ornamental pond andfountain, together with a

playground area. The LeeFields, on the western edge of thecity, are a traditional recreational areafor Cork people, while the Lough inthe southwest suburbs is a lake andbird sanctuary, with many swans andducks. At the eastern end of the City,the Marina Walk leads to Blackrockpassing on the way the Atlantic Pond,a pleasant area comprising grassybanks and a decorative lake. Othermajor parks in the city include TheGlen River Park, Shalom Park atMonerea Terrace and Bishop LuceyPark on the Grand Parade.

Sports Facilities

There is a range of sports facilitiesavailable in Cork City. Some areprivate (e.g. many gyms andswimming pools) and access is formembers only. Others are provided bythird level institutes (UCC and CIT)and may not be open to the generalpublic. Below are some of the publicfacilities available in Cork:

Swimming● Leisureworld, Bishopstown,

swimming pool, gym and 5 7-asideall weather pitches.Tel 021 4346505

● Gus Healy swimming pool, NurseryDrive, Douglas. Tel 021 4293073

● Mayfield Swimming Pool at OldYoughal Road has a number ofpublic hours available. Tel 021 4505284 for furtherinformation

● The Matt Talbot swimming pool inChurchfield is being redevelopedand is due to reopen by mid 2005.

Other public sports facilitiesinclude:

● Ted McCarthy Municipal GolfCourse, Skehard Road, Mahon,Cork. Tel 021 4292543

● The Sam Allen Sports Centre has 6all-weather pitches, which can behired on an hourly basis. Thecentre is located in KnockfreeAvenue, Churchfield. Tel 021 4211688/689

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All weather pitches are alsoavailable for hire at the GlenResource and Sports Centre, GlenAvenue, Cork. Tel 021 4550511Recreation centres atKnocknaheeny, Tramore Road andMayfield, can all be hired for indoorfootball, basketball, table tennis,badminton, volleyball or tennis.

Contact details are: ● Terence McSwiney Community

College, Harbour View Road,Knocknaheeny, Cork. Tel 021 4397740.

● Coláiste Stiofán Naofa, TramoreRoad, Cork. Tel 021 4961029.

● Mayfield Sports Complex, Old Youghal Road, Cork. Tel 021 4505284.

Cork also has a number of playingpitches throughout the city, whichare let to individual sportingorganisations or communityassociations.

Cork City Council, Recreation, Amenity & CultureDepartment, Abbey Court House, Cork. Tel 021 4924323, www.corkcity.ie.

Further Information