Living in Ireland e-brochure

Living in Ireland e-brochure

Living in Ireland

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Forward

This e-brochure was developed to support migrants arriving in Ireland and to assist them to settle into everyday life in Ireland. It is a useful guide that you can refer to whenever needed. The topics are not exhaustive but cover a vast range of everyday information on things central to living in Ireland from when you first arrive to when you move to independent living in a new community. The information contained within this e-brochure was valid at the time of publication. The e-brochure was compiled in February 2022 by the following staff as part of the Emerging Leaders Program.

Carla Lennon

Depaul Cos á n Nua – Tenancy Sustainment & Integration

Gideon Amentorge

Depaul Cosán Nua – Direct Provision Team

Sarah Doyle

Depaul Cosán Nua – Direct Provision Team

Cliodhna Ní Héideain

Depaul - Migrant Homeless Action Team

Using this Document

Please note that a word or phrase typed in blue and underscored within this e- brochure provides a link to further information on the subject matter. Simply click on the link to obtain the URL and you can then copy the link to an internet search bar. The index lists the page numbers where you can find specific information, you can use this to locate the information you require. Alternatively, if you are viewing the document on a laptop or computer, you can Press the Ctrl (+) F button simultaneously and it will bring up a search box where you can enter a word or phrase and search for this within the document.

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Introduction

Ireland may be small but it has a lot to offer including a rich culture, artistic talent, lively people and a lush landscape. Ireland’s size and location in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean causes frequent variation in the weather conditions. It can be sunny, rainy or a mixture of both at any point in the day. Although it rarely snows, it is important to have warm jackets and umbrellas available regardless of the time of year. The two official languages of the Republic of Ireland are Irish and English. Everything is priced in Euro and the high demand for accommodation in cities like Dublin has made it very expensive for people to afford to live there. Ireland is generally considered a very safe country to live in and there is both public and private healthcare available. Public healthcare is funded by taxes but the waiting list for treatment can be quite long. There are numerous private healthcare providers where you can pay for treatment and these usually have no waiting list. Ireland is a small country so getting from place to place can be quite easy if you have your own car. Ireland does have a public transport system, with a bus, train and tram network in Dublin. However, outside of the cities and large towns public transport can be limited.

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Table of Contents Forward ................................................................................................................................................................... 2

Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................. 3

CONTENTS ............................................................................................................................................................ 4

INCOME & SOCIAL WELFARE ........................................................................................... 7

Personal Public Service (PPS) Number .................................................................................................................. 8

Working Age............................................................................................................................................................ 9

Income from employment ............................................................................................................................... 9

Working Hours................................................................................................................................................ 9

Annual Leave (Holidays) ................................................................................................................................ 9

Social Welfare ....................................................................................................................................................... 10

Medical Card ................................................................................................................................................ 10

Child Benefit ................................................................................................................................................. 10

One-Parent Family Payment ........................................................................................................................ 10

Jobseeker’s Transitional Payment ................................................................................................................ 10

Working Family Payment.............................................................................................................................. 10

Jobseekers Allowance.................................................................................................................................. 11

Jobseeker's Benefit ...................................................................................................................................... 11

Domiciliary Care Allowance.......................................................................................................................... 11

Carer's Allowance......................................................................................................................................... 11

Disability Allowance...................................................................................................................................... 11

Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) .......................................................................................................... 11

Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance ....................................................................................... 12

Basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance ..................................................................................................... 12

Exceptional Needs Payment ........................................................................................................................ 12

Fuel Allowance ............................................................................................................................................. 12

Non-Contributory State Pension ................................................................................................................... 12

Contributory State Pension ........................................................................................................... 12

HOUSING ........................................................................................................................... 13

Housing & HAP ..................................................................................................................................................... 14

Types of Housing ......................................................................................................................................... 14

Steps to Register for Housing with the Local County Council....................................................................... 14

How HAP Works........................................................................................................................................... 15

Finding a Tenancy ........................................................................................................................................ 15

Housing Waiting Lists ................................................................................................................................... 16

Choice Based Letting ................................................................................................................................... 16

Transferring to a Housing List in another County ......................................................................................... 17

Allocation of Housing.................................................................................................................................... 17

Paying your HAP .......................................................................................................................................... 18

Ending a tenancy.......................................................................................................................................... 18

Tenancy Issues ............................................................................................................................................ 19

LIVING INDEPENDENTLY ................................................................................................. 20

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Living Independently - Responsibilities ................................................................................................................. 21

Heating your home ....................................................................................................................................... 21

Energy Providers in Ireland .......................................................................................................................... 22

Manage Home Heating Costs ...................................................................................................................... 23

Appliances.................................................................................................................................................... 24

Having a TV in Ireland .................................................................................................................................. 24

Bin Collections.............................................................................................................................................. 25

Looking after your property........................................................................................................................... 26

Having a Pet................................................................................................................................................. 26

Car Ownership ............................................................................................................................................. 27

Fire Safety............................................................................................................................................................. 28

IMMIGRATION ................................................................................................................................... 30

Family Reunification .............................................................................................................................................. 31

Citizenship ............................................................................................................................................................ 32

Obtaining a Travel document ................................................................................................................................ 33

Emergency Applications ............................................................................................................................... 33

Application.................................................................................................................................................... 33

SAFETY & WELL-BEING ................................................................................................... 34

Child & Family Welfare.......................................................................................................................... 35

Children & Education.................................................................................................................................... 35

Children & School Attendance...................................................................................................................... 35

Children & Employment................................................................................................................................ 35

Childcare & Babysitting ................................................................................................................................ 36

Children & Alcohol ........................................................................................................................................ 36

Children & Smoking...................................................................................................................................... 36

Children & Gambling .................................................................................................................................... 36

Films & Computer Games ............................................................................................................................ 36

Firearms ....................................................................................................................................................... 37

Knives........................................................................................................................................................... 38

Children & Surgical Procedures ................................................................................................................... 38

Sexual Activity & Age of Consent ................................................................................................................. 38

Contraception ............................................................................................................................................... 38

Recognition of preferred gender ................................................................................................................... 38

Marriage ....................................................................................................................................................... 38

Maintenance (of a child or children) ............................................................................................................. 39

Leaving home ............................................................................................................................................... 39

Criminal Responsibility ................................................................................................................................. 39

Violence Against Children & Child Abuse..................................................................................................... 39

Domestic Abuse ........................................................................................................................................... 40

Sexual Consent ............................................................................................................................................ 40

Crisis Pregnancy .......................................................................................................................................... 40

Disability Services ........................................................................................................................................ 40

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Well-Being............................................................................................................................................................. 41

EDUCATION ....................................................................................................................................... 42

Education & Training ............................................................................................................................................. 43

The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) ....................................................................................... 44

Primary & Secondary Education................................................................................................................... 44

Children and Irish Language ........................................................................................................................ 44

Special Needs Education ............................................................................................................................. 44

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)....................................................................................... 45

YouthReach.................................................................................................................................................. 45

Apprenticeships (Solas)................................................................................................................................ 45

Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) ..................................................................................... 45

Community Employment Scheme (CE) ........................................................................................................ 45

Back to Education Initiative (BTEI) ............................................................................................................... 46

Post Leaving Cert (PLC)............................................................................................................................... 46

Work Placement Experience Programme (WPEP)....................................................................................... 46

TÚS .............................................................................................................................................................. 46

Springboard.................................................................................................................................................. 46

FastTrack to IT (FIT) .................................................................................................................................... 46

Adult Education ............................................................................................................................................ 47

Access Programme ...................................................................................................................................... 47

Mature Student ............................................................................................................................................. 47

Applications .................................................................................................................................................. 47

Financing Further Education ................................................................................................................................. 48

Students Universal Support Scheme (SUSI) ................................................................................................ 48

Understanding Irish Qualifications......................................................................................................................... 49

APPENDIX .......................................................................................................................................... 51

Directory of Education and Training Boards.......................................................................................................... 52

Local Authority Index (County Council) ................................................................................................................. 53

Local Immigration Index (Update GNIB contact Information) ................................................................................ 56

Out of Hours GP Directory .................................................................................................................................... 58

Useful Links & Contacts Numbers......................................................................................................................... 59

Steps to Register for Housing with the Local County Council....................................................................... 61

Chart your Progress ..................................................................................................................................... 62

References............................................................................................................................................................ 64

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INCOME & SOCIAL WELFARE

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Personal Public Service (PPS) Number

A Personal Public Service (PPS) Number is a unique reference number that helps you access social welfare benefits, public services and information in Ireland. A PPS Number is always 7 numbers followed by either one or two letters. To get a PPS Number, you must provide evidence of your identity, why you need a PPS Number and your address.

Some other examples of why you may need a PPS Number are:

● to take up an offer of employment ● to apply for a social welfare payment ● to access medical services ● to apply for or exchange a driver’s licence ● to access other public services ● to register for a course in a school or college

You do not need to have an IRP (GNIB) card in order to obtain a PPS number. However, you will have to prove that you need a PPS number to access welfare, education, GP or other services. An online PPS Number application service is available at MyWelfare.ie for people living in Ireland who are at least 18 years of age. In order to apply for a PPS Number online, you will need to have a basic MyGovID account. Go to this link to get a MyGovID account all you need is your name and an email address for the basic account. Then book a PPSN allocation centre appointment via MyWelfare.ie in the area you are living.

PPS for Child Under 18

Children born in the Republic of Ireland are usually given a PPS Number when their birth is registered with the General Register Office (GRO). This means you do not need to apply for a PPS Number for a child born in the state. However, if the birth is not registered within 3 months, a parent or guardian must make an application. PPS Numbers for children living in, but not born in the Republic of Ireland, must be applied for by the parent or guardian. One of the parents or guardians must have a PPS Number for the child to be registered. The parent or guardian should complete an application form REG1M for a PPS Number for the child aged under 18 years, and provide evidence of their own identity, the identity of the child, the requirement for a PPS Number and the relationship between the parent or guardian and the child.

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Income & Employment

Working Age It is illegal to employ children under age 16 in regular full-time jobs. The average working age is from 18 years to 64 years. In 2021 the majority of people in Ireland (68.6%), of working age, earned income from employment. Income from employment It was announced in Budget 2022, that minimum rates of pay will increase from 1 January 2022. The national minimum wage for people aged 20 and over will increase by 30c per hour to €10.50 .

Age group:

Minimum wage from 1 January 2022:

20 years and over

€10.50 per hour

19 years

€9.45 per hour

18 years

€8.40 per hour

Under 18 years

€7.35 per hour

Working Hours

Generally, the maximum number of hours that an adult employee can work in a week is 48 hours. This does not mean that a working week can never exceed 48 hours, it is the average that is important. The average working week is between 35 and 40 hours. If you are under 18, there are different set maximum working hours, breaks and rules on night work.

Annual Leave (Holidays)

Your annual leave entitlement depends on how much time you have worked in a year. The leave year runs from April to March but many employers use the calendar year (January to December) instead of the official leave year to calculate your entitlement. Your employer should tell you when your leave year begins and ends. Most employees are entitled to an average of 4 weeks' annual leave (20 days) each year when working full-time. On Bank Holidays (Public Holidays) banks, schools and most businesses are closed. These days are in addition to annual leave through employment. See link for further details.

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Social Welfare Medical Card

If you have a medical card issued by the Health Service Executive (HSE), you can receive certain health services free of charge. Normally, your dependent spouse or partner and your children are also covered for the same range of health services. Anyone who is ‘ ordinarily resident ’ in Ireland can apply for a medical card. This means that you are living in Ireland and intend to live here for at least one year. To qualify for a medical card, your weekly income must be below a certain figure for your family size. Cash income, savings, investments and property (except for your own home) are taken into account in the means test. If you do not qualify for a medical card on income grounds, you may qualify for a GP visit card. Child Benefit Child Benefit is a monthly payment to the parents or guardians of children under 16 years of age, or under 18 years of age if the child is in full-time education or has a disability. One-Parent Family Payment One-Parent Family Payment is a payment for men and women who are bringing children up without the support of a partner. The One-Parent Family Payment is only paid to parents of children under the age of 7 years old. Jobseeker’s Transitional Payment Most people who no longer qualify for a One-Parent Family Payment because their youngest child is aged 7 will transfer to the Jobseeker’s Transitional payment (called JST). JST is paid to people who are not cohabiting and whose youngest child is aged between 7 and 13. It aims to support you into the workforce while also acknowledging that you are caring for young children. You can take part in a course of education and get JST. Working Family Payment Working Family Payment is a weekly tax-free payment to people on low pay. You must have at least one child to qualify and your average weekly family income must be under a certain amount for your family size. The WFP payment you get is 60% of the difference between your average weekly family income and the WFP income limit for your family size.

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Jobseekers Allowance If you are unemployed, or working less than 24 hours over a maximum of 3 days each week you may be entitled to Jobseeker’s Allowance (JA). Jobseeker’s Allowance is a means -tested payment, so your income must be below a certain amount to get JA. Jobseeker's Benefit If you were previously employed, Jobseeker's Benefit is a weekly payment from the Department of Social Protection (DSP) to people who are out of work and have earned enough credits through contributions from employment (PRSI). If you don't qualify for Jobseeker's Benefit you may qualify for Jobseeker's Allowance. Domiciliary Care Allowance Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) is a monthly payment for a child aged under 16 with a severe disability, who requires ongoing care and attention, substantially over and above the care and attention usually required by a child of the same age. It is not means tested. All children getting DCA are eligible for a medical card without a means test. Carer's Allowance Carer's Allowance is a payment to people on low incomes who are looking after a person who needs support because of age, disability or illness (including mental illness). If you qualify for Carer's Allowance you may also qualify for free household benefits (if you are living with the person you are caring for) and a Free Travel Pass. Disability Allowance A weekly payment to people that have an injury, illness or disability which is expected to last more than a year. Find out how to qualify and rates of payment. You can get DA from 16 years of age. You can get Disability Allowance even if you are in school. May also be entitled to Living Alone Allowance. Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) The Back to Education Allowance scheme helps people who are unemployed, are getting a One-Parent Family Payment or have a disability, to attend approved second-or third-level education courses.

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Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance

BTSCFA is a payment to help with the cost of uniforms and footwear for children at school. Basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance If you have no income, you may be entitled to the basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA). If your weekly income is below the Supplementary Welfare Allowance rate for your family size, a payment may be made to bring your income up to the appropriate Supplementary Welfare Allowance rate. If you have claimed a social welfare benefit or pension but it has not yet been paid and you have no other income, you may qualify for basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance while you are waiting for your payment. However, the amount paid while you are waiting will be deducted from the arrears of your social welfare payment. If you have returned to work, you can claim the basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance for up to 30 days while you are waiting for your wages. Exceptional Needs Payment An ENP is a single payment to help meet essential, once-off, exceptional expenditure, which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income. For example, the payments can be for special clothing for a person who has a serious illness, bedding or cooking utensils for someone setting up a home for the first time or costs in relation to funerals. Fuel Allowance A Fuel Allowance is a payment to help with the cost of heating your home during the winter months. You can get the Fuel Allowance, if you are getting a long-term social welfare payment and you are unable to provide for your

heating needs from your own resources. Non-Contributory State Pension

To get a State Pension (Non-Contributory), you must be aged 66, pass a means test and meet the habitual residence condition (HRC). May also be

entitled to Living Alone Allowance. Contributory State Pension

The State Pension (Contributory) is paid to people from the age of 66 who have enough (PRSI) contributions. It is sometimes called the old-age pension. The State Pension (Contributory) is not means tested. You can have other income and still get it.

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HOUSING

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Housing & HAP

Homeownership accounts for 67.6% of households in Ireland, while 32.4% of households consist of people who rent, either private rented sector or social housing.

(CSO, Census 2016)

Types of Housing 1. Owner occupier - when you buy a home yourself 2. Owner landlord – Private Rented & HAP Tenancies 3. Local Authority Housing – Local County Council Social Housing 4. Approved Housing Bodies (AHB) – Government Funded Social Housing Steps to Register for Housing with the Local County Council 1. You must first be granted status to remain in Ireland 2. You must then register with the local County Council housing department  Completed Housing application form.  Copy of Minister letter.  Proof of income  GNIB or IRP card.  Birth Certificates for all family members – not needed if you have refugee status but needed if you have subsidiary protection or permission to remain. If you cannot provide birth certificates you need to supply a birth affidavit.  Affidavit stating you do not own property in your country of origin if you have subsidiary protection or Permission to Remain. 3. You must be approved for the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) 4. You should look at the HAP limits for your area* 5. You should search for properties within your HAP limits 6. Rental costs for properties should not exceed a maximum of 15% above the HAP limit 7. You should attend viewings of suitable properties 8. You should not take up a tenancy until your HAP is approved

SEE CHECK LIST ON PAGE 61

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How HAP Works 1. You must not exceed the income threshold and provide proof of income.  For people working: Employment Detail Summary for the current year from Revenue online and payslips for this year  For people on social welfare: Statement from Social Welfare for the last 12 months  Self Employed: last two years of tax returns (new business - a projected profit & loss account for the year signed off by an accountant)  If still employed but on a Pandemic payment: income for 12 months from before that payment began.  Not employed but on PUP: Cessation Certificate from your employment. Revenue Online 2. Once approved for HAP you may also be approved for an additional HAP increase known as Homeless HHAP (HHAP)

 Up to 20% HAP increase for some regions

 Between 30% and 50% increase for Dublin area

3. HAP may provide payment of the deposit and the first month’s rent 4. You must pay a weekly HAP contribution to the Housing Authority HAP Office (15% - 30% of income) 5. You must pay any additional top-up payment not covered to the landlord monthly 6. HAP is a 2-year contract. To move before 2 years, you need to ask permission from the council. Finding a Tenancy 1. Make sure you view the property in person. 2. Ask about the heating / energy costs / bills? 3. Look for signs of damp / mould. 4. What is your impression of the landlord? 5. Can you picture yourself living in this home for 2+ years? 6. Make sure you get a lease / tenancy agreement before you pay the deposit. 7. Make sure to get a receipt if you pay the deposit. 8. The landlord must agree to accept HAP, it is illegal not to. 9. If you want to move in the future, you may have access to the regular HAP, not homeless HAP.

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Housing Waiting Lists If your application for social housing support is accepted, you will be put on the housing waiting list for your local authority. If you applied for housing with an approved housing body, you will also be put on their housing waiting list. Most local authorities give priority to people who have been on the waiting list for the longest time. Some local authorities also have priority categories. To find out more about these, and about the housing waiting list you are on and how long you might have to wait, contact your local authority.

Local authorities also have specific waiting lists for:

● Older person accommodation (over 55 years)

● Homeless persons

● Traveller specific accommodation

Social housing waiting list times vary county by county but you may be on a waiting list for up to 13 years in the greater Dublin area and for counties outside Dublin you may be on a waiting list for up to 7 years.

Choice Based Letting

Several local authorities use an online system called Choice Based Letting. This system allows a person who is on the housing waiting list to make decisions regarding where they live and tenure choice (council, voluntary housing and leased homes). Each applicant is given a unique Username and Pin to access the website when they are approved to be included on the housing list. The council advertises homes available-to-let to eligible housing applicants on their Choice Based Letting website. You can submit your expression of interest in the properties on the website. Internet access and computer facilities are available in local libraries. As houses and flats become available for letting, they are allocated from the waiting list in order of priority, taking account of all the relevant circumstances.

Only some local authorities use the Choice Based Letting system. If your local authority uses this system, they can explain how it works.

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Transferring to a Housing List in another County

In order to transfer to a housing list in another county you must first close your application for housing with the Local Authority Housing Department where you are currently registered. The HAP payments will be suspended to the landlord when you close your housing application and it is important to understand that it may take 12 to 17 weeks for an application with a different Local Authority Housing Department in another county to be processed. You need to be able to cover the full cost of rent while your new application is being processed. In order to do this, you may need to seek an arrangement with the HAP office to cover the usual HAP rent they pay to the landlord during this period so you are only liable for your normal weekly rent contribution and any top-up to the landlord and not the entire rent costs.

Allocation of Housing

Allocations can be made by the Local Authority for accommodation provided directly by local authorities or to accommodation provided by approved housing bodies. When a home that is suitable for you becomes available, your local authority will check that you still meet all the requirements for social housing. The criteria are:

● Eligibility ● Need ● Connection to the area ● Area of choice

When you move into your new home, your name will be removed from the housing waiting list. This is because your housing need is met. You can complete a transfer agreement with your Local Authority in order to remain on the waiting list for social housing if you move into private rented (HAP) accommodation. Where the accommodation is provided by approved housing bodies, the local authority nominates a person from the housing list to take up the tenancy. If you are accepted as a tenant by the approved housing body, the local authority deems that your accommodation need has been met. It should be noted that local authority housing is unfurnished. If you need help with buying furniture and appliances, you can apply to the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection for an Exceptional Needs Payment. These payments are part of the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme.

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Paying your HAP

If your rent fails to be automatically deducted, please make arrangements to pay your weekly rent using one of the following methods: 1. Online at https://happayments.limerick.ie ( HAP Recipient ID and password required) 2. Phoning 061-556600 (HAP Recipient ID and password required) 3. HAP Bill Pay Card (issued within 10 days of start day) in any Post Office or any shop displaying the sign to pay your weekly rent. Your local PostPoint shop can be located on www.postpoint.ie.

Ending a tenancy

If you have a lease agreement normally you cannot terminate your tenancy unless your landlord is in breach of his/her obligations. If you break a lease without having reasonable grounds to do so or do not give the correct notice of termination, you may lose your deposit and have to cover expenses such as re-advertising, re-letting costs or lost rent. Where you wish to end your tenancy you must give notice of termination in writing. (Email, text or verbal notice is not valid under the law). The amount of notice you are required to give depends on how long you have been in your tenancy. The normal notice periods are:

Duration of Tenancy

Notice Period

Less than 6 months

28 days

Not less than 6 months but less than 1 year

35 days

More than 1 year but less than 2 years

42 days

More than 2 years but less than 4 years

56 days

More than 4 years but less than 8 years

84 days

8 years or more

112 days

NOTE

The tenant is responsible for the cost rent and all additional utilities (heating/TV/electricity/bins) unless otherwise stated in writing in the tenancy agreement. Structural maintenance is generally the responsibility of the landlord or Agent.

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Housing Application (Guide) To apply for social housing support you must fill in and submit an application form to your local authority. You must apply to the local authority area in which you wish to live. You can get an application form from your local County Council offices or on their website. You can only apply to one local authority for social housing support. Make sure you have the correct application form. The name of your local authority should be at the top of the form. If you use an application form for the wrong local authority, your application will be returned to you. Make sure you fill in all parts of the application form and submit all of the necessary documents. If your application is incomplete, it will be returned to you. The checklist at the front of the document should be used to ensure that all required information is submitted with the application.

Tenancy Issues

Threshold Threshold provides a wide range of information and advice in relation to sourcing private rented accommodation, dealing with problems during your tenancy or ending a tenancy.

Regional Tenancy Board The RTB's main functions are to: Maintain a register of private residential tenancies, tenancies of approved housing bodies and student-specific accommodation tenancies. They provide a dispute resolution service for tenants and landlord.

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LIVING INDEPENDENTLY

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Living Independently - Responsibilities

Heating your home

Oil - run through an oil burner, with an oil tank outside. This type of heating is prepaid in that you must fill the oil tank prior to use. It is important not to let the tank run dry and create an air lock. There is usually a minimum delivery amount of around €200 by suppliers to bring it to your home. It will heat the water and the radiators.

Gas - run through a gas boiler, generally inside the home. It can be billed every two months or pre-pay meter depending on the setup of your home. It can heat the water, the radiators. Also some houses will have a gas fire.

Electric- some heating is run electrically through storage heaters or other types of electric radiators. This can be billed every two months or pre- pay meter depending on the set up of your home.

Storage heaters draw electricity during the night time when energy rates are usually cheaper and store the electricity as heat in a bank of ceramic bricks inside the heater. The heat stored is then released over the coming day. Of course, to get any financial benefit from a storage heater, you will need to be on a Nightsaver tariff in order to take advantage of cheaper electricity at night.

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Fire - this is a traditional way to heat a home in Ireland, using smokeless coal or wood. Some fires have a back boiler which will heat the water and the radiators. Other fires heat the room only. PLEASE always check with the landlord/agent if it is suitable to light a fire in your home. Some chimneys may

be out of use. Chimneys generally require cleaning annually by a professional chimney sweep. If you are using this type of heating, it is very important to have a fire guard to place in front of the fire to prevent children/animals from falling in, and also to prevent embers escaping.

Immersion heater - this is a switch normally in a hot press or beside a boiler to heat hot water only. It is fast acting, but can be expensive to run if left on for long periods of time.

Energy Providers in Ireland

There are multiple energy providers in Ireland. Some do electricity, some gas, some both. Each county will have its own suppliers of oil. Google oil delivery and the name of your area, and you should find some companies.

Energy can be paid in a number of ways

 Prepay – You pay in advance but it is more expensive (No debts).  Bill Pay – You pay in arrears, billed every two months usually.  Easy Pay – Bill pay but you can use a card to make weekly instalments.

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Some of the main energy providers in Ireland are:

Electric Ireland

Energia

Bord Gais

Iberdrola

SSE Airtricity

Pinergy

Prepay Power

Manage Home Heating Costs

Make the switch

Consumers can make significant savings on their energy bills without having to resort to turning off their heating at home. The average household can save up to €337 per year by switching from standard energy tariffs to the cheapest deals on the market. Compare prices.

Batten down the hatches

Reduce your energy consumption by checking windows, keyholes and doors for draughts of cold air and plug them. Close curtains to keep heat in, but open them in the morning to let the heat of the sun in. Unused fireplace? A chimney balloon will keep the draughts out and the heat in.

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Home Heating

 Turn the thermostat for your living areas down to 20°C. The temperature in hallways and bedrooms should be cooler, ideally between 15-18°C.  Bleed your radiators - Trapped air in radiators stops them working efficiently. If there are cold spots on your radiators, particularly at the top, it's a sign they need bleeding. This releases the air and ensures your heating system is working to its full potential.  Manage your heating needs by using the control panel (Nest, Climote, Hive and Netatmo for example). With these devices you can programme your central heating and your water to come on at specific times throughout the day to fit your routine, ensuring you’re not wasting energy needlessly throughout the day.

Appliances

Most of the energy used by a dishwasher and washing machine is for water heating. Run them on a lower temperature setting and save on your energy costs. Wash clothes at 30°C if they aren’t particularly dirty. Keep your fridge’s temperature at between 2– 3°C for the best performance. This keeps your food safe to eat and avoids freezing (and ruining) your fruit and veg. The freezer should be set to - 15°C. Don’t leave the fridge door open for too long while getting food. For every 10 – 20 seconds the door is open it takes 45 minutes for the fridge to cool down to its original temperature.

Having a TV in Ireland

 In Ireland you must have a TV licence if you have a TV capable of receiving television broadcasts. An Post is responsible for issuing TV licences and collecting TV licence fees.  You do not need a TV licence to watch television on your computer, phone or other device (for example, RTÉ Player or streaming services like Netflix). However, the computer, phone or other device must not be capable of receiving a television signal by cable, satellite or aerial.  If you are living in rented accommodation and there is a TV in the premises, you must have a TV licence. This applies whether you or the landlord owns the TV.  The annual fee for a TV licence is €160 for both homes and businesses. If you are over 70 or receiving a Disability Allowance, you may be entitled to a free TV licence under the Household Benefits package.  If you have not paid your TV licence, you may receive a notice from An Post to warn you that you could be prosecuted if you fail to buy a TV licence. A TV inspector could visit your premises to verify if you have a TV.  You can be fined up to €1,000 (or €2,000 for subsequent offences) if you do not have a TV licence.

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You can buy a TV licence for the first time:

 In person, at your local An Post office (using cash, cheque, credit or debit card or by using TV licence saving stamps - see image below)

Add stamps purchased in the Post Office until book is completed.

 Through TV Licence Online – Purchase Online  By phone, on (01) 705 8800 (for credit or debit card transactions only)  By direct debit, using forms available from your TV Licence Records Office – payments are by monthly, quarterly, half-yearly or yearly instalments

Bin Collections

Waste Disposal - this is your responsibility as a tenant, each town/city/village area has different providers. Please google waste companies in the area you live in. Normally the payment is deducted monthly from your bank account or paid through the post office bill-pay. Generally, 3 bins are provided by waste companies. You will also receive a calendar advising you when to place your bins out at the front of your house/kerb/footpath to be collected. Waste, recycling, food waste, each bin is colour coded to advise you what to put in each bin. If unsure, please contact the provider.

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How to recycle-what can I recycle?

Glass cannot be recycled in your bins. You usually have a council run bottle bank you can bring glass to for free recycling. Some waste disposal providers provide a box or bin at an additional charge for recycling of glass. For information on what can be recycled in Ireland and tips on how best to recycle, follow this link or this link.

Looking after your property

Garden responsibility – the tenant is responsible for cutting the lawn.

Ventilation in your home – it is important to ventilate your home daily to avoid mould - ill health consequences. Any breakdown of appliances and white goods or heating should be reported to your landlord or the maintenance team of your letting agency as soon as possible.

Having a Pet

When renting you need to request permission from the landlord to have a pet in your home. For further information, see this Link. Having a dog in Ireland requires a dog licence. You can purchase an annual licence or a lifetime licence. These can be purchased through the post office or online. For further information, see this Link.

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