What to expect

Ireland's health system is run by regional health boards which are all centrally controlled by the Department of Health and Children. Free medical care is available for those on low incomes and hospital services are available for reasonable costs for those on higher incomes. Visits to a General Practitioner costs about €45.00.

In Ireland the average earnings are still above the EU average and personal taxation levels are amongst the lowest in the OECD.

Your employer Intel will also deduct social insurance contributions (known in Ireland as "Pay-related social insurance" or PRSI) from your pay which will help you to qualify for contributory social welfare payments such as Jobseeker's Benefit, Illness Benefit and State Pension (Contributory). The amount of your contribution will depend on your category as an employee. For example, most non-public sector employees pay "Class A" contributions, the precise rate depending on your earnings. It is important to find out more about moving to Ireland and your social security entitlements and get a general overview of the social security system in Ireland.

To work, you must have a Personal Public Service Number (PPS No.). You can obtain one (or ask for your old number, if any, to be traced) at your local social welfare office. If you are a foreign national, you will need your passport or your certificate of registration and supporting documentation such as household bills. (Formerly, the PPS No. was known as your RSI No.). Further information on how to obtain a PPS number is available from the Department of Social Protection.

Learn more about pay, stock and benefits at Intel Ireland ›

Working conditions in Ireland are amongst the best in Europe and there are plenty of job vacancies in all sectors. Employment rates are still high and employers are often looking outside Ireland to fill some of their vacancies.

In the last decade there has being substantial changes to the Employment Laws in Ireland and acquainting yourself with these development will help you to increase your understand of your rights. You can contact the Citizen's Information Centre for all queries relating to your rights.

Some changes were made to the rules regarding Work Permits in Ireland in early 2007. Any non EEA citizens coming to work in Ireland need a permit before starting a job here.

New Green Card permits have been introduced for all jobs with salaries over €60,000. Green cards are also available for certain job (including Engineering) categories paying over €30,000.

Either the employee or the employer can apply for a Work Permit.

Learn more about Life at Intel - Greater Europe ›

Education is compulsory for children in Ireland from the ages of 6 to 16 or until students have completed three years of second level education. The Irish education system is made up of primary, second, third-level and further education. State funded education is available at all levels, unless you choose to send your child to a private institution.

Ireland has a long and noted tradition in education. As a result of a sustained investment in this area Ireland now has one of the highest educational participation rates in the world-81% of Irish students complete second-level and approx 60% go on to higher education. Ireland is renowned for excellence in education from the traditional, cultural and literary learning to leading-edge, 21st science and technology.

Learn more about education at Intel Ireland ›

The Irish economy has slowed down after several years of massive growth meaning that house prices in 2011 have fallen by about 40% from their peak. Prices of rental accommodations vary depending on what part of Ireland you wish to rent. A two bedroom apartment in Dublin, being among the most expensive in Ireland, costs approximately €750 per month.

Ireland enjoys a temperate climate influenced by the relatively warm waters of the Gulf Stream in whose path the island lies. During the winter months temperatures rarely drop below freezing and snow is uncommon. Summer temperatures generally range from 60ºF/15ºC to 70F/20ºC. Spring and autumn are generally 50ºF/10ºC. Winter is between 40ºF/5ºC and 46ºF/8ºC. Snow is rare, but showers can occur at any time of the year.