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Ireland

Employment Guide & Cultural Intelligence

Overview

Capital Dublin
Currency EUR
Language English, Irish
Time Zone UTC+0 (GMT)
GDP per Capita $100,170
Work Week 39 hours

Employment Basics

Standard Work Week 39 hours
Notice Period 1 to 8 weeks based on tenure
Probation Period 6 months
Overtime Rules No statutory right to overtime pay; governed by contract
Termination Rules Unfair dismissal protection after 12 months; redundancy payments after 2 years
Minimum Wage €12.70/hr

Statutory Benefits

20
Annual Leave Days
10
Public Holidays
30
Total Paid Days Off
Parental Leave 26 weeks maternity, 2 weeks paternity, 7 weeks parent's leave
Sick Leave 3 days paid statutory sick leave

Employer Cost Summary

11%
Employer Tax/Contribution Rate
Mandatory Insurance Employer PRSI contribution (~11.05%)
Retirement/Pension State pension; auto-enrollment scheme upcoming
Healthcare Public healthcare; private insurance common as benefit

Cultural Intelligence

Communication Style

Friendly, humorous, indirect at times

Hierarchy

Relatively flat; approachable management style

Meeting Norms

Relaxed but professional; relationship-building valued

Negotiation Approach

Personable, pragmatic, win-win oriented

Gift Giving

Modest gifts acceptable; not expected in business

Taboos

Avoid comparing Ireland to the UK; respect local customs

Hiring Tips

1 Ireland is a major hub for tech and pharma multinationals
2 Employer PRSI is the main statutory employment cost
3 Employment permits needed for non-EEA workers with specific categories
4 English-speaking talent pool attracts international companies
5 WRC (Workplace Relations Commission) handles employment disputes
Quick Facts
  • Work Week 39 hrs
  • Annual Leave 20 days
  • Public Holidays 10
  • Employer Burden 11%
  • Probation 6 months
  • Currency EUR
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