Introduction
The name of the state according to article 4 of the constitution is, Ireland in the English language and Éire in the Irish language. Although the origins of the name Éire are uncertain, the name Eiru which is the name of a mythological divine heroine, occurs in the earliest literature in Old Irish. The modern word Ireland derives from a combination of the Gaelic "Éire" with the Germanic word "land".
Ireland is a member of the European Union (EU) since 1973. In 1923 the first government of the Irish Free State was led by William T. Cosgrave of Cumann Na nGael.
Geography
The Republic of Ireland is a small independent nation situated on the West Coast of Europe. Ireland is beautiful-much of the countryside provides an excellent natural habitat for a flourishing flora and fauna. Water sports, hill walking, rock climbing and caving are just a few of the many activities, which can be enjoyed when needing a break from study. The United Kingdom and other parts of Europe are also easily accessible by both air and sea.
Ireland enjoys a temperate climate. The coldest and wettest months are December, January and February, which has mean temperatures of between 4oC and 7oC. July and August are the warmest months with mean temperatures of between 14oCand 16oC, rarely rising above 20oC.
Population
Ireland being a small independent nation enjoys a population of under 4 million people, over 40% of which is under the age of 25. Irish people are renowned with great love of conversation and this contributes to the ease with which overseas students adapt to the way of life and in particular, student life in Ireland.
Economic Growth
The economy is currently experiencing an unprecedented boom, particularly in the well-developed manufacturing and international services sectors. The quality of the Education System is a major contributing factor to the rapid rate of economic growth.
The Irish economy is an open, mostly export based economy that has experienced an unprecedented level of growth during the latter half of the 1990's. It is expected that this growth will continue at least for the first decade of this century, as long as a skilled labour force continues to be available.
Ireland is a small, modern, trade-dependent economy with growth averaging a robust 8% in 1995-2002. The global slowdown, especially in the information technology sector, pressed growth down to 2.7% in 2003. Agriculture, once the most important sector, is now dwarfed by industry and services. Industry accounts for 46% of GDP and about 80% of exports and employs 28% of the labor force. Although exports remain the primary engine for Ireland's growth, the economy has also benefited from a rise in consumer spending, construction, and business investment. Per capita GDP is 10% above that of the four big European economies.
Culture
Like in any other country, a set of culturally specific customs dictate how the Irish interact with one another. Those unfamiliar with these customs run the risk of accidentally insulting locals. Some important customs include the following: jumping the queue. In Ireland, when the occasion calls, people usually form orderly lines, or 'queues.' When people line up to get on a bus, enter a theater, or what have you, the 'queue' that forms is usually considered quite sacred. To 'jump the queue'---to ignore the order of the line and push your way to the front---will earn you disapproving stares, and often, verbal confrontations.
In Ireland, when the occasion calls, people usually form orderly lines, or 'queues.' When people line up to get on a bus, enter a theater, or what have you, the 'queue' that forms is usually considered quite sacred. To 'jump the queue'---to ignore the order of the line and push your way to the front---will earn you disapproving stares, and often, verbal confrontations.
The Irish take enormous pride in their two native sports: hurling and Gaelic football. For many Irish, these games are the reason that spring changes into summer. Regional divisions are most obvious in county allegiances. Attending a pub the day of that county's game will leave you happy, deaf, drunk, and counting down to the next round.
Education
Ireland's long and honorable tradition in educational excellence is recognized world over. Ireland held the position of one of the principal education providers to the western world. The consistent rise in the overseas students coming to study reflects the fact that the Ireland offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy a novel mix of high education standards combined with an exciting cultural experience. Every year almost 200,000 students come to Ireland to benefit from the highest quality English Language training in schools throughout the country.
Facts :
- Education in Ireland is compulsory for all children between the ages of 6 and 15 (raising of the school leaving age to 16 is currently being considered).
- Education is free at all levels.
- In 1998/99 more than a quarter of the population of the State were in some form of full-time education.
The educated workforce produced in Ireland by the education system has been a key factor in attracting international investment to the country and in the growth of the modern technological industries, which have helped make Ireland one of the fastest growing economies in the world. The international dimension of education is important in Ireland, which has one of the most trade dependent economies in the world. The Irish Government has invested in the internationalization of our education system, both to promote the international activities and linkages of our colleges and to encourage students from overseas countries to study in Ireland.
Higher education in Ireland is judged by international standards and the employment market for graduates is a global one. Overseas students receive a quality education in a friendly environment. They in turn enrich the educational experience of our own students and bring an international dimension to our campuses. Lifelong friendships and networks are formed between Irish and overseas students which later enhance the cultural and trade relationships between our countries.
Living
Purchasing a house is one task you won't be able to do until you arrive in Ireland. The housing shortage in Ireland is well-documented: prices for all types of accommodation have risen dramatically in recent years, and housing is difficult to acquire at any price.
Obtaining a mortgage will probably not be a biggest obstacle in buying a home. There is strong competition among the numerous financial institutions offering them, which means that shopping around for the best deals in fees, interest rates, and repayments will likely pay off.
In financing a home, it is conventional to make a down payment of 10% of the purchase price, and pay the remaining 90% through a mortgage. Most lending institutions will provide customers with a mortgage of two and a half to three times annual salary. So for example, to buy a house that costs £100,000, you would put £10,000 down, then take out a mortgage for £90,000. A salary of about £30,000-£36,000 per year would be needed to finance this.
The main costs that students can expect to incur while living in Ireland include fees, accommodation and living expenses. These vary considerably depending on the course, the institution and the lifestyle of the student.
Living Expenses
Living expenses vary depending on the type of accommodation preferred and on the personal expenditure of the student. Living expenses include food & household, accommodation, travel, health and miscellaneous expenses.
| Food & House hold: |
200 Euros/ month |
| Accommodation per year: |
3000 to 5000 Euros |
For Students it even goes cheaper as they take accommodation on rent which is shared.
Travel, Health, Social, Communications & Miscellaneous exp. : 150 to 250Euros/month.
Opportunities/Benefits
Ireland has enjoyed economic prosperity during the closing years of the twentieth century. However the roots of this prosperity may lie some years before. Contributing factors include:
- High standards of education producing a young skilled workforce
- A commitment to open markets - many years of consistent policies with regard to Foreign Direct Investment
- Good co-operation between Government, Industry and Trade Unions with regard to economic policy
- The return of skilled emigrants to Ireland
- The work of industrial promotional agencies and the various incentives offered to overseas investors
Ireland acknowledges that all nations are inter-dependant and acknowledges its duty to contribute to the progress of developing countries for the benefit of the world as a whole. It joined the European Economic Community in 1973 bringing about regional development funding from Europe and structured trade policies within the community.
Ireland has played an active role in the United Nations since its membership in 1955, chiefly in its contribution to peacekeeping missions around the world and its support for UN agencies concerned with development and human rights.
Irish foreign policy is based on the Constitutional principles of respect for all nations and adherence to the rule of law in international relations. Ireland believes that it is in the best interests of this country and of others to foster ties with international partners and establish a peaceful working relationship based on respect, tolerance and the United Nations principles of democracy and human rights.
Promotional Agencies
There are a number of State agencies in Ireland devoted to promotion of different areas of Irish industry these include:
- Enterprise Ireland is the body responsible for the development of indigenous industry.
- IDA Ireland (Industrial Development Authority) is responsible for attracting industry from overseas.
- Shannon Development and Udarás na Gaeltachta are bodies charged with the development of particular regions.
- Forfás is the co-ordinating and advisory board for these and other agencies.
Structural and Cohesion Funds
Ireland will receive about £3.4 billion in structural and cohesion funds during the period 2000-2006. For this period Ireland has for the time been divided into two regions for receipt of structural funds, separating the Border, Midland and Western region from the East and South of the country.
The reduction in funding (compared to previous periods) and the division of Ireland into regions reflects the economic growth of recent years , a growth rate four times the European average since 1994.
National Development Plan
The National Development Plan is an investment plan for public and private investment covering the period 2000-2006, the plan aims to:
- promote further economic growth and development
- invest heavily in infrastructure
- develop human resources through support for education and training
- reduce social and economic exclusion.
Health Care Services
Responsibility for provision of health services lies with the Department of Health and Children at a national level and with the regional Health Boards at a regional level.
The Department sets the overall budget for the health services, plans the development of the sector and oversees any proposed regulatory or legislative change. It also has responsibilities for services such as social work, adoption, child care, etc.
Transport
Ireland possesses a very extensive system of public roads, with more kilometres per 1,000 of population than many other EU member states. Ireland's reliance on the road network is due chiefly to a relatively low population density and level of urbanization.
There are very few centres of population in Ireland that are not well serviced by public transport, with routes linking most major towns and cities and extensive bus services to rural areas. The majority of public transport services are provided by the State-owned company Coras Iompar Éireann (CIE). Subsidiary companies of CIE are Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail), Bus Éireann (Irish Bus) and Bus Átha Cliath (Dublin Bus). CIE International Tours specialise in coach tours of Ireland. Currently CIE is also responsible for the construction of the Luas light rail system in Dublin.
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