Informative Materials – Ireland

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1 Informative Materials – Ireland
1.1 Recognition of skills and qualifications acquired through non-formal and informal learning
1.2 Information for foreigners who want to work as caregivers in Ireland
1.2.1 Recognition of education obtained in home country’; Recognition of skills and qualifications acquired through non-formal and informal learning
1.2.2 Recognition of foreign professional qualifications in Ireland
1.3 Employment conditions in Ireland; recognition procedures for the purpose of work; language requirements; employment regulations
1.4 Specific training for people who come from specific countries to Ireland (as low-skilled foreigners)
1.5 Information on earning
1.6 Job offers
1.7 Some statistic data
1.8 Link to relevant websites in country
1.9 Useful materials
1.10 References

Recognition of skills and qualifications acquired through non-formal and informal learning

To work as a healthcare assistant in Ireland, you need to obtain a relevant FETAC/QQI Level 5 qualification, equivalent to Level 4 in the EQF. Completion of QQI training is only possible through an accredited provider. Typically, a minimum requirement includes having the Care of the Older Person and Care Skills QQI awards. While all the qualifications are relevant, some may not align with the desired area of work. For instance, if a person intends to work in disability services, the Healthcare Support QQI award may not suffice, and additional training will be necessary.

Furthermore, all healthcare assistants in Ireland are required to undergo a Garda Vetting process, which typically takes an average of two to four weeks to complete.

Examples of trainings:

Information for foreigners who want to work as caregivers in Ireland

Recognition of education obtained in home country’; Recognition of skills and qualifications acquired through non-formal and informal learning

The NARIC website provides an opportunity to assess and compare foreign qualifications with a similar type and level of qualification in Ireland. NARIC conducts these comparisons based on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). The NFQ is a 10-level system that categorizes and defines qualifications within the Irish education and training system.

EU students who wish to study in Ireland should apply through Central Application Office.

For a non-EU student, it is necessary to contact the admissions office of the chosen college and inquire whether it is possible to apply directly or through the CAO.

Recognition of foreign professional qualifications in Ireland

Professional qualifications refer to the specific qualifications that individuals must possess to practice in a regulated profession. To determine if your profession is regulated in Ireland, you can visit the following website: recognition of professional qualifications

For EU citizens, the basic principle is that if you are eligible to work in a certain profession in your home country, you can automatically work in this profession in Ireland. However, it is necessary to register with the respective regulator in Ireland.

If the profession is not regulated in Ireland, then you do not need to have your professional qualifications recognized.

Employment conditions in Ireland; recognition procedures for the purpose of work; language requirements; employment regulations

For employment conditions of EU citizens, see Living and working conditions: IRELAND (Europa.eu)

Foreigners from non-EU countries must apply for a work permit, visa and residence card.

Conditions for non-EU foreigners

Recognition of education for the purpose of work is done by the National Framework of Qualifications. For more information please see: Evaluation of education/qualifications

Irish and English are national languages in Ireland; therefore, it is highly recommended to speak one of these languages in order to work and integrate with local communities.

Opportunities to learn English and Irish:

Specific training for people who come from specific countries to Ireland (as low-skilled foreigners)

There is no specific information indicating the existence of such training

Information on earning

The average wage for a senior caregiver in Ireland is €1,750 gross/month. Caregivers with less than 2 years of experience can earn up to €1,120 gross/month, while individuals with 10+ years of experience can expect to earn around €2,400 gross/month. Those with a high school diploma as caregivers earn an average of €1,400 gross/month, whereas senior caregivers holding a bachelor’s degree can earn up to €2,550 gross/month (Worldsalaries, 2023).

Job offers

Some statistic data

In 2019 there was approx. 637,567 people aged 65 and more (19.1%).

In Ireland, there are 4 LTC workers per 100 individuals aged 65 and more.

It is estimated that approximately 7.5% of the 65 and over population access publicly-funded home care support (data from 2018).

In 2016, 195,263 individuals indicated that they were providing informal care

Link to relevant websites in country

Useful materials

Living in Ireland

References