
<rss version="2.0">
	<channel>
		<title>English</title>
		<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=71968</link>
		<description></description>
		<language>en</language>
		<pubDate>Sun, 26 May 2013 07:58:36 UTC</pubDate>
		
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Application Form]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=75007</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
COMPLETING YOUR APPLICATION FORM ON-LINE


A new visa system is now operating at this Mission. The new system
includes the facility for applicants to complete their application
form on-line.


To launch an on-line application please click here.


Applicants are reminded that completing the on-line application
form is only the first step in the visa application process. An
application can only be processed when the on-line form is
completed AND the required backing documentation, passport
photograph and appropriate fee are received by the relevant
office as indicated by the on-line system.


It is no longer possible to apply using a downloaded/paper
application form.


INFORMATION NOTE TO ASSIST APPLICANTS


An information note has been prepared to assist applicants. This is
available in English, and also in Arabic,Chinese, French, Russian,Turkishand Urdu.

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Wed, 08 May 2013 12:04:16 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Ireland in Vietnam]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=71969</link>
					<description><![CDATA[




St
Patricks Day greetings from the President Michael D.
Higgins


________________________________________




Education in Ireland Exchange on 10 December 2012 in Hanoi
(PDF 426kb)



Call for Expression of Interest - Monitoring and Organisational
Capacity Assessment and Development for Irish Aid funded
projects



English



Vietnamese (PDF 195kb)
__________________________________________________________






VIETNAMESE PARALYMPIC TEAM SEND- OFF FOR TRAINING IN THE BUILD-UP
TO LONDON 2012, PARALYMPIC GAMES (PDF 299kb)


Vietnamese Paralympic hopefuls make final
   preparations for Games at Limerick camp


Vietnamese Paralympics team train in
   Limerick



Vietnam and Zambia Paralympic athletes plan Irish training base



Education in Ireland Exchange on 10 December2012 in Hanoi


___________________________________________


Welcome by the Ambassador of Ireland to Vietnam, Damien Cole


Welcome to the website of the Embassy of Ireland to Vietnam. Since
the Embassy opened in 2005, links between Ireland and Vietnam have
gone from strength to strength. The Embassy also represents Ireland
in Cambodia and in Lao PDR, and, while we are based in Hanoi, we
are here to develop and promote good relations between Ireland and
each of these countries, and to assist Irish citizens visiting or
residing in any of these countries.


Ireland established a bilateral aid programme in Vietnam in 2005,
with the goal of supporting the equitable reduction of poverty and
vulnerability in Vietnam. We expect to deliver €87.5 million in
bilateral support for the period 2007 – 2010. Initial work has
begun on providing assistance in Lao PDR and Cambodia. The
Embassy has responsibility for the implementation of the Irish Aid
programme in South East Asia.


This website has been designed with the needs of our many clients
in mind: whether you are an Irish tourist planning a holiday, an
Irish business person considering an opportunity in Vietnam, or an
Irish visitor in need of consular assistance, we hope you will find
this website of assistance. We also intend this website to be
a resource to Vietnamese nationals who wish to visit Ireland and
require a visa, or who are considering doing business in Ireland,
or who simply want to find out more about Ireland or our aid
programme in Vietnam.


Finally, I would encourage all Irish visitors to Vietnam, Lao PDR
and Cambodia to use our on-line
registration facility to register with the Embassy for the
duration of your visit here. This will make it much easier
for us to assist you in the event of an emergency at home or in the
vicinity during your stay.


Le gach dea-ghu&#237;


Damien Cole
Ambassador of Ireland


Lời ch&#224;o của Đại sứ Ai Len tại Việt Nam, Damien Cole


Ch&#224;o mừng qu&#253; vị tới trang web của Đại sứ qu&#225;n Ai Len tại Việt Nam.
Kể từ khi mở cửa Đại sứ qu&#225;n năm 2005, mối quan hệ Ai Len – Việt
Nam ng&#224;y c&#224;ng ph&#225;t triển. Đại sứ qu&#225;n cũng đại diện Ai Len ở
Campuchia v&#224; CHDCND L&#224;o. Từ H&#224; Nội, ch&#250;ng t&#244;i ph&#225;t triển, th&#250;c đẩy
mối quan hệ tốt đẹp giữa Ai Len với Việt Nam, L&#224;o, Campuchia. Đồng
thời, Đại sứ qu&#225;n c&#242;n gi&#250;p đỡ c&#244;ng d&#226;n Ai Len du lịch hoặc lưu tr&#250;
ở 3 nước n&#224;y.


Ai Len thiết lập chương tr&#236;nh viện trợ song phương tại Việt Nam năm
2005, với mục ti&#234;u hỗ trợ giảm ngh&#232;o v&#224; t&#237;nh dễ tổn thương một c&#225;ch
c&#244;ng bằng tại Việt Nam. Ch&#250;ng t&#244;i dự định viện trợ song phương 87,5
triệu euro trong giai đoạn 2007-2010. C&#244;ng t&#225;c chuẩn bị viện trợ
cho L&#224;o v&#224; Campuchia đ&#227; bắt đầu. Đại sứ qu&#225;n chịu tr&#225;ch nhiệm thực
hiện chương tr&#236;nh của Irish Aid (Cơ quan Viện trợ Ai Len) ở Đ&#244;ng
Nam &#193;.


Trang web n&#224;y được thiết kế nhằm phục vụ nhiều đối tượng: d&#249; qu&#253; vị
l&#224; kh&#225;ch du lịch Ai Len dự định đi nghỉ, doanh nh&#226;n Ai Len xem x&#233;t
cơ hội l&#224;m ăn tại Việt Nam, hay c&#244;ng d&#226;n Ai Len cần trợ gi&#250;p l&#227;nh
sự, ch&#250;ng t&#244;i hy vọng trang web n&#224;y sẽ gi&#250;p &#237;ch qu&#253; vị. Ch&#250;ng t&#244;i
cũng mong muốn trang web n&#224;y l&#224; nguồn th&#244;ng tin cho c&#244;ng d&#226;n Việt
Nam muốn sang Ai Len v&#224; xin visa, hay những người đang t&#237;nh chuyện
l&#224;m ăn tại Ai Len, hoặc đơn giản l&#224; muốn t&#236;m hiểu hơn nữa về Ai Len
hay chương tr&#236;nh viện trợ của ch&#250;ng t&#244;i tại Việt Nam.


Cuối c&#249;ng, t&#244;i mong tất cả c&#225;c c&#244;ng d&#226;n Ai Len tới Việt Nam, L&#224;o v&#224;
Campuchia sẽ sử dụng cơ chế đăng k&#253; trực tuyến để đăng k&#253; thời gian
qu&#253; vị lưu lại đ&#226;y. Việc l&#224;m n&#224;y sẽ gi&#250;p ch&#250;ng t&#244;i dễ d&#224;ng gi&#250;p đỡ
qu&#253; vị hơn trong trường hợp khẩn cấp tại nh&#224; hoặc khu vực phụ cận
trong thời gian qu&#253; vị ở Việt Nam, L&#224;o v&#224; Campuchia.


Tr&#226;n trọng


Damien Cole


Đại sứ Ai Len

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Fri, 26 Apr 2013 08:28:04 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Travel Advice]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=72045</link>
					<description><![CDATA[




St
Patricks Day greetings from the President Michael D.
Higgins


________________________________________




Education in Ireland Exchange on 10 December 2012 in Hanoi
(PDF 426kb)



Call for Expression of Interest - Monitoring and Organisational
Capacity Assessment and Development for Irish Aid funded
projects



English



Vietnamese (PDF 195kb)
__________________________________________________________






VIETNAMESE PARALYMPIC TEAM SEND- OFF FOR TRAINING IN THE BUILD-UP
TO LONDON 2012, PARALYMPIC GAMES (PDF 299kb)


Vietnamese Paralympic hopefuls make final
   preparations for Games at Limerick camp


Vietnamese Paralympics team train in
   Limerick



Vietnam and Zambia Paralympic athletes plan Irish training base



Education in Ireland Exchange on 10 December2012 in Hanoi


___________________________________________


Welcome by the Ambassador of Ireland to Vietnam, Damien Cole


Welcome to the website of the Embassy of Ireland to Vietnam. Since
the Embassy opened in 2005, links between Ireland and Vietnam have
gone from strength to strength. The Embassy also represents Ireland
in Cambodia and in Lao PDR, and, while we are based in Hanoi, we
are here to develop and promote good relations between Ireland and
each of these countries, and to assist Irish citizens visiting or
residing in any of these countries.


Ireland established a bilateral aid programme in Vietnam in 2005,
with the goal of supporting the equitable reduction of poverty and
vulnerability in Vietnam. We expect to deliver €87.5 million in
bilateral support for the period 2007 – 2010. Initial work has
begun on providing assistance in Lao PDR and Cambodia. The
Embassy has responsibility for the implementation of the Irish Aid
programme in South East Asia.


This website has been designed with the needs of our many clients
in mind: whether you are an Irish tourist planning a holiday, an
Irish business person considering an opportunity in Vietnam, or an
Irish visitor in need of consular assistance, we hope you will find
this website of assistance. We also intend this website to be
a resource to Vietnamese nationals who wish to visit Ireland and
require a visa, or who are considering doing business in Ireland,
or who simply want to find out more about Ireland or our aid
programme in Vietnam.


Finally, I would encourage all Irish visitors to Vietnam, Lao PDR
and Cambodia to use our on-line
registration facility to register with the Embassy for the
duration of your visit here. This will make it much easier
for us to assist you in the event of an emergency at home or in the
vicinity during your stay.


Le gach dea-ghu&#237;


Damien Cole
Ambassador of Ireland


Lời ch&#224;o của Đại sứ Ai Len tại Việt Nam, Damien Cole


Ch&#224;o mừng qu&#253; vị tới trang web của Đại sứ qu&#225;n Ai Len tại Việt Nam.
Kể từ khi mở cửa Đại sứ qu&#225;n năm 2005, mối quan hệ Ai Len – Việt
Nam ng&#224;y c&#224;ng ph&#225;t triển. Đại sứ qu&#225;n cũng đại diện Ai Len ở
Campuchia v&#224; CHDCND L&#224;o. Từ H&#224; Nội, ch&#250;ng t&#244;i ph&#225;t triển, th&#250;c đẩy
mối quan hệ tốt đẹp giữa Ai Len với Việt Nam, L&#224;o, Campuchia. Đồng
thời, Đại sứ qu&#225;n c&#242;n gi&#250;p đỡ c&#244;ng d&#226;n Ai Len du lịch hoặc lưu tr&#250;
ở 3 nước n&#224;y.


Ai Len thiết lập chương tr&#236;nh viện trợ song phương tại Việt Nam năm
2005, với mục ti&#234;u hỗ trợ giảm ngh&#232;o v&#224; t&#237;nh dễ tổn thương một c&#225;ch
c&#244;ng bằng tại Việt Nam. Ch&#250;ng t&#244;i dự định viện trợ song phương 87,5
triệu euro trong giai đoạn 2007-2010. C&#244;ng t&#225;c chuẩn bị viện trợ
cho L&#224;o v&#224; Campuchia đ&#227; bắt đầu. Đại sứ qu&#225;n chịu tr&#225;ch nhiệm thực
hiện chương tr&#236;nh của Irish Aid (Cơ quan Viện trợ Ai Len) ở Đ&#244;ng
Nam &#193;.


Trang web n&#224;y được thiết kế nhằm phục vụ nhiều đối tượng: d&#249; qu&#253; vị
l&#224; kh&#225;ch du lịch Ai Len dự định đi nghỉ, doanh nh&#226;n Ai Len xem x&#233;t
cơ hội l&#224;m ăn tại Việt Nam, hay c&#244;ng d&#226;n Ai Len cần trợ gi&#250;p l&#227;nh
sự, ch&#250;ng t&#244;i hy vọng trang web n&#224;y sẽ gi&#250;p &#237;ch qu&#253; vị. Ch&#250;ng t&#244;i
cũng mong muốn trang web n&#224;y l&#224; nguồn th&#244;ng tin cho c&#244;ng d&#226;n Việt
Nam muốn sang Ai Len v&#224; xin visa, hay những người đang t&#237;nh chuyện
l&#224;m ăn tại Ai Len, hoặc đơn giản l&#224; muốn t&#236;m hiểu hơn nữa về Ai Len
hay chương tr&#236;nh viện trợ của ch&#250;ng t&#244;i tại Việt Nam.


Cuối c&#249;ng, t&#244;i mong tất cả c&#225;c c&#244;ng d&#226;n Ai Len tới Việt Nam, L&#224;o v&#224;
Campuchia sẽ sử dụng cơ chế đăng k&#253; trực tuyến để đăng k&#253; thời gian
qu&#253; vị lưu lại đ&#226;y. Việc l&#224;m n&#224;y sẽ gi&#250;p ch&#250;ng t&#244;i dễ d&#224;ng gi&#250;p đỡ
qu&#253; vị hơn trong trường hợp khẩn cấp tại nh&#224; hoặc khu vực phụ cận
trong thời gian qu&#253; vị ở Việt Nam, L&#224;o v&#224; Campuchia.


Tr&#226;n trọng


Damien Cole


Đại sứ Ai Len

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Fri, 26 Apr 2013 08:28:04 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[The Economy]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=78308</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
The Economy


Ireland is currently facing severe economic challenges and is
addressing these in cooperation with our EU partners and the
International Monetary Fund. Ireland had a period of extraordinary
growth from 1993 to 2007 and had become one of the world’s most
dynamic, innovative and globalised economies, with extensive
external trade and investment links.


In 2008, partly due to the open nature of its economy Ireland began
to feel the effects of the global economic downturn. Pressure on
the economy was significantly accentuated by the end of a prolonged
Irish property market boom and problems within the domestic banking
system. This led to a period of recession in Ireland and a sharp
contraction in economic output.


But Ireland is facing the serious economic downturn from a strong
starting position. Many of the strengths that drove our recent
economic boom and brought unprecedented levels of prosperity, with
growth and GDP per capita among the highest in the European Union,
remain in place. these strengths will position Ireland to take
advantage of the global economic recovery as it emerges.


Ireland’s economic success is generally attributed to its educated
and flexible workforce; its social partnership model, which
involves close cooperation between government, trade unions and
employers; government measures to ensure macroeconomic stability
and to attract foreign investment; and membership of the European
Union, which now provides a market of almost 500 million people.
Ireland is a member of the eurozone.


Ireland continues to be one of the most open economies in the OECD,
and exports are now showing strong growth after a slowdown in
recent years. Ireland has developed a strong entrepreneurial
culture in terms of new businesses being established.


Ireland has a strong track record in attracting investment in
Information Communications Technology (ICT), Life Sciences,
Financial Services and Globally Traded Business (GTB) including
Digital Media, Engineering, Consumer Brands and International
Services. Ireland’s positioning as a ‘smart economy’ continues
apace combining our innovative, enterprise economy with an
ever–increasing emphasis on the emerging areas of Clean/Green
Technologies, Services Innovation and Convergence. Ireland is also
a centre for digital media in Europe with major multinational
companies locating their European headquarters and a range of
business support activities here.



Top of Page


Inward and Outward Investment


Inward investment has been critically important to Ireland’s
economic development, providing tens of thousands of jobs,
disseminating technological know-how and expertise within the wider
economy, linking up with indigenous industry, boosting
productivity, and underpinning export growth. Outward investment by
Irish companies has increased noticeably in recent years, albeit
from a very low historic base. This emerging trend is consistent
with the pattern observed in other economies as they move to higher
stages of economic development.



Top of Page


Education and
Training


Education and Training is a vital component of Ireland’s
knowledge-based economy, and is a priority investment under the
National Development Plan. Ireland enjoys one of the best education
systems in the world, with approximately 1 million people in full
time education.


Top of Page


Innovation and R&amp;amp;D


R&amp;amp;D in Ireland has expanded dramatically in recent years
reflecting the Irish government’s massive injection of funding into
the sector. Leading global companies have found Ireland to be an
excellent location for knowledge-based activities. The young Irish
workforce has shown a particular aptitude for the efficient
collection, interpretation and dissemination of research
information.



Top of Page


Corporation Tax


Since 2003 Ireland’s corporate tax regime has been fixed at a rate
of 12.5%. This applies to all Irish corporate trading profits. A
rate of 25% applies to non-trading (passive) income.


Economic and
Social Research Institute
Central Bank of Ireland



Top of Page


Trade


Ireland’s total trade in 2009 was approximately €270bn; with a
merchandise trade surplus of more than €39 billion. This consists
equally of Merchandise Trade and Services Trade each of which stand
at approx. €130bn. The main merchandise goods traded include
Organic chemicals (mainly for the pharmaceutical sector), Medical
&amp;amp; pharmaceutical products and Computers. The main services
areas are Computer Services, Trade Related Business Services,
Insurance and Financial services.


Ireland’s main trade partners are the United states, Great Britain,
Belgium, Germany, France, Spain and the Netherlands.


Top of Page


Industry and Services


The Industrial sector has a highly skilled technological labour
pool. Within this high technology grouping, the most active sectors
currently are life sciences, medical and information technology
sectors. Many of the world’s leading companies have subsidiaries in
Ireland.


The service sector in Ireland accounts for approximately half of
GDP. Just under half of total Irish exports are services, and
Ireland is in the top ten countries worldwide for exports of
commercial services. Throughout the last decade output of services
has grown strongly, largely as a result of growth in financial
services, telecommunications and tourism.


Three agencies deal with industrial development in Ireland.
Forf&#225;s provides overall policy advice and co-ordination for
enterprise development and science, technology and innovation in
Ireland. Enterprise Ireland helps develop Irish-based
enterprise with the potential to trade internationally. IDA
Ireland has responsibility for securing new investment in
manufacturing and internationally traded services. It also has
responsibility to encourage existing Foreign Direct Investors to
expand and develop their businesses in Ireland.


There are also a number of regional development agencies such as
Shannon Development which was set up in 1959 to promote Shannon
International Airport, and &#218;dar&#225;s na Gaeltachta, which is the
regional authority responsible for the economic, social and
cultural development of the Gaeltacht (Irish speaking parts of the
country).











Department of
Enterprise, Trade and Innovation




Forf&#225;s




IDA
Ireland




Enterprise Ireland




Shannon
Development




&#218;dar&#225;s na
Gaeltachta




Intertrade Ireland




Science Foundation
Ireland




Foras &#193;iseanna
Saothair (National Training Authority)






Top of Page


Financial Services


Dublin’s International Financial Services Centre (IFSC), which was
set up by the Irish Government with EU approval in 1987, is
recognised as a leading location for a range of internationally
traded financial services, including banking, asset financing, fund
management, corporate treasury management, investment management,
custody and administration and specialised insurance operations.
More than430 international operations are approved to trade in the
IFsc, while a further 700 managed entities are approved to carry on
business under the IFSC programme.





Department of
Finance




International
Financial Services Centre




National Treasury
Management Agency






Top of Page


Agriculture


Of the total land area of approximately 7 million hectares (17
million acres), 5 million hectares (12.32 million acres) are
utilised for agricultural purposes (including forestry). Beef and
dairying are by far the most important sectors of the agricultural
industry. The main crops are barley, wheat, potatoes and mushrooms.


The Agri-Food industry makes a significant contribution to the
Irish economy. The combined agri-food and drink sector accounts for
6% of GDP, almost €8bn of exports and accounts for 133,400 jobs. In
particular, the industry plays a major role in the indigenous
sector.











Department
of Agriculture and Food




Bord Bia




Teagasc
(Agriculture &amp;amp; Food Development Authority)




Food Safety Authority
of Ireland






Top of Page


Fishing


The Irish seafood industry provides employment for over 11,000
people. It makes a significant contribution to the economic and
social fabric of the many small communities located in mainly rural
areas or small towns and villages around the 3,172 kilometres of
our coastline.








Department of
Communications, Energy &amp;amp; Natural Resources




Bord Iascaigh
Mhara






Top of Page


Tourism


Approximately 6 million tourists visit Ireland each year, spending
approximately €3.9bn, and sustaining more than 180,000 jobs.
Tourism Ireland was established under the framework of the Good
Friday Agreement 1998 to co-ordinate the work of the two tourist
boards on the island, F&#225;ilte Ireland and the Northern Ireland
Tourist Board.


Ireland’s successful tourism industry is built around the three
themes: Irish people; Irish culture and the physical beauty of the
country.



Top of Page


Radio and Television


The national radio and television service is operated by Radio
Telef&#237;s &#201;ireann (RT&#201;), the public broadcasting company which
transmits on two television and five radio channels. RT&#201; derives
its revenue from licence fees and the sale of advertising time. TV3
is a commercial broadcaster and there are many commercial radio
stations including Today FM and Newstalk. In addition to the wide
availability of British radio and television programming, satellite
broadcasts are achieving an increasing audience.


Irish speakers are served by a dedicated radio channel, Radio na
Gaeltachta (operated by RT&#201;) and by TG4, an independent Irish
language television channel.


The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) was established in 2009
under the Broadcasting Act 2009, as an independent regulator for
radio and television broadcasters in Ireland. The BAI has a range
of objectives and functions and incorporates the work of the
Broadcasting commission of Ireland. the Authority is funded through
a levy on all broadcasters licensed in the state.








Radio Teilf&#237;s
&#201;ireann




TG4




TV3




Today FM




Newstalk




Broadcasting Authority
of Ireland (BAI)






Top of Page


Newspapers


Newspapers have been published in Ireland for over 300 years. Today
there are a number of daily broadsheet and tabloid papers, two
evening newspapers, and five Sunday newspapers. There are also
about 60 local newspapers usually published weekly and a wide
variety of magazines dealing with current affairs, economic issues
and leisure interests.








The Irish
Times




Irish
Independent




Irish
Examiner




Sunday Business
Post




Sunday
Independent




Evening Echo




Press Council
of Ireland (and Press Ombudsman)






Top of Page

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 25 Apr 2013 15:56:14 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Ireland in Brief]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=78296</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
The attached booklet, entitled Ireland in Brief, provides a general
   overview of Ireland's political, economic and cultural
   life. While it is not possible to include every aspect of
   life in Ireland in this short publication, we hope that you will
   discover a little about Ireland and its people.

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 25 Apr 2013 15:54:24 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Ireland in Brief]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=78337</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
The attached booklet, entitled Ireland in Brief, provides a general
   overview of Ireland's political, economic and cultural
   life. While it is not possible to include every aspect of
   life in Ireland in this short publication, we hope that you will
   discover a little about Ireland and its people.

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 25 Apr 2013 15:54:24 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Living & Working in Ireland]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=78331</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Practicalities of Moving to Ireland
A detailed guide can be found on the Citizens Information website.

Education in IrelandHere you
will find a description of theEducation system in Ireland and
also a series of links to information on Primary, Secondary and
Third Level Education.


Department of
Education and Science

Working
in Ireland
The rights of EU nationals and non-EU nationals for working in
Ireland.


Department of
Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Health Care
in Ireland
An outline of health care services in Ireland, including public and
private health care, and health insurance.

Useful Links for
Employment Seekers
A useful starting point for job seekers is F&#193;S - Ireland's National
Training and Employment Authority.

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Wed, 24 Apr 2013 10:37:57 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[First time adult applicants/Lost and stolen passports]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=86514</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
With a view to preventing identity theft and the circulation of
falsified passports, additional safeguards are being introduced
into the passport application procedure for adult first time
applicants and for those adults seeking to replace a lost/stolen
passport. With effect from 17 January 2011, adult applicants
in these categories will be required to submit the following
additional evidence in support of their passport application:



a completed and suitably witnessed passport application form and
four photographs, (two of which must have the application form
number written on the reverse andbe signed byan
approved witness);



The Passport Service reserves the right to contact witnesses as
required. Passport applicants should therefore note that
where it is not possible make contact with those witnessing
applications then it is likely that the application will be
rejected.



the long form birth certificate of the applicant and a civil
marriage certificate, if appropriate, and evidence of entitlement
to Irish citizenship ,where applicable;


additional form of photo-identification; e.g.certified copy
of a drivers licence, work ID; student card; social club
membership; passport from other country etc.;


documentary evidence to show use of name, e.g. payslips; records of
unemployment or disability payment; bank statement; college
registration etc.; and


evidence of residency at the application address, e.g. utility
bills; official correspondence from public or private sector etc.



The above-mentioned should be submitted in original
format.


In addition, applicants may also be required to provide further
information and/or attend for interview at one of the Department’s
offices.


It should be noted that it will not be possible to expedite
any application in these categories.

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Wed, 24 Apr 2013 10:14:17 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Useful Links]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=78335</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
A 
B 
C 
D 
E 
F 
G 
H 
I J 
K 
L 
M 
N 
O 
P 
Q 
R 
S 
T 
U 
V 
W 
X 
Y 
Z


A


An
Chomhairle Leabharlanna



Top of Page


B


Bord Bia


Bord Iascaigh
Mhara


Bord Scann&#225;n na
h&#201;ireann


British Irish Council


Broadcasting
Commission of Ireland (BCI)



Top of Page


C


Central Bank
of Ireland


Central Statistics
Office


Chester Beatty
Library


Citizens
Information


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the European Union


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Justice of the European Communities


Crafts Council of
Ireland


Culture
Ireland



Top of Page


D


Government Departments


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Agriculture, Fisheries and Food


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Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht


Department of
Communications, Energy and Natural Resources


Department of
Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs


Department of
Defence


Department of
Education and Science


Department of
Enterprise Trade and Employment


Department of the
Environment &amp;amp; Local Government


Department of
Finance


Department of Foreign
Affairsand Trade


Department of Health
and Children


Department of
Justice, Equality and Law Reform


Department of
Social and Family Affairs


Department
of the Taoiseach


Department of
Transport


Director of
Public Prosecutions


Documents in Irish
Foreign Policy


Drug
Treatment Board


Dublin Dental Hospital Board


Dublin Port
Company


Dublin
Docklands Development Authority



Top of Page


E


Economic and Social
Research Institute


Enterprise Ireland


Environmental
Protection Agency


Equality
Commission for Northern Ireland


EUCommon Foreign and Security Policy


EU Gateway


European Central
Bank


European Commission - in Ireland


EU Common Foreign and Security Policy


European
Ombudsman


European Parliament - in Ireland


Evening Echo



Top of Page


F


F&#225;ilte
Ireland


Fianna F&#225;il


Fine Gael


Foinse


Food Safety Authority
of Ireland


Football Association
of Ireland


Foras &#193;iseanna
Saothair


Forf&#225;s


Further Education
and Training Awards Council



Top of Page


G


Gaelic Athletic
Association


Garda
Ombudsman


Garda S&#237;och&#225;na
(Irish Police)


Golfing Union of
Ireland


Government of
Ireland


Green Party



Top of Page


H


Health &amp;amp; Safety
Authority


Health Insurance
Authority


Health Research
Board


Health Service
Executive (HSE)


Heritage
Council of Ireland


Higher Education and
Training Council


Higher Education
Authority


History
Ireland


Horse Racing
Ireland


Housing Finance
Agency



Top of Page


I


Iarnr&#243;d
&#201;ireann


IDA Ireland


International
Financial Services Centre


International Fund for Ireland


Intertrade Ireland


Irish Aid


Irish Aviation
Authority


Irish Blood
Transfusion Service


Irish Business and
Employers Confederation


Irish Congress of
Trade Unions


Irish Courts
Service


Irish Defence
Forces


Irish
Examiner


Irish Greyhound
Board


Irish
Independent


Irish Museum of
Modern Art


Irish
National Stud Company Limited


Irish Research
Council for the Humanities&amp;amp; Social Studies


Irish Rugby
Football Union


Irish
Sports Council


Irish Times


Irish Water Safety



Top of Page


J



Top of Page


K


 
Top of Page


L


Labour


Labour Relations
Commission


Law Reform
Commission



Top of Page


M


Met &#201;ireann



Top of Page


N


National
Archives


National Building Agency


National Cancer
Registry Board


National Centre for Partnership and Performance


National Concert
Hall


National Council on
Ageing and Older People


National
Crime Council


National Development
Plan


National Disability
Authority


National Economic and Social Council


National Economic and
Social Forum


National
Gallery of Ireland


National Library of
Ireland


National Lottery


National
Microelectronics Applications Centre


National Museum of
Ireland


National
Qualifications Authority of Ireland


National Roads
Authority


National Standards
Authority of Ireland


National Treasury
Management Agency


North South Ministerial Council


Northern Ireland
Human Rights Commission


Northern Ireland
Office


Northern Ireland Policing Board



Top of Page


O


Office of Civil
Service &amp;amp; Local Appointments Commissioner


Office of
the Attorney General


Office of the
Comptroller and Auditor General


Office of the
Data Protection Commissioner


Office of the
Director of Corporate Enforcement


Office of the
First Minister and Deputy First Minister


Office of the
Information Commissioner


Office of the
Ombudsman


Office of
the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland


Office of Public
Works


Office of the
Revenue Commissioners


Office of Tobacco
Control


Olympic
Council of Ireland


Ordnance Survey
Ireland



Top of Page


P


Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland


Police Service
of Northern Ireland


An Post


President of
Ireland


Press Council
of Ireland (and Press Ombudsman)



Top of Page


Q



Top of Page


R


Radiological
Protection Institute of Ireland


Radio One


Radio Teilif&#237;s
&#201;ireann


Railway Procurement
Agency


Referendum
Commission


Reach Unit


Top of Page


S


Science Foundation
Ireland


Shannon
Development


Shannon Free
Airport Development


Sinn F&#233;in


Special
Olympics Ireland


Standards in Public
Office Commission


Sunday Business
Post


Sunday
Independent


Sunday
Times


Sustainable Energy
Ireland



Top of Page


T


Teagasc


TG4


The Arts
Council


The Environmental
Information Service


The
European Ombudsman


The National
Theatre Society


The
Northern Ireland Assembly


The
Northern Ireland Executive


The Sunday
Times


Tourism
Ireland (Corporate Website)


Tourism
Ireland (Consumer Website)



Top of Page


U


&#218;daras na
Gaeltachta


United Nations



Top of Page


V


Veterinary Council


Visit
Dublin



Top of Page


W


Western Development
Commission


The
Workers' Party


Top of Page


X


Top of Page


Y


Top of Page


Z


Top of Page

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:01:58 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Useful Links Relating to Ireland]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=80913</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
A 
B 
C 
D 
E 
F 
G 
H 
I J 
K 
L 
M 
N 
O 
P 
Q 
R 
S 
T 
U 
V 
W 
X 
Y 
Z


A


An
Chomhairle Leabharlanna



Top of Page


B


Bord Bia


Bord Iascaigh
Mhara


Bord Scann&#225;n na
h&#201;ireann


British Irish Council


Broadcasting
Commission of Ireland (BCI)



Top of Page


C


Central Bank
of Ireland


Central Statistics
Office


Chester Beatty
Library


Citizens
Information


Council of
the European Union


Court of
Justice of the European Communities


Crafts Council of
Ireland


Culture
Ireland



Top of Page


D


Government Departments


Department of
Agriculture, Fisheries and Food


Department of
Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht


Department of
Communications, Energy and Natural Resources


Department of
Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs


Department of
Defence


Department of
Education and Science


Department of
Enterprise Trade and Employment


Department of the
Environment &amp;amp; Local Government


Department of
Finance


Department of Foreign
Affairsand Trade


Department of Health
and Children


Department of
Justice, Equality and Law Reform


Department of
Social and Family Affairs


Department
of the Taoiseach


Department of
Transport


Director of
Public Prosecutions


Documents in Irish
Foreign Policy


Drug
Treatment Board


Dublin Dental Hospital Board


Dublin Port
Company


Dublin
Docklands Development Authority



Top of Page


E


Economic and Social
Research Institute


Enterprise Ireland


Environmental
Protection Agency


Equality
Commission for Northern Ireland


EUCommon Foreign and Security Policy


EU Gateway


European Central
Bank


European Commission - in Ireland


EU Common Foreign and Security Policy


European
Ombudsman


European Parliament - in Ireland


Evening Echo



Top of Page


F


F&#225;ilte
Ireland


Fianna F&#225;il


Fine Gael


Foinse


Food Safety Authority
of Ireland


Football Association
of Ireland


Foras &#193;iseanna
Saothair


Forf&#225;s


Further Education
and Training Awards Council



Top of Page


G


Gaelic Athletic
Association


Garda
Ombudsman


Garda S&#237;och&#225;na
(Irish Police)


Golfing Union of
Ireland


Government of
Ireland


Green Party



Top of Page


H


Health &amp;amp; Safety
Authority


Health Insurance
Authority


Health Research
Board


Health Service
Executive (HSE)


Heritage
Council of Ireland


Higher Education and
Training Council


Higher Education
Authority


History
Ireland


Horse Racing
Ireland


Housing Finance
Agency



Top of Page


I


Iarnr&#243;d
&#201;ireann


IDA Ireland


International
Financial Services Centre


International Fund for Ireland


Intertrade Ireland


Irish Aid


Irish Aviation
Authority


Irish Blood
Transfusion Service


Irish Business and
Employers Confederation


Irish Congress of
Trade Unions


Irish Courts
Service


Irish Defence
Forces


Irish
Examiner


Irish Greyhound
Board


Irish
Independent


Irish Museum of
Modern Art


Irish
National Stud Company Limited


Irish Research
Council for the Humanities&amp;amp; Social Studies


Irish Rugby
Football Union


Irish
Sports Council


Irish Times


Irish Water Safety



Top of Page


J



Top of Page


K


 
Top of Page


L


Labour


Labour Relations
Commission


Law Reform
Commission



Top of Page


M


Met &#201;ireann



Top of Page


N


National
Archives


National Building Agency


National Cancer
Registry Board


National Centre for Partnership and Performance


National Concert
Hall


National Council on
Ageing and Older People


National
Crime Council


National Development
Plan


National Disability
Authority


National Economic and Social Council


National Economic and
Social Forum


National
Gallery of Ireland


National Library of
Ireland


National Lottery


National
Microelectronics Applications Centre


National Museum of
Ireland


National
Qualifications Authority of Ireland


National Roads
Authority


National Standards
Authority of Ireland


National Treasury
Management Agency


North South Ministerial Council


Northern Ireland
Human Rights Commission


Northern Ireland
Office


Northern Ireland Policing Board



Top of Page


O


Office of Civil
Service &amp;amp; Local Appointments Commissioner


Office of
the Attorney General


Office of the
Comptroller and Auditor General


Office of the
Data Protection Commissioner


Office of the
Director of Corporate Enforcement


Office of the
First Minister and Deputy First Minister


Office of the
Information Commissioner


Office of the
Ombudsman


Office of
the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland


Office of Public
Works


Office of the
Revenue Commissioners


Office of Tobacco
Control


Olympic
Council of Ireland


Ordnance Survey
Ireland



Top of Page


P


Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland


Police Service
of Northern Ireland


An Post


President of
Ireland


Press Council
of Ireland (and Press Ombudsman)



Top of Page


Q



Top of Page


R


Radiological
Protection Institute of Ireland


Radio One


Radio Teilif&#237;s
&#201;ireann


Railway Procurement
Agency


Referendum
Commission


Reach Unit


Top of Page


S


Science Foundation
Ireland


Shannon
Development


Shannon Free
Airport Development


Sinn F&#233;in


Special
Olympics Ireland


Standards in Public
Office Commission


Sunday Business
Post


Sunday
Independent


Sunday
Times


Sustainable Energy
Ireland



Top of Page


T


Teagasc


TG4


The Arts
Council


The Environmental
Information Service


The
European Ombudsman


The National
Theatre Society


The
Northern Ireland Assembly


The
Northern Ireland Executive


The Sunday
Times


Tourism
Ireland (Corporate Website)


Tourism
Ireland (Consumer Website)



Top of Page


U


&#218;daras na
Gaeltachta


United Nations



Top of Page


V


Veterinary Council


Visit
Dublin



Top of Page


W


Western Development
Commission


The
Workers' Party


Top of Page


X


Top of Page


Y


Top of Page


Z


Top of Page

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:01:58 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Pet Travel]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=78333</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Bringing Dogs and Cats to Ireland


For detailed information pertaining to this scheme, please refer to
the EU Pet Passport section of the Department of
Agriculture and Food. This contains comprehensive guidance and
should answer all questions regarding taking dogs and cats to
Ireland


Please note that there may not beregistered /approved airline
companies fromBelgium who carry pets.For approved
routes please see EU Pet Passport link above.

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 22 Apr 2013 13:56:56 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Consular Fees]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=72008</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Fees are charged for certain consular services such as issuing
passports and visas, foreign birth registrations, authentication of
documents and administering oaths. These fees are fixed by the
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade by way of Statutory
Instrument issued under Section 3 of the Diplomatic and Consular
Officers (Provision of Services) Act, 1993.


Please note that the fees charged for some diplomatic and
consular services will increase on 1 March 2013. The full
list of fees is available 
here (PDF 177kb) .


Please note also that there may be additional administration
charges when availing of these services abroad. Please check
with the Embassy which payment methods are acceptable before
sending any payments.


---------------------------





Gearrtar t&#225;ill&#237; as seirbh&#237;s&#237; consalachta &#225;irithe cos&#250;il le
heisi&#250;int pasanna agus v&#237;osa&#237;, cl&#225;r&#250; breitheanna eachtracha,
f&#237;ordheimhni&#250; c&#225;ip&#233;is&#237; agus daoine a chur faoi mhionn. Socra&#237;onn an
tAire Gn&#243;tha&#237; Eachtracha na t&#225;ill&#237; seo tr&#237; mhe&#225;n Ionstraim
Reacht&#250;il eisithe faoi Alt 33 den Acht um Oifigigh Taidhleoireachta
agus Chonsalachta (Sol&#225;thar Seirbh&#237;s&#237;), 1993.


Tabhair faoi deara, le do thoil, go bhfuil t&#225;ill&#237; &#225;irithe
taidhleoireachta agus conslachta ag &#225;rd&#250; &#243; 1&#250; M&#225;rta 2013. T&#225; liosta
ioml&#225;n de na t&#225;ill&#237; ar f&#225;il 
anseo (PDF 175kb) .


Tabhair faoi deara freisin go bhf&#233;adfadh t&#225;ill&#237; riarach&#225;in bhreise
bheith i gceist m&#225; bhaineann t&#250; leas as na seirbh&#237;s&#237; seo thar
lear. D&#233;an tagairt leis an Ambas&#225;id chun na modhanna
&#237;oca&#237;ochta &#225;t&#225; inghlachta a shocr&#250; roimh aon &#237;oca&#237;ocht a dh&#233;anamh.




]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 15 Apr 2013 09:19:32 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Authentication of Documents]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=72006</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Introduction


The Department of Foreign Affairs and Tradecan
Authenticate\Apostille documents executed in Ireland that are to be
used in other countries.Irish Diplomatic and
Consular Missions abroad can legalise documents executed
abroad for use in Ireland.

Authenticating a document simply means confirming that a signature,
seal or stamp appearing on the document is genuine.
Legalising a document means authenticating it for the purpose of
making it acceptable to an Irish court.

Authentication and Legalisation do not mean that the content of a
document is accurate or that the Department of Foreign Affairs and
Tradeapproves of the content.


_____________________________________________________________


Why do documents need to be Authenticated\Apostilled?


If you are going to use Irish documents overseas, for business or
personal reasons, you may be asked to have your documents
Authenticated\Apostilled by the Department of Foreign Affairs and
Trade. You should therefore confirm with the authority to whom you
are presenting the documents what their requirements are with
regard to Authentication\Legalisation.


_____________________________________________________________


What is an Apostille?


The 1961 Hague Convention abolished the requirement for Foreign
Public Documents (e.g. birth, death and marriage certificates,
documents issued by a Notary Public) to be legalised for countries
that are parties to the Convention. The Convention entered into
force for Ireland on 9 March 1999. For further information on the
Hague Convention please access their website.

However, countries that are parties to the Convention may request
the bearer of a document issued by a public authority to obtain an
Apostille from the Authorities of the country that issued the
document.

An Apostille involves the addition of a certificate, either stamped
on the document itself or attached to it. It certifies the country
of origin of the document, the identity and capacity in which the
document has been signed and the name of any authority which has
affixed a seal or stamp to the document.


_____________________________________________________________


Documents we can Authenticate\Apostille


The Department of Foreign Affairs and Tradecan
Authenticate\Apostille documents of Irish origin provided that they
bear an original signature, seal or stamp from an Irish practising
public official or organisation. An Irish document means that it
originated or has been executed in Ireland. If a practising Irish
solicitor, Notary Public or Commissioner for Oaths is signing a
document they should state clearly what exactly it is they are
certifying in relation to the document. They must sign their own
name and not use a company signature.


_____________________________________________________________


Examples of Documents the Department can Authenticate\Apostille
are:


The Department of Foreign Affairs and Tradecan
Authenticate\Apostille public documents which have been executed in
the territory of One Contracting State and which have to be
produced in the territory of another Contracting State.


Examples:



Original certificates issued by the General Registers
Office (GRO)


Company documents issued by the Companies Registration Office


Documents signed by the Chambers of Commerce in Ireland


Court documents, Powers of Attorney, and other Notarial Acts can be
Authenticated provided they bear an original signature, seal or
stamp from a practising Irish solicitor\ Notary Public in Ireland


Educational Certificates can be Authenticated provided they fall
within the National Framework of Qualifications established by the
National
Qualifications Authority of Ireland\are recognised
by the Department of Education.


We can also Authenticate\Apostille medical reports signed by a
doctor who is registered with the Medical Council of Ireland.


Garda Clearance letters confirming a person's details for Consular
purposes must be issued from the Superintendent's Office of the
Garda station where you last resided in Ireland. This letter
must bear an original stamp and signature of the Garda Sioch&#225;na.



An appointment is necessary for large numbers of documents and for
full foreign adoption dossiers.


Photocopies of DocumentsWe can
Authenticate\Apostille photocopies of certain types of documents
provided they have been certified by a practising Irish Solicitor
or Notary Public in Ireland. However, you should in the first
instance confirm with the authority to whom you are presenting the
document that a certified copy will be acceptable to them.


_____________________________________________________________


How to get your Document Authenticated\Apostilled


Documents that have been executed in Ireland, and which are to be
Authenticated or Apostilled by the Department can be:


Presented to the Department at its Public Office at the following
address:


Consular Section
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Hainault House
69 - 71 St. Stephen’s Green
Dublin 2


or sent via post to:


Consular Section
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
80 St. Stephen's Green
Dublin 2


Documents sent by post must include the
following:
A brief covering letter stating your name, return address,
telephone number, you must state what country the document(s) are
for use in, and you must include the appropriate
fee.


Tel. (01) 408 2174
(01) 408 2322
(01) 408 2557
(01) 408 2576

For the Munster area:


Consular Services,
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade,
1A South Mall,
Cork

Tel: 021 4944765 / 021 4944766


Opening Hours:The opening hours for the
Public Offices in Dublin and Cork are as follows:
Monday - Friday (excluding Bank Holidays)
0930 - 1300
1430 - 1600

FeesA fee of €40 is charged for each
Apostille or Authentication. There is a standard fee of
€100 for a series of Apostilles or Authentications in
relation to inter-country adoptions. All Post Placement Reports
have a fee of €40.00


Please note that there may be an additional administration fee if
applying for these services from our officesabroad. Fees will
be notified on request.


Methods of Payment
This section relates to services available at the Department of
Foreign Affairs and Tradein Dublin and Cork.


Payment can be made by Cash, Bank Draft (made payable to the
'Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade'), Irish Postal
Orderor by Credit/Debit card.


It should be noted that all bank draftsmust be drawn on an
Irish bank or a bank showing a connection with a bank in Ireland.
Personal cheques are no longer accepted.


_____________________________________________________________


E-Register Verification of Apostilles and
Authentications


The online electronic register enables you to verify the
authenticity of an Apostille or Authentication issued by the
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Ireland from 01
January 2013.


In order to verify an Apostille or Authentication, please
click here


_____________________________________________________________


Legalisation


Irish Diplomatic and Consular Missions abroad can legalise
documents executed abroad for use in Ireland.


Administering oaths, affirmations and
statutory declarations and certifying copies of documents:


Irish Diplomatic and Consular Officers abroad are empowered under
Irish law to administer oaths, affirmations and statutory
declarations. They can also certify copies of original Irish
documents or translations. 


If you require any of these services, contact your nearest
   Irish Diplomatic or Consular
   Mission.


The fee for these services in local currency and methods of payment
will be notified, on request, by the relevant Mission.

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Tue, 05 Mar 2013 11:47:12 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Arts & Culture]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=78316</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Ireland’s Culture


Ireland has a rich cultural past and present. The traditional lore
preserved by the early Irish poets has left a colourful heritage of
mythical and historical stories. Modern writers in turn have drawn
on these stories to enrich their own work.



Top of Page


The Irish Language


Most people spoke Irish until the early nineteenth century but by
1891 the majority spoke English only. It is one of the celtic
family of languages and is closely related to scots Gaelic, Welsh
and Breton. Since Independence the state has actively encouraged
the use of Irish and it is the first official language with english
as the second. The latest figures show that 42% of all adults
declare a knowledge of Irish. It is widely spoken in areas known as
the Gaeltacht, situated mainly along the western seaboard.
the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs has
responsibility for promoting the cultural, social and economic
welfare of the Gaeltacht through &#218;dar&#225;s na Gaeltachta
(Gaeltacht Authority). The Irish Language Agency (Foras
na Gaeilge) has responsibility for the promotion and
encouragement of the use of Irish as a vernacular throughout the
island of Ireland. Irish is a core subject in primary and secondary
schools and a growing number of schools offer tuition exclusively
through Irish (Gaelscoileanna). There is an Irish language
national radio service (Raidio na Gaeltachta) and an Irish
language television service (TG4). On 1 January 2007, the
Irish language became the 23rd official language of the European
Union.



Top of Page
 

Irish Literature


Irish writers have long made a significant contribution to world
literature in both the Irish and English languages. Written
literature in the Irish language dates from the sixth century. With
the end of the Gaelic order in the seventeenth century and its
tradition of patronage of poets, Irish writers began to preserve a
   record of the old civilisation. Through the eighteenth and
   nineteenth centuries members of the clergy, teachers and poets
   continued to write in Irish. One of the best known poets of this
   time is Brian Merriman (1747–1805) author of the frequently
   translated C&#250;irt an Mhe&#225;n O&#237;che (Midnight
   court). In the twentieth century writers such as Patrick
   Pearse (1879–1916) and P&#225;draic &#211; Conaire (1882–1928)
   opened Irish literature to European influences.
   Distinguished writers in Irish in the modern period
   include such diverse voices as Liam &#211; Flaitheartaigh
   (1896–1984), Mair&#233;ad N&#237; Ghr&#225;da (1896–1971), M&#225;irt&#237;n &#211;
   Cadhain (1906–70), M&#225;irt&#237;n &#211; Dire&#225;in (1910–88), Se&#225;n &#211;
   R&#237;ord&#225;in (1916–77), Michael Hartnett (1941–99), Cr&#237;ost&#243;ir &#211;
   Floinn (b. 1927), Gabriel Rosenstock (b. 1949), Liam &#211;
   Muirthile (b. 1950), Cathal &#211; Searcaigh (b. 1956) and
   Nuala N&#237; Dhomhnaill (b. 1952). In the english language,
   the satirist Jonathan swift (1667–1745) authored
   Gulliver’s Travels (1726). Oscar Wilde’s
   (1854–1900) plays, prose and poetry continue to be
   performed and read worldwide. Irish nobel laureates
   include the playwright and novelist George Bernard Shaw
   (1856–1950) and the poet and dramatist William
   Butler Yeats (1865–1939), whose work
   inspired the modernrenaissance in Irish
   writing. James Joyce (1882–1941) wrote the
   pioneering modernist novel, Ulysses
   (1922) — widely recognised as one of the
   greatest novels ever written. Joyce inspired
   the work of satirist Brian O’Nolan (Flann
   O’Brien) (1911–66), who also wrote in Irish.
   nobel laureate Samuel Beckett (1906–89) wrote
   in a minimalist vein, often in French. His
   play, Waiting for Godot (1953) has
   become a twentieth century classic of
   absurdism.





The generation of poets after Yeats included very different talents
in Patrick Kavanagh (1904–67). Kavanagh’s example as a poet of
rural realism inspired Seamus Heaney whose vision of the redemptive
power ofpoetry earned him the nobel Prize for Literature in 1995.
Irish fiction continues to be well received — in recent years,
several Irish writers have won the Man Booker Prize including Anne
Enright in 2007, John Banville in 2005 and Roddy Doyle in 1993.
Writers shortlisted for the prize include Colm T&#243;ib&#237;n (1999, 2004
and 2009), Sebastian Barry (2008) and Emma Donoghue (2010). Colum
Mccann's novel, “Let the Great World Spin” won the national Book
Award in the USA in 2009.


Irish theatre companies such as the Abbey, the Druid and the Gate
regularly tour their productions to international venues and host
the work of visiting theatre companies to Ireland.






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Art


The earliest Irish art consists of carvings on megalithic monuments
dating from 3500 B.C. Celtic art reached its apogee in the
manuscripts of the gospels such as the books of Durrow and Kells.
After the ninth century Irish art absorbed Viking, Romanesque and
Gothic influences producing, for example, richly carved stone High
Crosses.


From the mid-seventeenth century decorative arts such as
goldsmithery, plasterwork and glass flourished in conjunction with
the large-scale public buildings of the time. In the late
nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Irish painters looked to
the French Impressionists for a new idiom. These include William
Leech(1881–1968), Walter osborne (1859–1903), John Lavery
(1856–1941) and Roderic O’Conor (1860–1940). Crossing from
Impressionism to Expressionism, Jack B. Yeats (1871–1957) towers
over his contemporaries much as his brother, the poet W.B. Yeats,
was pre-eminent among his peers.



Other artists, working in an abstract expressionist mode, include
Louis le Brocquy, Norah McGuinness (1901–80) and Patrick Scott. A
strong new expressionist movement emerged in the late twentieth
century including Brian Maguire, Eithne Jordan, Michael Mulcahy,
Michael Cullen, Dorothy Cross and Alice Maher.


Sculpture in the nineteenth century was heroic and monumental as
exemplified by the statues of Oliver Goldsmith and Edmund Burke by
John Henry Foley (1819–1974) outside Trinity College, Dublin. This
tradition continued into the twentieth century with the works of
Oisin Kelly (1915–81), Seamus Murphy (1907–74) and Hilary Heron
(1923–77) pioneering the use of new casting techniques and
promoting the concept of an Irish vernacular sculpture.
Contemporary sculpture is more abstract and witty as can be seen in
the diverse work of Edward Delany (1930–2009), John Behan, Michael
Warren, Eilis O’Connell, Kathy Prendergast and Eileen MacDonagh.





Department of Arts,
Heritage and the Gaeltacht




Department of
Environment,and Local Government




Culture
Ireland




&#218;dar&#225;s na
Gaeltachta




The Arts
Council




Crafts Council of
Ireland




Ireland
Literature Exchange






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Architecture


The earliest examples of architecture visible in Ireland today are
megalithic tombs (3500–2000 B.c.). these include dolmens (three
ormore standing stones supporting
   one or two capstones) and passage graves such as Newgrange.
   Stone Age techniques survived into the twelfth century and are
   still visible in the beehive structure of early churches and
   monasteries such as those on Skellig Michael and Gallarus
   Oratory in County Kerry. During the Iron Age (after 500 B.c.)
   large circular stone forts were built, usually on hilltops such
   as Dun Aengus on the Aran Islands.


The Round tower is almost exclusive to Ireland and is found in many
parts of the country. Built from the tenth to the twelfth centuries
on monastic sites, the most notable being at Clonmacnoise in County
Offaly, round towers were frequently more than 30 metres high.
Their primary purpose seems to have been to serve as bell towers
although the raised level of the doorway would suggest they may
also have had defensive uses.


After this period, Romanesque architecture with its intricate
andornate carved stonework influenced the shape of Irish churches,
the finest examples being Cormac’s Chapel on the Rock of Cashel in
County Tipperary and Clonfert Cathedral in County Galway. The
arrival of the Anglo-Normans heralded the introduction of the early
Gothic style of architecture, with the two Dublin cathedrals,
Christ Church and Saint Patrick’s, being the most notable. The
Normans built substantial castles with large rectangular keeps,
many of which, like Trim in County Meath and Carrickfergus in
County Antrim, still figure on the landscape. The fifteenth century
castle at Cahir in County Tipperary is the most impressive of the
surviving feudal strongholds.





Classical buildings date from the late seventeenth century. At the
turn of the eighteenth century Palladian mansions were emulating
Italian palazzos, but by the end of the century, this style had
given way to neo-classicism and Dublin became an outstanding
example of Georgian architecture. Key buildings from this period
include the Custom House and the Four Courts in Dublin, with their
distinctive copper domes, designed by James Gandon (1743–1823). By
the nineteenth century Gothic revivalism was in vogue influencing
the design of churches such as Saint Finn Barre’s Cathedral (1867)
in Cork and adapted to domestic architecture in the construction of
Ashford Castle (c.1870), County Mayo.



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Music


Music has always been an important part of Irish culture, from the
traditional accompaniment to festivals and funerals in the form of
playing and ballad singing, to Irish dancing which is very much
alive in Irish communities around the world. The harp was the
dominant instrument in early historical times. One of the earliest
Irish composers whose work survives is Turlough O’Carolan
(1670–1738), the blind harpist and one of the last of the ancient
bardic tradition.


There is also a classical tradition in the forms pioneered by
otherEuropean composers. Eighteenth
   century Dublin was an important musical centre and Handel chose
   to premiere his Messiah there in 1742. In the twentieth
   century traditional Irish music inspired modern composers such
   as Se&#225;n &#211; Riada (1931–71). Count John McCormack (1884–1945) was
   a world famous Irish tenor.


Traditional Irish music is now popular in many countries through
the influence of groups as diverse as Clannad, the Chieftains,
Altan, Dervish, L&#250;nasa and An&#250;na, all of whom perform in a modern
context without compromising the integrity of the original sound.
Reflecting this versatility is the phenomenon of Riverdance,
with music composed by Bill Whelan, combining the best of Irish
song, music and dance. Comhaltas Ceolt&#243;ir&#237; &#201;ireann plays a
prominent part in the development and preservation of Irish
traditional music and dance.


On the jazz scene guitarist Louis Stewart has played with leading
international musicians. Bands such as U2 and Westlife are famous
at home and abroad, as are individual singers such as Van Morrison,
Sin&#233;ad O’Connor and Enya.


There are three full–time professional orchestras performing in
Ireland. The national opera company was founded in 2010 forged from
two state-funded companies, Opera Ireland and Opera Theatre
Company. There is also a wealth of individual classical musical
talent such as the well known pianist John O’Conor and singers Ann
Murray and Suzanne Murphy.



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Film


Films have been made in and about Ireland since the Lumi&#233;re
Brothers filmed in Sackville (now O’Connell) Street in 1897.
In 1910 the American, Sidney Olcott, filmed The Lad from Old
Ireland in New York and Kerry, the first film ever made on two
continents. Ireland has since played host to many international
directors — Alfred Hitchcock, John Ford, Francis Ford Coppola, John
Huston and Steven Spielberg.


Throughout the last century Irish film makers were prolific in
theirproduction of amateur films, newsreels, documentaries
and informational films. It was not until the 1970s however that a
new wave of indigenously produced fiction films began to provide a
striking alternative to foreign produced representations of
Ireland.


The work of Irish producers, directors and screen writers is
facilitated by the Irish Film Board who fund production and
distribution of feature films, shorts, animated films and Irish
language productions. Irish films have enjoyed international
acclaim such as Michael Collins (Neil Jordan 1996), I
Went Down (Paddy Breathnach 1997), The General (John
Boorman 1998), The Wind That Shakes The Barley (Ken Loach
2006) winner of the Palme d’Or at Cannes, and Once (John
Carney 2006), winner of an Academy Award for best original song.


Annual film festivals in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Belfast showcase
Irish and international films while a year–round venue for art
house cinema is provided at the Irish Film Centre in Dublin, the
Kino in Cork and the town Hall in Galway. The Irish animator,
Richard Baneham, won an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects and a
BAFTA Award for special Visual effects for his work on Avatar,
2010.





The National
Theatre Society




National Concert
Hall




National
Archives




Irish Museum of
Modern Art




National
Gallery of Ireland




National Library of
Ireland




National Museum of
Ireland




Chester Beatty
Library




Irish Research
Council for the Humanities &amp;amp; Social Studies




An
Chomhairle Leabharlanna




Bord Scann&#225;n na
h&#201;ireann






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Sport


Among the most popular sports are Ireland’s traditional games,
gaelic football, hurling and camogie, which are played almost
exclusively in Ireland and in Irish communities abroad. Games in
the All-Ireland hurling and football championships attract large
attendances throughout the summer months culminating in the finals,
the highlight of Ireland’s sporting year, which are held in Croke
Park in Dublin.





Soccer is popular at all ages from school to senior level in
domestic competitions. the Irish International team, which plays as
the Republic of Ireland, has over the past number of years enjoyed
some success and is well supported by enthusiastic and friendly
fans.


Rugby football is popular in Ireland at international, club and
schools level. The sport is managed by the Irish Rugby Football
Union (IRFU). Ireland competes in the international annual Six
Nations Championship, winning the tournament in 2009.





Ireland has a strong reputation for field sports such as shooting,
fishing and also for equestrian events, show jumping and horse
racing. The Irish bloodstock industry is considered one of the
finest in the world.


As Ireland has over 3,000 kilometres of coastline and numerous
inland waterways, sailing and boating are long-established sports.
A wide range of marine leisure activities such as fishing,
water-skiing, canoeing, wind-surfing, diving and swimming are also
pursued.





Over 400 golf courses offer facilities through the country.
All-Ireland teams compete in international amateur golfing
competitions with the major Irish tournaments on the international
professional circuit being the Irish Open and the Smurfit European
Open. The Ryder Cup was held in Ireland in 2006, with top
Irish golfers P&#225;draig Harrington, Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley
contributing to the European team’s victory over the United States.
Harrington later went on to become a three times ‘Majors’ winner,
winning the British open championship in July 2007 and in 2008, and
the US PGA in 2008.


Ireland has a history of successfully hosting prestigious sporting
events and hosted the special olympics in June 2003. This was the
largest sporting event ever to take place in Ireland. Over 7,000
special athletes from 160 countries came to Ireland to participate
in this unique sporting achievement.








Irish
Sports Council




Football Association
of Ireland




Irish Rugby Football
Union




Gaelic Association of
Ireland




Horse
Racing Ireland




Golfing Union of
Ireland




Special
Olympics Ireland




Olympic
Council of Ireland






Top of Page

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 10 Dec 2012 11:51:11 UTC</pubDate>
		
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				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Who needs a Visa?]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=71996</link>
					<description><![CDATA[       


Immigration Act 2004 (Visas) Order 2012


Citizens of certain countries require an entry visa for Ireland.


If you are a citizen of a country that is on Schedule 1 of
the Immigration Act above,you do
NOT require an entry visa for Ireland. Citizens of
countries which are not on the list must apply for a visa
before they travel to Ireland.


If you are a citizen of a country that is on Schedule
2 of the Immigration Act above,you may be able to
travel to Ireland if you have a valid U.K. General C Visa and meet
Visa WaiverProgramme requirements. For
details of this programme please clickhere (PDF 1825kb) .


Otherwise, If you area national ofa visa-required
country you will need to apply for an Irish visa in advance of
travel to Ireland.


Please note that a Schengen visaor UK D visa
is not valid for travel to Ireland.


Transit Visasare required by citizens of the
countries listed in Schedule3of the Immigration
Act above.

Please note all citizens of non-EU countries, whether they require
a visa or not, are subject to immigration control at the point of
entry to Ireland.


Applicants who are holders of Convention travel
documents issued by EEA states should refer to Article 3
of theImmigration Act above
(Short-stayvisits only).




]]></description>
					<pubDate>Fri, 02 Nov 2012 12:06:17 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Citizenship]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=72007</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Entitlement to Citizenship : Click here


Foreign Births Registration :Click
here


Naturalisation : Click here

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 18 Oct 2012 09:34:34 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Irish Aid in Vietnam]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=72235</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Latest News


IRISH AID ANNOUNCEMENTS


IRISH AID IDEAS PROGRAMME 2013-14



Read More Here (PDF 472kb)
_______________________________________


Civil Society Funding


In April 2012, Irish Aid announced an open call to invite concept
notes for 2012 first funding round of the Civil Society Facility.
We have received a number of concept notes. Therefore, there will
be no new calls for concept notes in August 2012.


Irish Aid would like to thank all organisations and partners for
their interest in the Irish Aid programme and the time and energy
they have taken with us.


For updated information on Irish Aid programme and Civil Society
Facility, please visit the Embassy’s website www.embassyofireland.vn


We look forward to working with you in the future.


Irish Aid


___________________________________________



VIETNAMESE PARALYMPIC TEAM SEND- OFF FOR TRAINING IN THE BUILD-UP
TO LONDON 2012, PARALYMPIC GAMES (PDF 299kb)


Vietnamese Paralympic hopefuls make final
   preparations for Games at Limerick camp


Vietnamese Paralympics team train in
   Limerick



Vietnam and Zambia Paralympic athletes plan Irish training base


___________________________________________


LIVELIHOODS
AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS
___________________________________________


Competition Ireland: The Country, People and Education on Vietnam
Education Online


Vietnam Education Newspaper (www.giaoduc.net.vn), the
Embassy of Ireland in Hanoi, and Enterprise
Ireland (the Organizing Committee) are pleased to launch
the Competition


Ireland: The Country, People and Educationon
Vietnam Education Online


The purpose of the competition is to create an interesting
challenge for students in Vietnam as well as abroad. The
competition is open to all Vietnamese citizens aged 15 – 45, who
are living, studying or working in Vietnam or abroad. The
competition will be open for entries from 10 July to 10 October
2012.


The competition provides an opportunity for Vietnamese students to
improve their knowledge about Ireland. The competition topic is
open, allowing the entrant to write on any subject he/she chooses
concerning Ireland. The Organizing Committee hopes to attract a
large number of entrants with many creative and in-depth entries.


Vietnam Education Online is one of the most popular e-news services
in Vietnam, with 3.5 million hits a day.


The Competition is administered by Vietnam Education Online and
co-funded by the Embassy of Ireland, Hanoi and Enterprise Ireland.


For more information, please visit the website:http://giaoduc.net.vn/Cuoc-thi-tim-hieu-Ireland/394.gd


And



Full details in Vietnamese (PDF 195kb)

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Tue, 09 Oct 2012 13:55:55 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Citizenship]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=72007</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Entitlement to Citizenship


The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform is responsible
for determining entitlement to citizenship in accordance with the
Irish Nationality and Citizenship Acts, 1956 to 2004.

Every person born on the island of Ireland before 1 January, 2005
is entitled to be an Irish citizen.


The citizenship of a person born on the island of Ireland on or
after 1 January, 2005 depends on the citizenship of the person's
parents at the time of the person's birth or the residency history
of one of the parents prior to the birth. An information notice explaining the changes that have
taken effect since 01 January 2005 is available from the website of
the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.


Under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Acts, 1956 to 2004, a
person who was born outside Ireland is automatically an Irish
citizen by descent if one of that person's parents was an Irish
citizen who was born in Ireland.


Foreign Births Registration


Important information as of 4 September 2012


The Department of Foreign Affairs andTradeis
currently updating its procedures for the receipt of Foreign
Birth’s Registration (FBR) applications. This upgrade of the FBR
system is part of our ongoing commitment to improve our service to
the public. The system is intended to make it
easier and more convenient for applicants to access our service and
to advise on the FBR process.


The new systemwill comprise of an on-line application
process which will be available electronically from the
Department’s website. 


The system was due to go live week beginning 01 October
2012. However, the Department is at present experiencing a
slight technical difficulty with the online facility. We are
working to resolve this issue as a matter of urgency. We
regret any inconvenience caused to customers by this
delay.


We will update this message on a daily basis until the
matter is resolved.


In the interim this Department, either directly or
through our Missions overseas, is not accepting FBR applications
for processing (except in very exceptional circumstances) by
post.


We apologise for any inconvenience that these changes may
incur for applicants, however, the new system will provide
for a more speedy approval of applications received
throughout our network of Missions.


Should you have any difficulties in the short term, prior
to the electronic system going live, please contact your nearest
Irish Mission or the Consular Services Section here in
Dublin, www.dfat.ie, for
advice.


A person born abroad to a parent who, although not born in Ireland,
was otherwise an Irish citizen at the time of the person’s birth,
can become an Irish citizen by applying for Foreign Births
Registration, either to the Irish Diplomatic or
Consular Mission nearest to where the applicant normally
residesor, if resident in Ireland, to:


Consular Section
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
St. Stephen’s Green
Dublin 2
Telephone: (10.00-13.00)(01) 408 2555

For the Munster area:
Consular Services,
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade,
1A South Mall,
Cork
Telephone: (10.00-13.00) 021 4944763 

Details of the requirements for Foreign Births Registration will be
provided on request by the Department of Foreign Affairs and
Tradeor the relevant Mission.


Please note that the application forms below are for
information purposes only. No applications for Foreign Birth
Registration arecurentlybeing accepted until the new
online application system is available.


 FBR Application Form FB1A (PDF
   470kb)- for Applicantsover 18 years.
 FBR Application Form FB1B (PDF 493kb)
   - for Applicants under 18years.


Each applicant for Foreign Births Registration is required to
produce sufficient documentation including birth, marriage and
death certificates and other relevant records for him/herself and
the parent, (and grandparent, if relevant) through whom
citizenship is claimed to confirm the applicant's
entitlement to Irish citizenship.


Details of related fees in local currencies will be provided on
request by the Department of Foreign Affairs andTradeor
the Irish Diplomatic or Consular Mission nearest to where the
applicant normally resides.


Where Foreign Births Registration is applied for on the basis of
having a grandparent who was born in Ireland, the
followingoriginal documents are required in addition to the
completed application form:


Documents relatingto the APPLICANT:



Full civil birth certificate (including details of parents);


Civil marriage certificate (if applicable);


Copy of current passport or identity document;


Two photographs of applicant (signed and dated by the witness from
Section E on application form);


Copy of Identification (If a child does not hold a current passport
then a school report or letter from the school will suffice);


Proof of Address;


Application form completed in full;


Appropriate fee.



Documents relating to the PARENT (through whom citizenship is
claimed):
(Thesecertificates MUST be included)



Full civil birth certificate (including details of parents);


Civil marriage certificate (if applicable);


Copy of current passport or identity document, if alive, or death
certificate;


If applicationrelates toa minor, parent must supply
proof of address;


If parent has been naturalized or obtained foreign birth
registration, original certificates must accompany the application.



Documents relating to the GRANDPARENT BORN IN IRELAND from
whom citizenship is claimed:



Full civil birth certificate if born after 1864, otherwise a
baptismal certificate; together with proof that no civil
registration exists;


Civil marriage certificate (if applicable);


Copy of current passport or identity document, if alive, or death
certificate;



It should be noted that additional information may be requested in
support of the application.

Where the person to be registered is under 18 years, the declarant
(parent) must sign the declaration on the application form
and provide two of his/her own photographs(signed and dated by the
witness from Section E of the application form).

Irish Birth, Marriage and Death certificates may be obtained from
the General Registrar's Office. For more detailed information
please click here.


Additional information for applications being made through the
Embassy of
Ireland in London
orThe
Consulate in Edinburgh.


Naturalisation


Consideration of all applications for Irish citizenship by
naturalisation is a matter for the Minister for Justice, Equality
and Law Reform. Further information concerning naturalisation is
available from the website of the Department of Justice, Equality
and Law Reform.

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 04 Oct 2012 16:54:57 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[The Irish State]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=78298</link>
					<description><![CDATA[


Name of State



Island of Ireland



Language



Flag



Emblem



Anthem



The National Day



Government



Political Parties



Local Government



The Courts



Police &amp;amp; Defence Forces



Name of State


The Irish constitution provides that the name of the state is
&#201;ire or in the english language, Ireland.




Top of Page


Island of Ireland


The geographical island of Ireland consists of the sovereign
independent state of Ireland comprising 26 counties, and the six
counties of northern Ireland to the north-east of the island, which
are governed by a power-sharing Executive and Assembly as
established under the Good Friday Agreement.



Top of Page


Language


Article 8 of the Irish Constitution makes the following
affirmation:



The Irish language as the national language is the first official
language.


The English language is recognised as a second official language.



More information about the Irish Language, is availablein the
Schools Project Corner .



Top of Page


Flag


The national flag is a tricolour of
   green, white and orange.



Top of Page


Emblem


The harp has been regarded as the
   official symbol or coat of arms of Ireland since medieval times.
   The heraldic harp is used by the Government, its agencies and
   its representatives at home and abroad. It is engraved on the
   seal matrix of the Office of the President as well as on the
   obverse of Irish euro coins.


 
Top of Page


Anthem


Amhr&#225;n na bhFiann (Soldier’s Song) is the Irish national
Anthem.



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The National Day


saint Patrick’s Day, 17 March, is the national Day. tradition holds
that the use of the shamrock by Saint Patrick when preaching in
Ireland led to its adoption as an Irish symbol.


St Patricks
Day Festival



Top of Page


Government


Ireland is a parliamentary democracy. Its law is based on common
Law and legislation enacted by the Oireachtas (Irish
Parliament) under the constitution. In addition, regulations and
directives enacted by the European Union have the force of law in
Ireland.


The constitution of Ireland sets out the form of government and
defines the powers and functions of the President, both Houses of
the Oireachtas and the Government. It also defines the
structures and the powers of the courts and outlines the
fundamental rights of citizens. The definition of rights covers
five broad headings: Personal Rights, The Family, Education,
Private Property and Religion





Government of
Ireland




President of
Ireland




Fine Gael




Labour




Fianna F&#225;il




Sinn F&#233;in




Irish
Government News Service









Top of Page


Local Government


The local government system is administered by 114 local
authorities and is undergoing a process of renewal and reform.


The services provided by the local authorities include: housing and
building, road transportation and safety, water supply and
sewerage, development incentives and controls, environmental
protection and waste management, recreation and amenity, education,
health and welfare, and miscellaneous services.


Local government is funded partly by central government and partly
by local sources including motor tax proceeds, rates (on commercial
property) and local charges such as environmental waste charges,
rents etc.


Department of the
Environment, Communityand Local Government



Top of Page


The Courts


Irish law is based on common Law as modified by subsequent
legislation and by the constitution of 1937. In accordance with the
constitution, justice is administered in public by courts
established by law. The President appoints judges on the advice of
the Government.





Department of
Justice and Law Reform




Irish Courts
Service




Director of
Public Prosecutions




Office of
the Attorney General





Top of Page 


Police and Defence Forces


The national police force, An Garda S&#237;och&#225;na, was
established in 1922. The general direction, management and control
of the service is, subject to regulations made by the Minister for
Justice and Law Reform, vested in a commissioner appointed by the
Government.


An Garda S&#237;och&#225;na is unarmed with the exception of some
specialized units. Since 1989, An Garda S&#237;och&#225;na have served
in numerous United Nations (UN) missions around the world. They
have also served under the EU flag in the former Yugoslavia,
Macedonia and Eastern Slavonia and have provided monitors for the
South African and Palestinian elections.


The Permanent Defence Forces, which include the regular Army, Naval
Service and Air Corps, operate under the auspices of the Department
of Defence. The Department is also responsible for the general
planning, organisation and co-ordination of Civil Defence measures.
Recruitment is voluntary. The Defence Forces have extensive
peacekeeping experience and have served under UN mandate in UN, EU
and NATO led peace support operations all over the world since
1958.





Department of
Justice andEquality




Garda S&#237;och&#225;na
(Irish Police)




Garda
Ombudsman




Department of
Defence




Irish Defence
Forces







Top of Page

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					<pubDate>Wed, 03 Oct 2012 13:45:59 UTC</pubDate>
		
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					<title><![CDATA[Irish Language]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=78318</link>
					<description><![CDATA[


Introduction



Nature and Development of
Irish



Some Linguistic Properties



Literature in Iish



The use of Irish today



Hiberno-English



Introduction


The Irish language is the national and first official language of
Ireland, the other official language being English. Irish is one of
the three 'Gaelic' languages, but referring to it as 'Gaelic',
'G&#228;lisch','gaelique' etc. is generally considered derogatory, or
designed to emphasise its peripheral role in present-day Ireland,
by Irish speakers. Irish has been spoken in Ireland for over 2,500
years, and is the language from which most Irish placenames and
surnames derive:

Dublin &amp;lt; Dubh-linn, meaning 'black pool' (the city's name in
modern Irish is Baile &#193;tha Cliath, 'the town of the ford of the
hurdles');
Belfast &amp;lt; B&#233;al Feirste, ' sea-inlet of the sandbanks';
Derry &amp;lt; Doire Cholm Cille, 'the oak-grove of St. Colm
Cille;
Kennedy &amp;lt; &#211; Cinn&#233;ide, 'ugly head'; or
MacDonald &amp;lt; Mac D&#243;naill, 'son of D&#243;nall', etc..

Irish is the ancestral language of the 70-million-strong Irish
diaspora, and of most Scots, throughout the world.

As regards Northern Ireland, the parties to the Belfast Agreement
of 10 April 1998 agreed that the British Government will 'take
resolute action to promote the language', both through recognising
its status and providing financial assistance, in areas ranging
from television and film to Irish-medium education. Itbecame
an
official working language of the European Union on the 1st
January 2007. The Treaty of Amsterdam gave the right to Irish
speakers to write to the EU institutions in Irish and to receive a
reply in that language.



Top of Page


Nature and Development of Irish



Irish and its offshoots, Scottish Gaelic and Manx, constitute the
Gaelic or Goidelic branch of the Celtic languages. Welsh, Cornish
and Breton and the now extinct Gaulish (the language spoken in
France, then called Gaul, before the country was invaded by
Caesar's Roman legions) form the Brythonic or Brittonic group, and
all Celtic languages form part of the Indo-European family of
languages. Related Celtic languages were spoken by the Galatians in
Anatolia (modern Turkey) to whom St. Paul wrote his letters; and in
the Polish Galicja and Spanish Galicia, giving some idea of the
vast area peopled by the Celts in the pre-Christian era.

Our earliest evidence for Irish is to be found in ogham
inscriptions (a system of writing used mainly on stone or wood,
based on vertical and slanted strokes corresponding to the Latin
letters, and in the words of Professor David Greene dating from 'a
time not much before the fourth century A.D.'. The language is
usually divided into the following periods: Old Irish AD c.
650-900, Middle Irish c. 900-c.1200, Early Modern Irish c. 1200 -
c. 1600, Late Modern Irish c. 1600 -.

From the Old Irish period until the 13th century the language
underwent a prolonged period of regularization and simplification.
Although they had existed in the language since earliest times,
dialects do not come into view to any degree until the 17th
century. This is because the literary standard language was common
to the entire Gaelic-speaking area, which for over a thousand years
consisted of all of Ireland, most of Scotland, and the Isle of Man.
Irish migration to northern Britain had begun even before the Roman
withdrawal in 410 A.D., but the process of Irish expansion gathered
momentum after the establishment of the kingdom of D&#225;l Riata around
500 A.D. In 843 A.D. Cineadh Mac Ailpin, king of the Irish-speaking
people in northern Britain, gained accession to the kingship of the
Picts, effectively becoming king of what we now call Scotland.
Indeed the medieval Latin word 'Scotus' meant simply an Irish
speaker, as evidenced by the name of the 9th century philosopher at
the court of Charles the Bald, Johannes Scotus Eriugena (Latin
'born in Ireland').



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Some Linguistic Properties of Irish,
Compared with Other Languages


Irish and indeed the Celtic languages in general are very unlike
other European languages in syntax and idiom. Irish lacks any
single words for 'yes' or 'no', the question being repeated
instead. Thus the answer to 'Did you see him'? is either Chonaic
('I saw') or N&#237; fhaca ('I did not see'). Irish does not emphasize
by use of intonation, as in English, but by bringing the item to be
emphasized to the head of its clause after the copula (one of the
verbs 'to be): 'I don't live in Belfast any more' is rendered N&#237; i
mB&#233;al Feirste at&#225; c&#243;na&#237; orm a thuilleadh (lit. 'It is not in
Belfast that dwelling is on-me any more'). Similarly 'Do you want a
stamp'? is An stampa at&#225; uait?, literally 'Is it a stamp that is
from-you'? Irish is a noun-centred language where English tends to
be verb-centred: 'she slept' is expressed in Irish by bh&#237; s&#237; ina
codladh, 'she was in her sleeping'; 'I am very hungry' is t&#225; ocras
m&#243;r orm , 'there is a great hunger on me'; 'you owe me a pound' is
t&#225; punt agat orm, 'there is a pound at you on me' or 'you have a
pound on me'.

The distinction in Polish between ona jest and ona bywa ('she is'
and 'she habitually is' or 'she is in the habit of being'), i.e.
between the present and present habitual tenses, corresponds
exactly to the Irish t&#225; s&#237; and b&#237;onn s&#237;. This distinction is not
found verbally in English, French, German, Spanish or Italian, but
is present in other Celtic languages such as Welsh, Breton,
Scottish Gaelic, and in other Slavic languages. There are
effectively 3 forms of the verb 'to be', for example:

I am Irish: Is Gael m&#233;.
I am tired: T&#225; tuirse orm (lit. 'is tiredness on me')
I am here every day: B&#237;m anseo gach l&#225;.

The is/t&#225; distinction corresponds almost exactly to the difference
between the Spanish verbs ser/estar.

Both Slavic languages and Irish have a fondness for palatalisation:
the palatal quality of the consonant 'n' in the Polish word nie
corresponds to the 'n' of the Irish word n&#237;l, 'there is not', and
the palatalised initial consonant of the Russian d'ec-yat' (ten) is
the same as the initial consonant of the Irish deich. Irish has no
verb 'to have', and Russian avoids the use of this verb, e.g.

English: I have a book.
Irish: T&#225; leabhar agam, lit. 'is book with-me'
Russian: U m'eny&#225; kny&#237;ga. 'with me book'.

In addition, the Russian equivalents for the words 'push' and
'pull' on doors are exact equivalents, both avoid the use of verbs,
viz.

Irish: push= 'uait', lit. 'from you'; pull='chugat', lit. 'to
you'.
Russian: push= 'at cyiby&#225;', lit. 'from you'; pull= 'kcyi-by&#233;', lit.
'to you'.

Finally a number of verbal endings, such as the first person
singular, present tense, and the second person singular, past
tense, are pronounced similarly in both Irish and Polish:

Polish: jestem (I am now) bywam (I am usually) bylas' (you
were)

Irish: t&#225;im (I am now) b&#237;m (I am usually) bh&#237;s (you were)

Irish, like Greek, Hebrew, and Esperanto, has only one article, the
definite, singular an and plural na. Initial mutations in Irish are
quite complex and the following is merely one example to illustrate
the phenomenon. The singular article changes the initial consonant
of feminine nouns: bean, pronounced /ban/, 'a woman', an bhean,
pronounced /on van/, the woman'; it prefixes a 't' to masculine
nouns beginning with a vowel: asal, 'donkey', an t-asal. The
changes which occur at the beginning of Irish words are as complex
as Polish 'konc&#243;wki'!

A further feature which distinguishes Irish and the other Celtic
languages from all other Indo-European languages (although it is a
feature shared with Arabic and Hebrew) is the existence of what are
called prepositional pronouns. Prepositions combine with personal
pronouns, e.g. ar, 'on' + m&#233; = orm, 'on me'; le, 'with' + s&#237;, 'she'
= l&#233;i, 'with her'; &#243;, 'from' + s&#233;, 'he' = uaidh, 'from him'.

Although Irish was not much cultivated during the 19th century, its
status as an official language since 1922 has helped to modernize
it. All writers now employ the Caighde&#225;n Oifigi&#250;il or Official
Standard, a regularized spelling and grammar developed by the
translation staff or the Oireachtas, the Irish Parliament. The
terminological committees of the Department of Education have over
the years provided speakers of Irish with technical vocabulary in a
wide range of subjects. The Gaeltacht radio service, Raidi&#243; na
Gaeltachta, and since 1996 the Irish language television service
TG4, have disseminated much modern terminology as well as
familiarizing native speakers with dialects other than their
own.

The first decision of the first government of the Irish Free State
in 1922 was that all elementary and second-level schools should
teach Irish to all pupils for at least one hour per day.
Additionally all work for the first two years of primary school was
to be in Irish only. The number of individuals and families who
speak Irish, particularly in Dublin and Belfast, is slowly but
constantly growing.



Top of Page


Literature in Irish


The Irish language produced the oldest written literature north of
the Alps, and has an unbroken literary tradition of over 14
centuries: the oldest text which can be dated with certainty, the
Amra Choluim Cille, the life of St. Colm Cille, was written in 597
A.D. Ireland thus has the oldest vernacular literature in western
Europe. The earliest writings in Irish, consisting of glosses or
explanations of the Latin gospels, and sometimes amusing poems
written in their margins, may be seen at the University Library in
W&#252;rzburg, Germany.

The present state of Irish literature is anomalous since the
reading public for Irish is small, but the output in both verse and
prose is relatively large (around 130 new titles appear each year).
The contemporary literature is varied in content and much of it
compares favourably with writing in English in Ireland. The
12-volume French language 'Patrimoine litt&#233;raire europ&#233;en'
(Europe's Literary Heritage), edited in 1992 by Prof. Jean-Claude
Polet of l'Universit&#233; Catholique de Louvain, Belgium, an anthology
of European literature from the Atlantic to the Urals and from the
beginning of written literature to the 20th Century, devotes 4.89%
of its content to literature in the Irish language.



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The use of Irish Today


The first decision of the first government of the Irish Free State
in 1922 was that each primary and secondary school should teach
Irish for at least one hour per day to all pupils. In addition, all
of the work of the first two years at primary schools was to be
conducted in Irish. Today the number of habitual Irish speakers is
a small fraction of the total population, and in its Gaeltacht
heartland is under unremitting pressure from English.

Yet, as Prof. Joe Lee wrote, 'the seemingly inevitable victory of
the big battalions continues to be postponed', for centuries, one
might add. Asked if the Irish language was dying, the greatest
Irish language prose writer in the 20th Century, the late M&#225;irt&#237;n &#211;
Cadhain replied: 'Yes, it has been dying for over 400 years.' An
important factor in maintaining Irish as the everyday language of
the Gaeltacht is the negative influence of incoming
English-speaking families. Recent planning law has shown an
increasing awareness by the State of its responsibility for the
linguistic as well as the physical environment, and the need to
protect the Gaeltacht from the uncontrolled influx of
English-speakers. Through the Gaeltacht, or English-speaking part
of the country, both the prestige of Irish, and the number who
habitually speak it, particularly in Dublin and Belfast, continues
to grow.

Since the achievement of independent Irish statehood the State has
made various provisions for the maintenance and promotion of the
language. Efforts to revive the language as the first spoken
language were not successful. They faced the difficulties that by
the time independence was achieved Irish was very much a minority
language, nearly all of the speakers of which were competent in
English, and that the Gaeltacht areas in which it was still spoken
as the preferred community language (mainly on the western
seaboard) were quite small. However, all surveys show that a large
majority of the population today values the Irish language as
Ireland's only national language and as an important part of the
national heritage.

In a national sample survey conducted by the Linguistics Institute
of Ireland in 1993, 9% said that they had used Irish in a
conversation in the past week; 13% spoke Irish at home at least
occasionally, while 71% never did; 5% spoke Irish at work (2% at
least weekly and 3% less than weekly; 12% watched programmes in
Irish on TV daily or a few times weekly while 28% watched them less
often and 60% never watched TV programmes in Irish. Some 15%
listened to Raidi&#243; na Gaeltachta (4% daily or a few times weekly
and 11% less often); 15% listened to other radio programmes in
Irish; 16% read Irish language columns in daily newspapers (5%
daily or a few times weekly and 11% less often); 7% read books in
Irish (1% daily or a few times weekly and 6% less often).

The 2002 Census showed 1.54 million people, or 43%, claiming a
knowledge of Irish, but only 73,000, or 2.6% of the population
(apart from schoolchildren who use it in school), speaking it
daily. A hopeful sign is that among pre-school children, aged 3-4,
i.e. those not yet attending school, the percentage speaking Irish
daily is 5.4%. It is very significant that among children aged 3-4,
the percentage speaking Irish daily increased from 4.6% in 1996 to
5.4% in 2002.

The Official Languages Act, 2003 guarantees the right of all Irish
citizens to communicate with the State in either Irish or English,
and provides mechanisms to ensure that this right is respected by
public officials. It also provided for the simultaneous publication
of important official documents such as annual reports or policy
statement in both languages. A new development is provision for a
complaints mechanism for citizens who believe their right to use
Irish has been ignored, and penalties for state and semi-state
bodies and individual officials who are found not to have shown due
respect for the national language.

There are 235 primary schools and 37 secondary schools in Ireland
which teach the national curriculum through Irish only. The primary
schools are attended by around 29,000 pupils and the secondary
schools are attended by around 9,000 pupils. In Northern Ireland
around 2,500 pupils receive their education through Irish in 2
secondary schools, 18 primary schools and 39 pre-schools.

According to Nielsen, the organisation which researches television
viewership in Ireland, the Irish language television service TG4
has a reach of over 800,000 viewers on average each night and a
share of over 3.5% of television viewers during peak viewing hours.
Raidi&#243; na Gaeltachta broadcasts nationally from Gaeltacht areas,
and Raidi&#243; na Life is Dublin's Irish language radio service.

Some 130 new titles annually, 1 daily newspaper (published in
Belfast, Northern Ireland!), one weekly newspaper and a number of
monthly magazines are published in Irish, and Irish language
columns appear regularly in the English-language press.

Further information about the Irish language today can be found on
the websites of the Irish language promotion body Foras na
Gaeilge and the Irish language television station TG4.



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Hiberno-English


The influence of Irish on Hiberno-English, the English spoken in
Ireland, is considerable, whether we are dealing with
pronunciation, syntax or morphology. Hiberno-English tends to have
pure vowel sounds, as in Irish, Polish and most Continental
languages, making it easier to pronounce, and clearer, for foreign
learners of English. It avoids the diphthongisation of RP English.
For example, the three words 'cap, cup, carp'are pronounced quite
distinctly in Hiberno-English, whereas to the Continental ear they
tend to sound the same in the RP (Received Pronunciation) which is
the prestige variety of spoken English in England (used by about 2
% of the population of England, according to Professor David
Crystal's Cambridge Encyclopaedia of the English Language).

In syntax the more flexible Irish word order is reflected in
Hiberno-English in such phrases as 'is it to Cork you are going
tomorrow?' or 'is it tomorrow you are going to Cork?', depending on
the element it is desired to stress. Standard English tends to have
a more rigid word order, using only voice inflection to stress
particular elements of a sentence. Incidentally, the Irish, or more
generally Celtic, flexibility in word order is reflected in French
'C'est demain que tu vas &#224; Cork?', and it is now increasingly
recognised that French word order has been far more influenced by
its Gaulish predecessor than had hitherto been supposed.

The range of verbal possibilities in Hiberno-English is also
increased by its adoption of non-standard patterns, deriving from
Irish, in its verbal system (e.g. 'I do be', to compensate for the
absence of a habitual present tense in English (see below) or 'I
was after getting married', influenced by the Irish bh&#237;os tar &#233;is
p&#243;sadh, 'I was after marrying'.

Many Irish idioms survive in Hiberno-English: 'Tis true for you'
(is f&#237;or duit); 'Not a bother on me' (n&#237; gear&#225;nta dom), 'he was
putting in on me' (bh&#237; s&#233; ag cur isteach orm) for 'he was
interfering with me'; 'he's very near himself' (gar d&#243; f&#233;in) for
'he's very selfish'; 'who is the bike with?' (c&#233; leis an rothar?)
for 'who owns the bike?', 'is it yourself that's in it?' (an t&#250;
f&#233;in at&#225; ann?) for 'is it you?', etc.



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]]></description>
					<pubDate>Wed, 03 Oct 2012 11:19:18 UTC</pubDate>
		
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