www.corkcity.ie/newcomersguide c/o Cork City Development Board, 89-90 South Mall, Cork Tel. 021 4924596, email [email protected] Quick Index g Useful Numbers

Name Telephone Page Bus Eireann 021 4508188 46 Centre for the Unemployed 021 4275876 14, 45 Citizen’s Information Centres 1890 777121 ii Cois Tine 021 4316593 33, 50 Cork City Childcare Company 021 4507942 41 Cork City Council Housing 021 4966222 9 Higher Education Grants 021 4924087/96 44 Library Service 021 4924900 51 Recreation Facilities 021 4924323 53 Dept of Education & Science 021 4536300 42 Dept of Enterprise, Trade & Employment Employment Rights Information 01 6313131/1890 201615 17 Work Permits Section 01 6313333/08 or 1890 201616 12 Working Visas 01 6313186 12 Dept of Foreign Affairs Visas 01 6331001 34 Citizenship (marriage/ancestry) 01 4780822 34 Dept of Justice Equality & Law Reform Asylum Division 01 6028202 34 Citizenship (residency-based) 01 6167700 34 Dept of Social & Family Affairs 021 4270055 19, 21 Equality Authority 01 4173336/1890 245545 17, 23 Equality Tribunal 01 4174100/1890 344424 23 FÁS 021 4856200 12 Garda Síochána Anglesea St Station 021 4522000 22 Immigration Section 021 4522086 22, 32 Confidential free phone 1800 666111 22 Immigrant Council of Ireland 01 8656525 34 Iarnrod Eireann (Irish Rail) 021 4506766 46 Irish Refugee Council 01 8724424 34 Legal Aid Board 021 4275998/4551686 23 Local Employment Services 021 4302310 14 Migrant Rights Centre 01 8881355 34 Motor Tax/Drivers Licences Office 021 4544566 30 NASC (Irish Immigrant Support Centre) 021 4317411 33, 50 National Car Testing Service 1890 200670 30 Refugee Information Service 01 8382710 34 Disclaimer: Members of the Cork - One City, Many Communities group have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of all information contained in the Newcomer's Guide to Cork City. However, they can accept no responsibility for any Refugee Legal Service 021 451000/1800 202420 23 loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by any reader as a result of information or advice contained in the guide. Revenue Commissioners 021 4325000 16 SONAS DP Ireland 021 4302310 33 Southern Health Board 021 4965511 9, 10, 21, 37 Threshold 021 4271250 8 Lord Mayor’s Message

Welcome to Cork, which is first and foremost a maritime city; the port is our gateway to the world. A city of ideas and a city of individuals, at the core of our ethos has been a respect for the individual. Our people are known for their friendliness, warmth and willingness to help others.

Throughout its history, people from all parts of the world have made Cork their home; people whose customs and cultures have helped to shape today’s City. As a new Corkonian you are now part of this rich tradition.

I am sure this guide, which is full of useful information on living and working in Cork, will help you settle in to your new home.

Cllr Seán Martin Lord Mayor, Cork City

Introduction

This guide aims to introduce newcomers to all aspects of living in Cork – from finding somewhere to live and a job to understanding the school system and what bus goes where. Printed in English, French, Russian and Romanian, it also signposts readers to where they can find more detailed information and support.

The guide has been produced by the Cork - One City, Many Communities group. This broad partnership brings together organisations such as Cork City Council, Cork City Partnership, Cork Social and Health Education Project, Irish Immigrant Voice, NASC – Irish Immigrant Support Centre, YMCA, Youth Information Centre and others, with the aim of promoting interculturalism and awareness of cultural diversity in the city

The guide could not have been produced without the help of many people. In particular we would like to thank members of the consultative group – representatives of new communities in Cork who volunteered their time to guide and shape the development of the guide. We would also like to thank researcher Ali Dogan Demir and all those who funded the guide – the Know Racism programme, Comhairle, Cork City Council and the RAPID programme.

Steering Committee Cork One City, Many Communities How to use the Guide

The aim of this guide is to give an overview of some of the key information you will need having come to live in Cork. All language versions of the guide are also available on www.corkcity.ie/newcomersguide, which will be updated to reflect new developments. In each chapter the guide answers some of the main questions you might have and sources of further information are listed in each section. However, there are also a number of general information sources which are very helpful and can help with a broad range of queries.

Citizens Information Centres (CICs) to telephone first to check current provide free, impartial and opening hours. confidential information on all aspects of public services and entitlements. The Golden Pages is a directory They are open to everyone regardless advertising contact details for a of nationality or status. variety of businesses and services. The directory is distributed annually to Citizen’s Information Centres in all households and copies are also Cork city have offices at: available in public libraries or at City Centre www.GoldenPages.ie 80 South Mall, tel 021 4277377. Free legal aid advice clinic every Two very useful websites with second Wednesday, 6.30pm – 7.30pm information on all public services are: Blackpool 90 Great William O’Brien St, www.oasis.gov.ie tel 021 4501787. www.comhairle.ie Blackrock Heritage Business Park, Bessboro The Citizen's Information Phone Road, Bessboro, tel 1890 777121 and Service is open from 9am - 9pm, Convent Road, tel 021 4358352. tel 1890 777121 (calls charged at Knocknaheeny local rates). Harbour View Rd, tel 021 4302301. Mayfield www.thegreenbook.ie provides a list Newbury House, Old Youghal Road, of statutory, community and voluntary tel 021 4508300. sector services in Cork. Free copies of While the City Centre CIC is open this directory are also available from Mon-Fri 10 am – 4 pm, all others have the Department of Social and Family limited opening hours – it’s advisable Affairs, tel 021 4917477

ii A NEWCOMER’S GUIDE TO CORK CITY Contents

1 SETTING THE SCENE 7 IMMIGRATION ISSUES A Short History of Ireland 1 Visas 31 History Of Cork 3 GNIB Registration Cards 32 Culture & Everyday Customs 4 Asylum Seekers & Refugees 32 Understanding the Cork People 5 Support for Immigrants 33 Weather 6 Irish Citizenship 34

2 ACCOMMODATION 8 HEALTHCARE Private Rented Accommodation 7 Public Healthcare 35 Buying a Home 9 Private Healthcare 37 Supports Available 9 What To Do In An Emergency 37 Emergency Accommodation 10 Pregnancy 38 Pharmacies/Chemists 38 3 EMPLOYMENT Work Permits 11 9 SUPPORT SERVICES Working Visas And People with Disabilities 39 Work Authorisation 12 Young People 40 Finding A Job 12 Women 40 Wages & Taxes 14 Older People 40 Your Rights At Work 16 10 EDUCATION & TRAINING 4 SOCIAL WELFARE PAYMENTS Pre-Schools & Childcare 41 Unemployment Benefit & Assistance 19 School System 42 Child Benefit 19 Third Level Education 43 One Parent Family Payment 20 Further Education & Training 44 Family Income Supplement 20 Learning English 45 Supplementary Welfare Allowance 20 Maternity Benefit 20 Other Payments 21 11 EVERYDAY LIVING Public Transport 46 Voting Rights 47 5 LAW & ORDER Banking 47 Irish Police Force 22 Public Holidays 48 Legal Advice 22 Media 48 Discrimination 23 Faith Communities 49 Country of Origin Groups 50 Places To See 50 6 DRIVING IN IRELAND Libraries 51 Driving Licences 28 Public Parks 52 Insurance 29 Sports Facilities 52 Motor Tax 29 National Car Test 29 Parking 30

iii Setting the Scene

Welcome to Cork – the second city and biggest county in Ireland. This chapter gives a brief introduction to Cork – its history, culture, customs and most important – its weather!

Ireland is a small island in the extreme northwest of Europe - just 486km long and 275 km wide. The island of Ireland is made up of four provinces, Ulster, Connaught, Leinster and Munster, which are divided into thirty-two counties. 26 A Short History of counties form the Republic of Ireland Ireland. The remaining six counties What we know today as the island in Ulster make up the territory of of Ireland was connected to Britain Northern Ireland, which is part of by land during the last Ice Age. As the United Kingdom of Great the ice melted and sea levels rose, Britain. this land connection gradually disappeared and by 6000 BC The population of the Republic of Ireland was separated from Britain. Ireland is quite small. In 2002 the Since that time, Ireland has been total population was 3.9 million, shaped by the arrival of several with over 1 million people living in distinct groups, such as the Celts, Dublin. Cork City is the second Vikings and Anglo Normans. The biggest city in the Republic, with a timeline overleaf gives a basic population of 123,000 (a further overview of some of the key stages 325,000 people live in Cork in Ireland’s history. County).

1 A NEWCOMER’S GUIDE TO CORK CITY E N E C 2000 on Economic growth heralds era of net immigration. 1998 Good Friday Agreement puts Stormont Assembly in place - E S Northern Ireland is run by its locally elected members. G TH

1973 Ireland joins the European Economic Community (now the EU). N TI 1937 New Irish constitution declares Ireland an independent state ET known as Éire. S 1921 War of Independence is followed by the Anglo-Irish Treaty, which provides for separate parliaments for the North of Ireland and the remaining 26 counties. Divisions over this partition of Ireland lead to a Civil War in 1922/3. 1 Late 19th C Pressure grows within Ireland for Home Rule (an Irish Parliament) and land reform. 1845-49 Potato crops fail and cause famine. 1.4 million die of starvation and 1.4 million leave for the USA and elsewhere – this tradition of emigration continued to the recent past. 1801 Irish Parliament abolished as Ireland becomes part of the United Kingdom. 18th C Industrial Revolution flourishes in Belfast, strengthening economic ties with Britain. 17th C Much land was confiscated from the native Irish and given to new settlers. “Penal Laws” try to further suppress Catholicism. 16th C Henry VIII and Elizabeth I strengthen English control over Ireland and seek to repress Catholicism. 15th C English influence gradually reduced to small area around Dublin, known as “The Pale” 13-14th C English settlers colonise parts of Ireland – development of legal system and parliament based along English models. 1169 Start of the Anglo-Norman invasions – by 1250 75% of Ireland was under Anglo-Norman control. 9 & 10th C Vikings arrive from Scandinavia. 432 AD St Patrick comes to Ireland and is popularly viewed as having introduced Christianity. 500 BC Arrival of Celts from Central Europe – their language is linked to the Irish spoken today. 3000BC Late Stone Age (Neolithic) farming people reach Ireland – their stone burial sites can still be seen throughout the country. 6000BC Middle Stone Age (Mesolithic) people are Ireland’s first inhabitants.

2 History Of Cork Cork has a strong maritime history and its deep natural harbour means it The name Cork is derived from the has always been a centre for trade – Irish word “corcaigh” meaning from the Viking longships to today’s “marshy place”, referring to the passenger ferries and cargo ships. In marshes on which much of the city the 18th century Cork regained much developed. Its origins can be traced of its prestige as a trading centre back to the early 7th century when, because of its harbour, with trade in according to legend, Saint Finbarr corn, butter, wool and beef founded a monastery – probably on particularly prominent. The city the site of what is now St Fin Barre’s expanded as marshes were reclaimed. Cathedral. From this initial small settlement Cork developed into a The struggle for independence in the town following the Viking invasions late 19th and early 20th centuries which started in the 9th century. meant there were turbulent times throughout the country. In Cork this The Vikings gradually integrated with peaked in 1920, when the city’s Lord the native Celts, and Cork’s Mayor Tomás MacCurtain was development continued to be shaped murdered by British Crown forces and by external influences. The next major his successor Lord Mayor Terence influence was the Anglo-Normans MacSwiney died on hunger strike in a who captured Cork in 1177. Under London prison. By the end of 1920 them it was granted its first royal much of Cork, including the City Hall charter in 1185, giving it city status. and what is now St Patrick St, was The 800th anniversary of this charter destroyed by fire by British forces. was celebrated in Cork in 1985. As the second city of the Republic of During the 12th century Cork Ireland, Cork continued to develop continued to grow as a trading port. throughout the 20th century. The Most of the medieval walled city decline of traditional industries, such stood on an island formed by as shipbuilding and car branches of the River Lee and was manufacturing, has been followed by entered via the North and South the development of strong Gates. The Gaelic resurgence, which pharamaceutical, engineering and IT began in the late 14th century, saw industries. much of the countryside revert to the Gaelic Irish. However, Cork and other Further information about towns remained loyal to the English. the history of Cork City Around this time Cork went into an can be found in economic decline, which continued www.corkcity.ie until the late 17th century.

3 the Corkteams’achievement football championshipsandpridein record inbothAllIrelandhurlingand each year fiercely inAllIrelandchampionships country andcountyteamscompete game hurling andGaelicfootball.Both T radio. signs andheardontelevision “Gaelt par is stillthemainspokenlanguagein Ireland andBrit dialect developed fromoneoftheCeltic centurie have cometoIrelandoverthe V reflect Irish cultureisrichinit Cultur are par Irish traditionalmusicandfolk all it Pipe instrument generations. T stretche still popular per pubs, wheremusicisoften culture iscloselyassociatedwith Nowadays Irishtraditionalmusic Harp bec children andhas becomefamous raditional spor ikings, Normanandothers,who t formed. T s ofIreland(knownasthe s people. s, Bodhrán,FluteandFiddle.T s areplayedthroughoutthe acht”) andisvisibleonroad s theinfluenceofCelt s duringtheBronzeAgein t ofamusic s backovermany s. T e ame thesymbolofIreland. . Corkhasastrongtrack s aretheHarp,Uilleann he Irishlanguage , par raditional Irishdanceis he traditional t ain. T s inIrelandinclude ticularly amongst al traditionthat he Irishlanguage s diversityand s unite s, he s ● ● ● point misunderst you areusedto.T behaviour arequitedifferenttothose customs andunspokenrule you mayfindthatsomeofthe As anewcomertoCork(andIreland) E it T for everyonetoenjoyIrishdancing. known as“ “R worldwide throughthetouringshow of event Culture withanextensiveprogramme hroughout 2005Corkwillcelebrate s de v iverdance” eye. A and politetolookhim/herinthe speaking withsomeoneitisusual when greetingoneanother Irish peopleusuallyshakehands am afraidnot” negativity bys be politeandfriendlysoften “No” directly Irish peopleoftendon’tliketos wouldn’t mind” as “please” polite andoftenusephrase Irish peoplearegenerallyvery unintere may beinterpretedasbeing am sorry”orjust“Sorry” ery s torememberarelistedbelow. signation asEuropeanCapit day Customs s (www.cork2005.ie) ver sted. andings. Someuseful ceilí” ting theeye . Irishdancingse , “thankyou” . Ingeneraltheywill , provideoppor , “Unfor aying thingslike“I , “sorry” his c A NEWCOMER’SGUIDETO an leadto s whent tunately” , etc. , “ifyou . s of . W ssions, s such tunitie alking , “I hen al of ay s CORK 4 CITY 1 SETTING THE SCENE ● When waiting for a service, e.g. in a Understanding the Cork bank, post office, shop etc, it is people usual to go to the back of the queue of people who are already You will notice that Irish people have waiting. This queue is usually accents. There’s a huge variety of clearly visible. In some cases, such accents - depending on where the as waiting for a bus, there may not person comes from. The Cork accent be an ordered queue. Yet even can be hard to understand, until you here people usually take note of get used to it, as people tend to who is there before them and let speak very quickly. Ask them politely them board first. to speak more slowly, they won’t mind. In Cork the people also use ● Most Irish people send cards to some local dialect which can make friends and family to celebrate them more difficult to understand. occasions such as birthdays, Some commonly used words and anniversaries, Christmas Day, phrases include: marriages, new babies etc.

“Boy” often added at the end of sentences eg “good on you boy” as a general form of address.

“C’mere” (or “c’mere to me”) Literally means “come here” but it is really just an opening expression used to get someone’s attention, like “listen” or even just “hey”.

“Cop on” means “common sense” – can be used as a noun or a verb, “cop yourself on” – have some common sense.

“Craic” Pronounced “crack” this means fun, enjoyment and laughter – often refers to a good night out.

“Grand” Literally means “impressive” and is also used for “thousand”. In Cork it means, “fine, good, OK”. For

5 often s “I will,y s/he islikelytoreply inst “Sorry” really haveameaning. like?). Inthiscontext“like”doe mostly attheend(e.g.doyouknow placed anywhereinthesentence- something, butinCorkitc “Like” female de progre done” butitc “It issorted” actually means,“No,Iwillnot!” most c friend. W “Lad(s)” also t used toreferaspecificperson. belonging toyou”butinCorkthisis “Y is toorudetos our man” scribe agroupofmale ance ifyouaskhowsomeoneis, ake ss oritwillbedone” s. ase aid inas Usually usedtocompare L eah!” hen pluralised,itc s theplaceof“No”whereit iterally anapology Any male,thoughusuallya s means“Excuseme”and L an alsomean,“itisin iterally “theman L ay directly L iterally means“Itis arc iterally “ astic wayand , “ grand” ok, Iwill”but s and . an be . an , butin . s not over thewholecountry rain. T day” or passing inthestreetoftens topic amongstIrishpeople.Strangers T W nor situated inthe Since Irelandis and January usually December wette all yearround.T rare, rainc 26 temperature, below-3 August arethewarme between 4 with averagetemperature months areJanuaryandF in March. forward onehouronthelastSunday the lastSundayinOctober)andgo put backonehourinAutumn(usually avoid verydarkdaystheclocksare c summer bright upto10pmin T shor in summerand days arelonger Europe, the he weatherisafavouritediscussion he eveningsare an bedarkby5pm.Inorderto ° eather C, areveryrare.W thwe ter inwinter st monthsare emperature , moreoften,commentonthe , whileinwinterit st of ° an beexpected C and7 . he . s arefairlysimilar ° C, andJuly A NEWCOMER’SGUIDETO hile snowisvery ° st. Extreme . T C orabove he colde s of ebruary ay “lovely s of st CORK 6 CITY 1 SETTING THE SCENE Accommodation

You have a number of choices when looking for accommodation in Cork. Firstly, you can rent – usually from a private landlord. Types of rented accommodation include houses, apartments or flats, house shares (i.e. accommodation is the ads in the local a room in a house rented by others) and evening newspapers, such as the and bed-sits (a combined bedroom Evening Echo available early each and sitting room with shared afternoon (look in the classified ads bathroom and limited cooking section – usual headings are facilities). Or you may decide to buy “accommodation” or “house share”). your own home. Whichever you If you are interested in the ad and choose, some of the key points you want to see the place, make an need to know are outlined below. appointment to see the accommodation. You should start Private Rented contacting landlords as early as possible as the accommodation could Accommodation be gone in couple of hours.

How to find the right place? Accommodation ads in newspapers Finding accommodation in Cork in the include many abbreviations – here are right place and at the right price can some of most common: be difficult. In particular you should try to avoid late August and CH: Central Heating. September/October, when Cork’s (GFCH – gas fired central heating). university and colleges open. At this FF: Fully Furnished. time of the year thousands of NRA: No Rent Allowance. students from across the country will Professional (or prof): Someone also be seeking accommodation. A currently employed and working. good place to start when looking for NS: Non-Smoker.

7 A NEWCOMER’S GUIDE TO CORK CITY N O

Another way to find accommodation specific time (eg 6 or 12 months) and TI A is through letting and accommodation if you leave before then you may have D agencies and estate agents (check to pay the rent for the remainder of O M

the Golden Pages under the heading the lease. If you sign a lease with M O

“letting agents” for contact details). others, you become responsible for C

However, most agencies charge a fee each other’s rent. If you don’t AC so check out their charges and understand the terms of the lease services beforehand. Other places to contact Threshold (see address look are the notice boards in below) for free advice before signing. supermarkets and in colleges. There are also some websites on the What are you rights? 2 Internet with details of available Your landlord cannot ask you to leave properties. Or you could place your during the period of your lease, own ad in the local newspaper. unless you have broken some of the terms of the agreement. Your rent Rent, Deposits & Contracts cannot be increased during that time Once you’ve found suitable unless a condition is put into the accommodation, be sure you clearly lease. Even if you don’t have a lease, understand the terms and conditions, your landlord must give you four for example the amount of rent, when weeks notice in writing if they want it should be paid, does it include bills you to leave the property (you must such as gas, electricity and bin do the same if you plan to leave). charges, how long you can stay etc. Most landlords ask for a deposit If you think your deposit has been (usually one month’s rent) as well as unfairly withheld, the terms of your one month’s rent in advance. Always lease have been broken or you have ask for a receipt. The deposit will be had problems with your landlord, returned to you when you leave, contact Threshold for free housing provided that you have paid all bills, advice and information. given sufficient notice and not damaged the property. All landlords should (but many don’t) provide a Contact Details rent book, which includes their name and address and records the deposit Threshold, and rent paid. Father Matthew Quay, Cork, Tel 021 4271250, Your landlord may ask that you sign a e-mail: [email protected] lease. A lease is a written agreement www.threshold.ie containing the conditions you both agree to. A lease is usually for a

8 Buying A Home months or years on the waiting list before getting accommodation. To buy a house in Ireland, you will probably need to get a loan from an Local authorities also help people on Irish bank. This loan is called a low income to buy their own homes, mortgage and is usually repaid over through schemes such as: 25 years or more. As well as this loan Shared ownership – the house is you will also need to pay a large owned jointly by the buyer and the deposit. The size of the mortgage council. (loan) you qualify for will depend on Affordable housing – houses are the amount you earn. Information on sold to eligible buyers at less than the other charges payable when buying a market value. house and advice on mortgages is Eligibility for both schemes depends available from independent mortgage on level of need and income, and brokers, banks and building societies. residency status. However they all charge different interest rates so it’s important to If you are living in private rented shop around. accommodation and receive a social House prices have increased greatly welfare or health board payment, you over recent years and are highest in may be eligible to receive an cities. In 2004 the average cost of allowance to help pay your rent. The buying a house in Cork city is size of the allowance will depend on Û230,000. Houses are usually your income and the amount of rent advertised and sold through estate payable each week. As with all social agents, although some are sold welfare payments, to be eligible you privately, e.g. through ads in must be considered “habitually newspapers. resident” (see page 18).

Supports Available Further Information

Local authorities (e.g. Cork City Local Authority Housing Support, Council) help those who cannot Cork City Council, City Hall, Cork, afford to buy or rent their own home, tel 021 4966222. by providing houses and flats at a low rent. Demand for such housing is Rent Allowance, Southern Health high and priority is given to families Board, Community Welfare with children and older people. Headquarters, Abbey Court House, Applicants must meet eligibility George’s Quay, Cork, tel 021 4965511 criteria (e.g. around income levels and) and even then may spend

9 A NEWCOMER’S GUIDE TO CORK CITY N O TI

Emergency A

Contact Details D

Accommodation O M

Southern Health Board, Community M

If you do not have anywhere to stay in O Welfare Headquarters, Abbey Court the case of an emergency or a crisis, C House, George’s Quay, Cork, tel 021 there are several organisations AC 4965511. The office is open during providing temporary shelter for office hours, Monday to Friday. homeless people. The first point of contact should be your local Community Welfare Officer in the Southern Health Board, who will Emergency 2 advise you of your rights and Accommodation entitlements. Cork Simon Community If you need assistance outside of (accommodation and day centre office hours, there are a number of for men and women aged 18 and voluntary organisations which provide over) Andersons Quay, Cork. emergency accommodation, food and Tel 021 4278728 (24 hours a day, other support. Monday – Sunday)

Society of St. Vincent de Paul runs St Vincent’s Hostel (for men only), Anglesea Terrace, Cork. Tel 021 4317899 up to 9pm, Monday to Sunday.

Edel House (accommodation for women and children), Grattan Street, Cork. Tel: 021 4274240, open 24 hours, Monday to Sunday

Riverview (temporary accommodation for teenage girls 15-18), 3 North Mall, Cork. Tel 021 4304205. Open 24 hours, Monday to Sunday

10 Employment

The rules governing who can work freely in Ireland and who needs permission (a permit, visa or authorisation) are complicated. We have tried to give a general overview of the current situation but cannot cover all cases. grounds, having been in the Asylum process.

Work Permits If you need a work permit the key point to note is that it may only be applied Many people are free to work without a for by an employer on behalf of a work permit, including: prospective employee. The employer ● Citizens of a European Economic must have a permit before the Area (EEA) country (the EU employee starts work. Working without countries plus Norway, Iceland, a valid work permit is an offence under Liechtenstein) and Switzerland. Irish law. If you have a work permit it is ● Persons who have been granted possible to change employers, but only refugee status. if the new employer gets a work permit ● Students (for up to 20 hours per on your behalf. The existing work week in term time, full time in permit needs to be returned to the holidays. Department with a cover letter from ● Non-EEA workers legally employed the previous employer. in one Member State who are temporarily sent on a contract to An employer will pay between Û65 and another Member State. Û500 for a permit, depending on its ● Persons who have been granted length. A permit can last for up to one permission to remain in Ireland year. Applications for renewal of because: permits should be made before the end - They are the spouse or parent of of the current permit. The standard an Irish citizen. waiting time is 8-10 weeks but it may - They have been given temporary take longer depending on the number leave to remain on humanitarian of applications.

11 A NEWCOMER’S GUIDE TO CORK CITY NT Working Visas and Finding a Job E YM

Work Authorisation O L

There are several useful sources P

when you are looking for a job in M Because of skills shortages in certain E sectors in Ireland, it is possible to Cork. Firstly, jobs are advertised in apply for a working visa or work newspapers. The Friday edition of the authorisation. Applications must be Irish Times and Irish Examiner and the made from outside Ireland and the Thursday edition of the Irish person applying must have an offer Independent include many job ads. and contract of employment from an Jobs advertised in these national employer in Ireland in one of the newspapers may be based anywhere 3 named sectors (such as health care, in Ireland. The Cork-based Evening information technology, construction Echo includes job ads every day and engineering and town planning). The these are usually for positions in Cork. key difference between these and work permits is that working Jobs are also advertised in the FÁS visas/work authorisation are granted offices and local employment service initially for 2 years and the person (see page 14) may change employer (provided that they stay in the same sector). Contact Details

FÁS Employment Services Office, Sullivan’s Quay, Cork. Further Information Tel: 021 4856200 and in the FAS Centre, 30/31 Shandon Street, For the latest information and Cork. Tel: 021 4946162. application forms contact: Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Davitt House, 65a Adelaide Road, Dublin 2. www.entemp.ie Cork also has several recruitment agencies (a full listing is included in Work permits section the Golden Pages under “Recruitment Tel. 01 6313333/3308 Specialists”). Many recruitment email. [email protected] agencies are accessible online – these include: www.irishjobs.ie, Working visas tel. 01 6313186 www.bestjobs.ie email. [email protected] www.recruitireland.com, www.jobsireland.com, www.topjobs.ie and www.monster.ie

12 How to Apply for a Job? each job you are applying for. CV Once you’ve found a job ad that samples can be obtained from the interests you and seems to match Internet (e.g. www.ucc.ie/careers) and your skills, the next step is to apply from recruitment agencies. for the position. The job ad will tell you how to apply – this usually What is a Cover Letter involves sending an application letter When applying for a job always send and curriculum vitae (see below) by a a cover letter along with your specific date. It’s important not to application or CV. Begin the letter miss that date, as late applications with “Dear Sir/Madam” if you don’t are not usually considered. The know the surname. End with “Yours employer may want you to apply sincerely”. using an application form, which is generally mentioned in the ad and Start by indicating the job you are available from the employer. applying for and where you learned about the vacancy. Go on to say why Curriculum Vitae (CV) you are interested in this job. Mention A CV (curriculum vitae) gives a brief your relevant qualifications and overview of your education and work related work experience. Finally, experience and seeks to show the indicate your availability for interview employer why you are suitable for the and if necessary ask for further job. A CV will include: information. ● Personal details (name, age, contact details, etc) The Interview ● Education details The employer will invite applicants ● Work experience and employment who seem best suited for the job to history. an interview. If you are called for an ● Interests and activities. interview you should prepare well. ● Additional information such as Find out if there is any aptitude ability with foreign languages, (ability, skill) test included in the computing skills, etc. interview. Know the organisation and ● Names and addresses of people the job. Think about your strengths who will give you a reference and weaknesses. Allow enough time (usually past employers). to arrive 20 to 30 minutes early. Dress professionally and give a firm The layout of a CV is important. It handshake. Listen to the questions should be easy to read, clear and carefully and answer clearly and concise (1-2 pages at most). As space concisely. If you don’t understand a is limited you should adapt your CV to question ask for clarification. If you match the specific requirements of don’t know the answer to a question

13 A NEWCOMER’S GUIDE TO CORK CITY NT say so. When given the opportunity to E ask questions, it is the right time to LES Offices in Cork YM O L

demonstrate what you know about P the company. Leave on a positive Blackpool/The Glen: Gt. William M E note. O’Brien Street, Blackpool, Cork. Tel 021 4506266. Support in Finding Work City Centre: Government Buildings, There are a number of organisations Sullivan’s Quay, Cork. which provide support, free of charge, Tel 021 4856437 to people looking for work (provided Churchfield/Farranree: that they are eligible to work in Parochial Hall, Knockfree Avenue, 3 Ireland). FÁS provides a range of Gurranabraher, Cork. services to help people find work, Tel 021 4211048. including career guidance and Knocknaheeny: Hollyhill Shopping information on jobs and training Centre, Hollyhill, Cork. opportunities. The first step is to Tel 021 4211050 register at your local FÁS Office Mahon: Portacabin, Ringmahon (Contact details page 12). House, Mahon, Cork. Tel 021 4975883 Mayfield: Old Youghal Road, The Local Employment Service Mayfield, Cork. Tel 021 4507499 (LES) has offices throughout Cork Togher: Greenwood Estate, Togher, City, which provide help to those who Cork. Tel 021 4320428 have been unemployed for a number of months, or who may face particular disadvantages in finding work (e.g. single parents, people with disabilities and Refugees). The service is free, confidential and provides support Wages & Taxes with career guidance, education and training, CV and interview preparation Once you have a job you will pay tax and job placement. There are 7 LES in the PAYE (pay as you earn) system offices in Cork City. (unless you are self-employed). In the PAYE system the amount of tax you Support, advice and a free CV owe is calculated by your employer preparation service are also available and deducted from your wages every from the Centre for the week or month. Pay Related Social Unemployed, 13 North Main Street Insurance (PRSI) contributions will Cork. Tel 021 4275876, also be deducted from your salary if e-mail [email protected] you earn over a certain amount. Your PRSI contributions may entitle you to

14 social welfare benefits at a future application form, the tax office will date. All employees are entitled to send both you and your employer a receive a pay slip from their certificate of tax credits, which sets employers. It is a confidential written out in detail the amount of tax credits statement of the total gross wages, and standard rate cut off point due. If the details of any deductions for your employer does not hold a CTC instance PRSI and PAYE and the net for you, s/he must deduct tax at pay after deductions. emergency rates, which may result in excessive tax deductions (although Shortly after the end of each financial this would be repaid to you later). year (31st December) your employer should give you a P60 form. This sets PPS Number out the gross amount of pay received All employees should have a PPS plus the details of deductions for (Personal Public Service) number. This PAYE and PRSI. If you leave the is your unique reference number for country before the end of the all your dealings with the Public financial year you may be eligible to Service e.g. applying to the Revenue claim a tax refund. Your P60 is Commissioners (tax office) for a tax important and should be kept safe, as credits certificate, applying to the you may need it to claim social Department of Social and Family welfare benefits or tax refunds. It also Affairs for a payment etc. For provides you with proof of the employment it is advisable to apply as deductions made from your pay. If soon as possible as without a PPS you leave a job your employer should number you will be taxed at the give you a P45 form, which you higher rate. should then give to any new employer. PPS numbers are allocated by your local Social Welfare Office. You must When you start work for the first time apply in person, complete the you need to contact the tax office to application form (Reg 1) in the office get your Certificate of Tax Credits and provide proof of identity. You will (CTC). However, before contacting the need to bring a passport or National tax office you should have obtained ID Card or Immigration Card (in the your PPS number (see below) – case of a non EEA national), and always quote this number when proof of address in Ireland. You may contacting the tax office. Fill out an also be asked for evidence of activity application form 12A, which is in your home country (ie evidence of available from any tax office or from either birth/work/unemployment/ the Revenue Commissioner’s website, residency/tax liability/education) so www.revenue.ie. After receiving your it’s best to bring such documents with

15 A NEWCOMER’S GUIDE TO CORK CITY NT you. If you have a problem with these Your Rights at Work E documents call 021 4270055 YM O L beforehand for advice. Further There is a wide range of legislation P information can be found at which guarantees minimum rights M E www.welfare.ie. and protection for both full-time and part-time workers. Examples of such rights include:

Terms and Conditions: When you start a new job you and your Further Information employer sign a Terms and Conditions 3 form. This sets out detailed The following leaflets and forms information related to your wage, contain more information on working hours, breaks, holidays, personal tax credits and the PAYE maternity pay, sick pay, etc. At the tax system: end of the pay period your employer should give you a payslip showing IT1 Tax Credits, Rates and your wages and deductions for tax, Reliefs social insurance (PRSI) etc. IT2 Taxation of Married Couples Pay Related Rights: Generally IT11 Employee’s Guide to PRSI workers are entitled to a minimum Û IT20A PAYE/PRSI on Benefits wage – in 2004 this was 7 per hour. from Employment (from However, this does not apply to all 1/1/04) employers – e.g. those under 18 and OP1 One Parent Family Tax those who have not worked for two Credit Claim Form years. Certain sectors of industry, Rent 1 Rent Relief Claim Form including agriculture, construction RES2 Coming to Live in Ireland and hotel and catering, are covered by agreements, which set minimum These forms are available from rates of pay, which may be in excess LoCall 1890 306706 or from your of the National Minimum Wage. local tax office – Office of the Revenue Commissioners, Working Time Rights: On average Government Offices, Sullivan’s an employer should not expect you to Quay, Cork tel 021 4325000. They work for more than 48 hours per can also be downloaded from week (usually averaged over 4 www.revenue.ie months). You are entitled to at least 11 consecutive hours rest (breaks) per 24-hour period and at least one

16 24-hour rest per week. Employees Other legislation obliges employers to who work on Sundays have a right to give minimum notice before they be compensated by extra pay or time dismiss an employee and sets out in lieu (i.e. paid time off at a later minimum payments for workers who date). are made redundant. This short guide cannot give a full picture of this Holidays: Employees are entitled to legislation. at least 20 days holiday (or annual leave) every year plus 9 public What if I have a problem with holidays. Where employees are my employer? required to work on public holidays, If you think your employer has treated they should receive either an extra off you unfairly regarding wages, or an extra day’s pay. Part-time holidays, work conditions, hours of workers are also entitled to holidays – work, redundancy, unfair dismissal etc the number of days depends on the you can contact the Independent number of hours they work. Workers Union Centre for a free consultation - 55 North Main Street, Maternity and Parental Leave: If Cork, tel 021 4277151. you are pregnant you are entitled to at least 18 weeks maternity leave from your job. You can also take an Further Information additional 8 weeks, but you will not get any Maternity Benefit for these Dept of Enterprise, Trade and extra weeks. Each parent is also Employment, entitled to 14 weeks unpaid parental Employment Rights Information leave for each child which can be Unit, taken in a single block or at intervals Davitt House, until the child is five. 65a Adelaide Road, Dublin 2. Protection Against Discrimination Tel 01 6313131 The Employment Equality Act Lo-call 1890 201615 prohibits discrimination against www.entemp.ie employees on a number of grounds – including age, gender, race, religion, Equality Authority family status, marital status, disability, 2 Clonmel St, Dublin 2. sexual orientation and membership of Tel 01 417 3336 the traveller community. This Act Lo-call 1890 245545 prevents discrimination not only in access to employment but also in conditions of employment – training, promotion, etc.

17 A NEWCOMER’S GUIDE TO CORK CITY NTS E YM A E P R

Social Welfare Payments A LF E L W A I C O S 4 The Social Welfare system in Ireland provides a range of income and family supports and other services. These are targeted at people with particular needs – e.g. those who are scheme and your family unemployed, families, people with circumstances. Examples of social disabilities and carers. Social Welfare assistance schemes include Payments fall into 2 groups – social Unemployment Assistance, Old Age insurance schemes and social and Widow/Widower’s Non- assistance schemes: Contributory Pension, One-Parent Family Payment and Supplementary Social insurance schemes are Welfare Allowance. available to those who have paid a specific number of social insurance In May 2004 the Government contributions (PRSI) while working introduced a new condition which and often have the words “benefit” or restricts access to a number of social “contributory” in the title, e.g. Old Age assistance payments (means tested Contributory Pension, Widow/ payments) and Child Benefit to Widowers Contributory Pension, people who are deemed to be Disability Benefit, Unemployment “habitually resident”. This condition Benefit. applies to everyone, regardless of nationality and is in addition to the Social assistance schemes are not normal qualifying criteria for linked to PRSI contributions, but payments. In general if you have been applicants must pass a “means test”. in Ireland for two years or more and That is your income (or “means”) intend to remain and make it your must be below a certain level. The permanent home then you will be level will vary depending on the considered “habitually resident”.

18 However this two year period is only a depend on PRSI contributions, but is guideline and if you have been here means tested. This means that any for a shorter time but can other income that you or your demonstrate future intent (e.g. if you husband/wife has will be take into are seeking asylum in Ireland, have consideration (e.g. cash income and bought a home, have family and/or savings). social ties etc) you may also be considered “habitually resident”. In order to qualify for either payment, you must be unemployed, under 66 In this guide we can only give an years of age, fit to take up and overview of some of the main available for full-time work and payments available. For further genuinely seeking work. To apply you information on all Social Welfare should contact your local social payments and to find out if you are welfare office and bring with you your eligible and how to apply contact the birth certificate or passport, a Dept of Social & Family Affairs, or the household bill and if you have been in Southern Health Board (see contacts work previously your P45 form or a below). Unless otherwise stated the letter from your employer confirming payments outlined below are that you are no longer employed and administered by the Dept of Social & the reasons for this. It is important Family Affairs. that you should apply for an unemployment payment as soon as possible (ideally on the first day of Unemployment Benefit unemployment) even if you don’t have & Assistance all the documents needed.

If you are unemployed you may be entitled to receive an unemployment Child Benefit payment. There are two main unemployment payments: Also known as children’s allowance, Unemployment Benefit and this is a universal payment available Unemployment Assistance. The key to all parents or guardians, regardless difference between the two is that of their income or PRSI contributions Unemployment Benefit is not means (provided they meet the habitual tested, but is based on your PRSI residence requirement). The amount payments. If you have not worked paid depends on the number of before in Ireland, or have not paid children and benefit is paid each enough PRSI payments, you will not month until the child reaches 16 years be eligible for unemployment benefit. (or 19 years if they are still in full time Unemployment Assistance does not education and/or have a disability).

19 A NEWCOMER’S GUIDE TO CORK CITY NTS

Child benefit is usually paid to the depending on your family size). You E

child’s mother (or stepmother), should apply for this payment as soon YM provided that the child is living with as possible after starting work, or you A E P

them. However, benefit can be paid to could lose it. R the father/stepfather who is living A LF with and supporting the child if the E child is not living with the Supplementary Welfare L W A mother/stepmother, or to another Allowance I person who is caring for the child. C O The Supplementary Welfare S Allowance is paid to people whose 4 One-Parent Family income is insufficient to meet Payment particular needs. It may be paid on a weekly basis or once off exceptional One-Parent Family Payment provides needs payments. The payment is support for men or women who are means tested and the amount paid bringing up a child or children varies depending on circumstances. without the support of a partner (e.g. To enquire about eligibility for this single parents and people who are payment you should contact the widowed, divorced, separated, partner Southern Health Board, Community is in prison etc). The payment is Welfare Office (see contact details means tested and only available to below). those who are resident in the state and are the main carer of at least one child. Maternity Benefit

Pregnant women who are at work are Family Income entitled to at least 18 weeks maternity Supplement leave from work. After this period you are entitled to return to the same job, Family Income Supplement is a terms and conditions. Maternity weekly payment for low-income Benefit is a payment for employed families including lone parent and self-employed women while on families, where at least one parent is maternity leave. In order to qualify for at work. In order to qualify for this Maternity Benefit you should have payment you must work at least 19 made a certain level of PRSI hours a week, have at least one child contributions and should apply at who is normally living with and least 6 weeks before you plan to start supported by you and your average maternity leave (12 weeks if you are weekly income must be below a fixed self-employed). amount (this amount will vary

20 Other Payments

Pre-Retirement Allowance – allows people aged 55 years and over to retire from work and receive a weekly payment. Old Age Pension – for people aged over 66 years. Widow’s/widower’s Pension – for people whose husband or wife has died. Disability payments – there are a Further Information range of payments, benefits and pensions for people who are ill or For further information on the full have a disability. range of social welfare benefits Carer’s Allowance – a means tested and how to apply, contact: payment for carers who live with and look after people who need full time Dept of Social & Family Affairs, care. Hanover Street, Cork. Carer’s Benefit – a payment made Tel 021 4270055 to insured persons who leave the www.welfare.ie workforce to look after people who need full time care Southern Health Board, Rent supplement – means tested Community Welfare Office, allowance to support rent costs Abbey Court House, Cork. (Southern Health Board). Tel 021 4965511 Back to Work and Back to www.shb.ie Education/training – there are a wide range of schemes, which try to support people who are unemployed but wish to start work or enrol in education/training programmes. Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance – available to eligible families to support the costs of uniforms and shoes for children at school. (Southern Health Board)

21 A NEWCOMER’S GUIDE TO CORK CITY R E D R

Law & Order AW & O L

Irish Police Force 5 The police force in the Republic of Ireland is called the Garda Síochana (guardians of the peace), usually Contact Details referred to as the Garda or plural Gardaí (pronounced as gar-dee). The The main Garda Station in Cork is force is unarmed and very friendly Anglesea Street, Cork. and serves the whole community. The Tel 021 4522000 Garda emergency numbers are 999 and 112. However it does not always Immigration Section, require a crisis to contact the Gardaí Tel 021 4522086 – if you find yourself in difficulty you can contact the Gardaí and you will You can also call the Garda find them co-operative and helpful. Confidential Line, Free phone 1800 666111 If for any reason a Garda needs to ask you for identification, you should co-operate and supply all the identification or documentation asked from you. It is advisable to be polite and stay calm at all times. The Garda Legal Advice should tell you the reason you are being stopped – if not you should ask. If you are in need of legal advice and In the unlikely event that you are assistance, you can contact a solicitor. arrested you must be treated fairly, The contact number and addresses of politely and with respect. The Gardaí solicitors can be found in the Golden are governed by a strict code of Pages. If you can’t afford a solicitor, behaviour that recognises your rights, you may qualify for legal aid (usually including the right to legal advice civil cases only). Legal aid is available (see below).

22 to any non-national, regardless of and banking facilities, transport and their status, if their income is below a education) on any of the following certain level (although it should be grounds: gender, marital status, family noted that there are often lengthy status, religion, age, disability, sexual waiting lists). Free legal aid clinics are orientation, race, nationality and ethnic also held in the city centre CIC (see origin. There is also a law, which bans page ii). the public use of words, written material or behaviour, which may If you are an asylum seeker going result in hatred of particular groups. through the asylum process you can access free legal services from the If you are being harassed, you can Refugee Legal Service. contact the Gardaí in Anglesea Street or call 021 4522000 for advice.

Contact Details If you feel you have been discriminated against, you can Legal Aid Board, complain to the Equality Tribunal but 1A South Mall, Cork. this must be done within 2 months of Tel 021 4275998, or the incident. For initial advice on any Legal Aid Board, North Quay case, you can contact the Equality House, Popes Quay, Cork. Authority. Tel 021 4551686.

Refugee Legal Service Jones Engineering Building, Euro Business Park, Little Island, Contact Details Cork. Tel 021 451000. Equality Authority Free phone 1800 202420. 2 Clonmel Street, Dublin 2. Tel 01 4173333 or Lo-call No 1890 245545, www.equality.ie

Discrimination Equality Tribunal, 3 Clonmel Street, Dublin 2 Tel 01 4174100 The law says that you cannot be Lo-call 1890 344424 discriminated against directly or indirectly in the provision of a wide range of goods and services, (such as accommodation, entertainment, credit

23

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14. Centre for the Unemployed 22. Cork College of Commerce 15. Dept of Social & Family Affairs 23. St John’s Central College 16. Legal Aid Board 24. Shandon Steeple 17. NASC 18. Cois Tine Hospitals: 19. St Vincent de Paul 25. South Infirmary 20. YMCA & Cork Youth Information Centre 26. Mercy 21. Tigh FiIí 27. Erinville 27 Cork City Bus Routes (from City Centre) FAIRHILL GLENTHORN

FARRANREE BALLYVOLANE THE GLEN KNOCKNAHEENEY

GURRANABRAHER BLACKPOOL MAYFIELD SHANAKIEL MONTENOTTE SUNDAY'S WELL TIVOLI CITY CENTRE BLACKROCK BALLINCOLLIG BALLINTEMPLE

MAHON BALLINLOUGH BISHOPSTOWN GLASHEEN SKEHARD

BALLYPHEHANE DOUGLAS

TOGHER ROCHESTOWN GRANGE

Orbital (1) Sundays Well (4) Ballyvolane (7) Bishopstown (8) Tivoli (11) Knocknaheeney (2) Friars Walk (4) Well Road (7A) Lansdowne Court (9) Glenthorn (12) Mahon (2) Mallow Rd (5A) Montenotte (7A) Pouladuff (9) CUH (14) Farranree (3) Grange (6) Mayfield (8) Glasheen (10) Southern Orbital (19) Ballyphehane (3) Donnybrook (7) Lotamore (8A) Skehard (10) A NEWCOMER’S GUIDE TO CORK CITY D N A L E R

Driving in Ireland N I G I N I V I R D Motorists drive on the left side of the road in Ireland. Everyone in a car must use a seatbelt – both front and back. The speed limit is usually 30 6 miles per hour (mph) (48 km/hour) in cities, towns, villages and other built up areas unless otherwise stated. The general speed limit is 60 mph. Main roads are patrolled by marked and with you when driving. Your vehicle unmarked police cars, which do must be adequately insured, taxed speed checks. Drivers caught and roadworthy. speeding must pay a fine and receive penalty points on their driving licence (12 penalty points means you lose Driving Licences your licence). If you already have a driving licence, It is illegal to drive with a blood which was issued in a EU country, or alcohol level of over 80 milligrams per Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, you ml in Ireland. There is no “safe” can drive in Ireland for as long as it is amount which you can drink – some valid. You may apply to exchange it people may be under the limit with for an Irish licence within one year of one drink, others are not. It is also arrival, but this is not obligatory. If you illegal to use a mobile phone while have a licence from any other country, driving. Detailed information on you may drive in Ireland for up to 12 driving rules, road signs, etc. can be months. However, if you plan to stay found in the book “Rules of the longer than 12 months you should Road”, available in libraries and apply for an Irish driving licence. bookshops. Drivers with licences from Australia, South Africa, Japan, Switzerland, Before you drive in Ireland, both you South Korea, Jersey, Isle of Man or and your vehicle must meet specific Gibraltar can exchange for an Irish requirements. Firstly, you must have a licence within one year of arrival, with valid driving licence, which is always no need to sit the driving test.

28 How to apply Motor Tax The first step is to apply for a provisional driving Drivers must also pay motor tax for licence, which is usually their vehicle. The rate of tax varies valid for 2 years. depending on the engine size – the Applicants must first bigger the engine, the higher the tax. pass a driving theory Motor tax discs (like insurance discs) test (a written test on must be displayed on the front rules of the road etc). window of your car at all times. Once you have a Further information and application provisional licence you forms can be obtained from the can start learning to drive. Motor Taxation/Drivers Licences However, while on your first Office (see contact details below). provisional licence, you must always drive under the supervision of someone with a full driving licence. National Car Test & NCT When you are a competent driver the next step is to apply for a full driving To ensure they are roadworthy, all licence. To do so you must pass an vehicles which are four years old or oral test and a practical driving test. more must pass the National Car Test. Full driving licences should be Cars that pass the test are issued with renewed every 10 years. a NCT disc that must also be displayed on the front windscreen. The disc is valid for 2 years, when the Insurance car must be retested. Vehicles that fail the test cannot be driven on a public Motor vehicle insurance is road. NCT tests in Cork city take compulsory in Ireland. You cannot place in NCT Centre, Euro Business drive a vehicle for which you are not Park, Little Island, Cork. insured and all vehicles should display an insurance disc on their windscreen. Costs can vary greatly between different insurance companies so it’s advisable to check prices with several companies. Some companies will accept a no-claims bonus from abroad. However, you will need to provide written evidence of your insurance record and each case is assessed individually.

29 A NEWCOMER’S GUIDE TO CORK CITY D N

The city centre operates a disc A Parking L parking system. Cars parked in a disc E R parking area (indicated by street

Finding a parking place in Cork can N I parking signs) must display a valid

be difficult. Most car parks charge by G I

parking disc. The parking limit in each N the hour. If parking on the road make I V sure that parking is allowed. Parking area is also indicated on the sign – I R is never allowed on roads with either 1 or 2 hours. Cars which D double yellow lines, in disabled driver overstay their disc may get a parking spaces, on footpaths and within 5 ticket or be clamped. Parking discs metres of a junction. Streets with can be bought at newsagents, single yellow lines forbid parking at garages and convenience stores. 6 certain times. These times will be Scratch off the panels to indicate the shown on a sign nearby (usually time and date you parked and display 8.30am – 6.30pm, Monday - the disc in the window next to the Saturday). Cars parked illegally may kerb. be towed away or clamped.

Further Information

Motor Taxation/Drivers Licences Office, Farranlea Road, Cork. Tel 021 4544566, www.corkcoco.com www.drivingtest.ie

National Car Testing Service (NCTS) Ltd., Customer Service, Citywest Business Campus, Lakedrive 3026, Naas Road, Dublin 24. Tel 1890 200670, e-mail: [email protected] www.ncts.ie

30 Immigration Issues

Immigrants are people who move from another country to Ireland to live There are two types of visas – single- or work. The term is very broad and entry (which allows holders to enter includes Irish nationals returning the State once through the validity home, EU nationals, other nationals period of the visa) and multiple-entry moving to live or work in Ireland, visas (which allows holders to leave people seeking asylum, programme and enter the State several times refugees, etc. The term “non-national” through the validity period of the is often used when referring to visa). There is a stamp on the visa, immigrants. which defines your purpose of stay in Ireland such as study, work, tourist Visas etc. A Transit Visa allows the holder to transit through the country’s airports. An Irish visa is a stamp needed on your passport while you are travelling The decision on whether or not to from your country to Ireland. EU grant a visa is made by the nationals and nationals from certain Department of Foreign Affairs. countries such as USA, Australia and Reasons for refusal are not given. a few African countries do not need In general, visitors’ visas are for a visas to enter the State. A list of maximum of 3 months and are countries whose passport holders difficult to extend. Extensions to require visas to enter Ireland is visitors’ visas are not granted if a available from the Department of change of status is involved. If the Foreign Affairs (see contact details, person wants to change status from a page 34). When applying for a visa visitor to a student or a worker, s/he some documentation will be required has to return to the country from such as passport, green card, a letter which s/he came and make the from your employer or college, application to the Irish Embassy or marriage certificate etc. It’s advisable Consulate there. You should always to call first to find out what keep in mind that laws regarding documents will be needed. immigration issues may change.

31 A NEWCOMER’S GUIDE TO CORK CITY S E U

GNIB Registration Cards for instance is given to spouses S married to an Irish citizen and people S

(Green Cards) N I

granted refugee status. O TI

Anyone from outside the EU who A Asylum Seekers & R intends to stay in Ireland for more G Refugees I than 3 months must register with the M M

Garda Siochana and obtain a GNIB I (Garda National Immigration Bureau) Asylum Seekers are people who card – commonly known as a “green have applied for refugee status. Some card”. In order to apply for a green people who do not succeed in being card you must have permission to declared refugees are given what is 7 remain in the country, e.g. as a described as “humanitarian leave to student, with a work permit, or being remain” or just “leave to remain”. married to an Irish or EU citizen. You Asylum seekers who do not succeed may be asked for a green card by a in getting either refugee status or Garda in the street or in the airport humanitarian leave to remain are when you are entering the country deemed illegal immigrants and may (apart from first time entry). Asylum be deported. Free legal advice is applicants get a temporary residence available to all those applying for card, known as a RAC card, from the asylum via the Refugee Legal Service Refugee Applications Commissioner. (see page 23). For further information contact the Immigration section at Anglesea St In general asylum seekers are Garda Station, tel 021 4522086 provided with accommodation in between 12 noon and 1pm, or 4-5pm hostels or accommodation centres. Monday to Friday. This is referred to as “direct provision”. Meals are provided on site and each A green card may have one of four person receives a small weekly types of stamp. Each has a different payment. meaning: Stamp 1 shows the person has a This guide can only give a brief work permit (either through a specific overview of the asylum seeking employer or holiday work permit) process – for detailed information Stamp 2 indicates that the person is contact the Irish Refugee Council (see a student. below for contact details). The main Stamp 3 is a restricted stamp, which steps involved in applying for refugee shows that you are not entitled to status are as follows: work or study in Ireland. ● Stamp 4 is a very broad one, which You are advised to apply for asylum at the point of entry to Ireland and

32 from there the application will be Support for Immigrants dealt with by the Refugee Applications Commissioner. There are a number of organisations in ● The application must be Cork, which provide support to accompanied by the original travel refugees, asylum seekers and other documents such as passports, immigrants. (See also English originals of identity documents, language classes page 45). These birth and marriage certificates if include: needed. ● You must attend for an interview Cois Tine, Convent Place, when requested. This interview may Proby’s Quay, Cork and 21 Victoria take a couple of hours. You should Avenue, Cork. Tel 021 4316593, bring additional information or e-mail [email protected] documentation, which supports Cois Tine is a multicultural interfaith your case to the interview. organisation which addresses the ● You must also inform the pastoral, spiritual and social needs of Department of Justice, Equality and the immigrant community. It provides a Law Reform each time you change free drop in centre for immigrants your address. If you move from one open Monday – Friday, 10.30am – area of the country to another, you 4.30pm, as well as information and have to notify the Department and referral for counselling. your local Health Board. Irish Immigrant Voice, ● You cannot leave the State without e-mail [email protected] permission and cannot enter www.guybeni.com/html/iiv.html employment while your application Empowers immigrants’ solidarity and is under consideration. provides a platform for their voices to be heard. Refugees are people who have NASC, The Irish Immigrant Support succeeded in their application for Centre, Sharman Crawford St, Cork. asylum. Refugees are entitled to Tel 021 4317411, broadly the same rights as Irish e-mail: [email protected] citizens. They are entitled to take up NASC provides general information work or self-employment and get clinics, legal clinics and runs a number social welfare payments. People who of sub groups. are given leave to remain may get that Open Monday – Friday, 10am – 6pm status subject to certain conditions but (closed 1.15pm - 2.15pm) most have the same rights as SONAS DP Ireland Ltd (Support refugees. Organisation for the Needs of Asylum Seekers), c/o Cork City Partnership, Sunbeam Industrial Estate, Millfield, Mallow Rd, Cork. Tel 021 4302310, e-mail: [email protected]

33 A NEWCOMER’S GUIDE TO CORK CITY S E

● U St. Vincent de Paul, Tuckey St., Cork. Migrant Rights Centre, 3 Beresford S Tel 021 4270444 Place, Dublin 1. Tel 01 8881355 S N I

Provides free legal advice (Wed & O

Thurs pm). Drop-in centre on Sunday TI A afternoons in Christian Brothers Irish Citizenship R G School, Sullivan’s Quay, Cork. I M

Cork City Partnership, There are a number of grounds on M I Sunbeam Industrial Estate, Mallow which immigrants can apply for Irish Road, Cork. Tel 021 4302310, citizenship. In 2004 those eligible to e-mail: [email protected] apply for citizenship included: ● Supports immigrant representative People married to an Irish citizen 7 groups. for at least 3 years. ● People with at least one parent or Dublin-based organisations which grandparent born in Ireland. provide detailed information on the ● People resident in Ireland for 5 official procedures, rules and years or over. regulations regarding refugees and asylum seekers, include: To find out more about applying for ● Irish Refugee Council, 35/36 Arran citizenship see contacts below. Quay, Dublin 7. Tel 01 8724424. www.refugeecouncil.ie Further Information ● Amnesty International, Seán McBride House, 48 Fleet Street, Visa contact: Dublin 2. Tel 01 6776361. Department of Foreign Affairs, www.amnesty.ie Burgh Quay, Dublin 2. ● Department of Justice, Equality and Tel 01 633 1001 (2.30-4pm) Law Reform, Asylum Division, 72-76 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2. Citizenship on grounds of Tel 01 6028202, www.justice.ie. marriage or ancestry contact: ● Refugee Information Service, Department of Foreign Affairs, 27 Annamoe Terrace, Dublin 7. 80 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2. Tel 01 8382710. www.ris.ie Tel 01 4780822.

General information for all immigrants Citizenship on grounds of is available from: residency contact: ● Immigrant Council of Ireland, 42 Dept of Justice, Equality and Upper Dorset Street, Dublin 1. Law Reform, Tel 01 8656525, 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2. www.immigrantcouncil.ie Tel 01 6167700 (9.30am-12.30pm)

34 Healthcare

Cork has a range of public and private hospitals, which provide services on an inpatient and boards are responsible for providing outpatient basis. Some provide health and social services in their general services, while others area – in Cork this is the Southern specialise in maternity, orthopaedic, Health Board. The public health geriatric services etc. A full list of system distinguishes between two hospitals in Cork can be found in the categories of patients – medical Golden Pages. Patients should not cardholders and others. People with a visit a hospital without an medical card are entitled to a full appointment, except in an emergency range of medical services, many of (see Emergency section below). which are free of charge. People Hospital appointments are arranged without medical cards are entitled to by a family doctor – know as a GP public hospital services but must pay (general practitioner). Healthcare is a charge. available in Ireland through both a public and private system. Medical Card Holders If you qualify for a medical card you Public Healthcare are entitled to the full range of medical services, free of charge. Anyone who is “ordinarily resident” in Usually your dependents (e.g. Ireland can access the public health dependent husband/wife and care system – regardless of children) will also qualify for free nationality. To be considered medical services. Services available to “ordinarily resident” you must show medical card holders and their that you intend to stay in Ireland for dependents, include: ● at least 1 year (e.g. by showing your Visits to a family doctor (GP) ● work permit, green card, rental Hospital services (in public agreement etc). Regional health hospitals only)

35 A NEWCOMER’S GUIDE TO CORK CITY E R ● Most medicines, which are the Southern Health Board (see CA

prescribed by your doctor contact details below). TH L

● Maternity and infant care A E

● Dental, optical and aural services Non Medical Card Holders H (although these may be restricted) Without a medical card, you will be ● Medical appliances, etc considered as a private patient when you visit your family doctor (or GP) However, some of these services may and must pay for their services. have long waiting lists. When Charges for visiting a GP are not set choosing a family doctor (GP) you and will vary between doctors so you should pick one from a list of doctors should check prices beforehand. You 8 available from the Southern Health will also have to pay for prescribed Board – the doctor you pick should medicines and drugs – although if be within seven miles of where you these costs are above a certain live. The doctor should sign an amount you may get state support. acceptance form (also available from There is no charge for maternity the Health Board), accepting you as a services from family doctors (GPs) patient, which you then return to the during and immediately after Health Board. pregnancy.

To qualify for a medical card you must If you do not qualify for a medical pass a means test – that is your card, you can still access services in income should be below a certain public hospitals (including consultant level. The income limit varies services), but must pay a charge. depending on your age and family While fees tend to go up each year, circumstances. Everyone aged 70 the examples below of 2004 prices years and over, who is normally should give you an idea of what to resident in Ireland, is entitled to a expect to pay: medical card – regardless of their income. You may automatically qualify ● Hospital treatment in a public ward for a medical card if you already costs Û45 per day – but no one is receive certain benefits – such as charged over Û450 in a year, supplementary welfare allowance, old regardless of the amount of days age and widow/widowers’ non spent in hospital. contributory pensions, disability or ● A visit to the Accident & deserted wife’s allowances, one- Emergency Department of a parent family payment to name a few. hospital costs Û45, unless you are To find out if you are eligible for a referred by your family doctor (GP). medical card and to get an application form you should contact

36 What to do in an Contact Details Emergency Southern Health Board, Abbeycourt House, In an emergency situation dial 999 or George’s Quay, Cork. 112 and ask for the ambulance Tel 021 4965511, service. These numbers can also be Lo-call 1850 742000. used for fire brigade, Garda, lifeboat, coastal and mountain rescue emergencies. Calls to these services are free but should only be used in emergency cases. Private Healthcare A number of hospitals provide Private healthcare is available to accident and emergency (A&E) anyone who can pay for it. Many services on a 24-hour seven days a people take out private health week basis. In a medical emergency, insurance to cover the costs of you can go directly to the A&E treatment in private hospitals (or without an appointment. There is a private rooms in public hospitals) and charge for A&E visits (currently Û45) visits to private doctors and unless you have a medical card. consultants. The main health insurers in Ireland are VHI and BUPA (see telephone directory for contact details). Each offers a range of A&E Departments insurance schemes, but may not cover you for existing medical Cork University (Regional) conditions. Hospital: Wilton, Cork. Tel: 021 4546400 (Bus No. 14 goes into the hospital complex and drops people at the door of A&E).

South Infirmary Victoria Hospital: Old Blackrock Road, Cork. Tel 021 4964333

Mercy Hospital: Granville Place, Cork. Tel 021 4271971

37 A NEWCOMER’S GUIDE TO CORK CITY E R

Pregnancy Pharmacies/Chemists CA TH L

Maternity and infant care services are While you can A E provided free of charge regardless of buy a number H whether you have a medical card. of medicines Pregnant women should book into a without a hospital for the birth of a child under prescription at the care of a consultant. Pregnant a pharmacy women who have received antenatal (usually care elsewhere, should bring their referred to as a medical notes and results of any tests chemist), most 8 previously carried out to avoid are only duplicating the tests unnecessarily. available if you have a prescription Women with pregnancy related from a doctor (GP). If you have a emergencies can go directly to either medical card there is generally no of the following hospitals, which have charge for prescribed drugs or 24-hour admission rooms: medicines (although there are some exceptions). If you don’t have a ● St. Finbarr’s Hospital, Maternity medical card, you will have to pay for Unit: Douglas Road, Cork. prescriptions. However, the Drugs Tel 021 4966555 Payment Scheme limits the amount which an individual or family must ● Erinville Maternity Hospital: pay for prescriptions in any one Western Road, Cork. month to Û78 (2004) – registration Tel 021 4275211. forms for this scheme are available This hospital is being currently from doctors’ surgeries and the moved and combined with the Cork Southern Health Board. University Hospital. While most pharmacies are open from 9am to 5.30pm, there are a number of late night pharmacies which remain open until 10pm and others which open limited hours on Sundays and bank holidays. A list of chemists, including opening hours, is available in the Golden Pages (see page ii).

38 Support Services

There are a wide variety of services in FÁS, the national training agency, Cork provided by public bodies and provides training and employment voluntary groups to meet any specific supports for people with disabilities needs you may have. Support groups (contact details page 12). exist for older people, lone parents, people with addiction problems, There are many voluntary people with bereavements, carers and organisations which provide services, pregnant women – to name just a support and information for people few. We have outlined just some of with disabilities, including: the main services below – for a full listing it’s worth taking a look at the Enable Ireland, Lavanagh Centre, “Green Book – Directory of Statutory, Ballintemple, Cork. Tel 021 4294803. Community and Voluntary Sector Cope Foundation, Bonnington, Services in Cork”. This very useful Montenotte, Cork. Tel 021 4507131. guide is available free of charge from Cork Association for the Deaf, 5 the Dept of Social and Family Affairs, MacCurtain St, Cork. Tel 021 4505944 tel 021 4917477 or can be accessed at Centre for Independent Living, www.thegreenbook.ie 20 Commons Road, Cork. Tel 021 4391570 People with Disabilities People with Disabilities in Ireland, 41 Penrose Wharf, Penrose Quay, The Southern Health Board provides a Cork. Tel 021 4551986. range of services for people with National Council for the Blind of disabilities, including community care Ireland, 21-23 Oliver Plunkett St, services such as home helps, Cork. Tel 021 4271020 personal assistance, speech and language therapy, physiotherapy, day A booklet, named “Entitlements for care and respite care. Financial People with Disabilities” can be supports are also available, such as obtained from any Citizens mobility allowances (contact details Information Centre, (see page ii) or page 37). can be downloaded from www.comhairle.ie

39 A NEWCOMER’S GUIDE TO CORK CITY S E C here, but for cases of emergency I Young People V have included some of the main R E There are also several centres in Cork support groups for women providing help for children and young experiencing domestic violence or RT S O people. These include: sexual abuse: P P

Cork Rape Crisis Centre, 5 Camden U S Cork Youth Information Centre, Place, Cork. Tel 021 4505577, 11/12 Marlboro Street, Cork. Free phone: 1800 496496, Tel 021 4270187 or 021 4273056, e-mail: [email protected], e-mail: [email protected], www.cork-rapecrisis.ie www.youthinformation.ie/ireland Cork Domestic Violence Project, 9 The centre has also produced a free 34 Paul Street, Cork. Tel 021 4275678. guide for young people entitled “You Cuanlee Refuge, Kryl’s Street, Cork. Are Not Alone”. Tel 021 4277698 – supplies refuge for Children Rights Information women and their children who Bureau, ISPCC Centre, 12 Mary experienced domestic violence. Street, Cork. Mná Feasa - Women’s Domestic Tel 021 4962949/ 4262485, Violence Project, Ionad na nDaoine, e-mail: [email protected] – provides 36 Ardmore Avenue, Knocknaheeny, information for children and parents Cork. Tel 021 4211757 about children’s rights and OSS (One-Stop-Shop), Domestic entitlements. Violence Resource Information National Children Resource Centre, 94 South Main Street, Cork. Centre, 18 St. Patrick’s Hill, Cork. Tel 021 4222979/4222966, Tel 021 4552100, e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected], www.barnardos.ie – provides a library and information centre related to Older People children and families. Cork Older People’s Advocacy Service, 4 Carriglee, Western Rd, Women Cork. Tel 021 4278464/4357888, e-mail: [email protected] A free booklet – “Cork Women’s Directory of Services” is available free of charge while supplies last from Cork City Partnership, Sunbeam Industrial Estate, Millfield, Mallow Road, Cork. Tel 021 4302310. We have deliberately not repeated this listing

40 Education & Training

The education system in Ireland contact addresses of all the crèches, involves three main stages: Primary preschools etc can be obtained from and Post Primary Education, (provided the Southern Health Board (see page by schools) and Third Level Education 37). Normally there is a long waiting (provided by universities or institutes list for most childcare places. of technology). An alternative to creches and pre- schools is to find a private Pre-schools & Childcare childminder. These are usually advertised in local papers, such as There is no state provision of pre- the Evening Echo. You may also be school services for young children. able to find the details of However, there is a range of childcare childminders and babysitters on the facilities available, including pre- notice boards in shopping centres. schools, nurseries, crèches, The Cork City Childcare Company has playgroups and individual produced a number of free guides to childminders. Many of these are help inform parents – “A Guide to privately run and fees can be high. Choosing Childcare” and “How to Some community facilities provide Choose a Childminder”. subsidised childcare for people in the area. Demand for childcare is usually high and it may be difficult to Further information secure a place for your child. Cork City Childcare Company, A list of childcare Penrose Wharf, Cork. services and the Tel 021 4507942 www.corkcitychildcare.ie

41 A NEWCOMER’S GUIDE TO CORK CITY G N I N

School System I

Contact Details A The law requires that all children Department of Education & Science, must participate in full time education Regional Office, N & TR between the ages of 6 and 16 O

Heritage Industrial Estate, TI (although most children start school

Bessboro Road, Mahon, Cork. CA

at age 4 or 5). Most schools in Ireland U Tel 021 4536300 D

are state-aided and attendance is free E email: [email protected] for all children – regardless of nationality or status. However, there are usually some costs involved (e.g. 10 towards books, photocopying or Once you’ve chosen a school, contact school uniforms). Some support is the principal to see if a place is available to people on low income or available. If not, he/she may be able receiving social welfare benefits (e.g. to suggest an alternative school. Most the Back to School Clothing & primary schools are under the Footwear Allowance and Exceptional management of a church (the Needs Payment may cover uniform majority are Roman Catholic) but costs – see page 21). there are some multi-denominational and non-denominational schools. The school year starts in September and all schools close during July and Post Primary/ August (secondary schools are also Second Level Schools closed in June). Other school holidays At age 12 or 13 children go to post take place at Christmas, Easter and primary/second level school. There between terms (usually end of are a number of different types of October and February). post primary schools – the most common is the secondary school. Primary Schools Other types of school include community and comprehensive When starting school, usually at age 4 schools and community colleges. As or 5, children enrol in primary (or with primary schools, most second national) school, where they study for level schools are denominational. 8 years. You can send your child to Children must stay in second level any school of your choice, provided until they reach 16 years of age. While that a place is available there. Lists of the Irish language is a compulsory local schools are available from the subject some students may be Department of Education & Science exempt, e.g. children who attended (contact details below). education outside Ireland up to 11 years of age.

42 Second level education involves 2 which outlines all its courses and cycles, each of which ends with an other services and is available free of examination: charge. ● Junior cycle – a three-year programme ending in a Junior Irish and other EU citizens pay no Certificate exam tuition fees for their first full-time, ● Senior cycle – a two or three year undergraduate course (provided programme (3 year programmes they’ve been living in the EU for at include a “transitional year” least 3 of the previous 5 years and the focusing on personal development, course is at least 2 years). People with work experience and other new refugee status may also qualify for skills). Most students do the free fees. All other students, including established Leaving Certificate non-EU citizens, post graduate programme, which involves 6 or 7 students, part-time students etc must subjects. However, other options pay fees. Fees vary between colleges include the Leaving Certificate and courses and currently range from Vocational Programme and the Û6500 to Û15,500 per year. Leaving Certificate Applied. Entry to third level education is usually A number of grant schemes operate linked to the results achieved in to support students on third level the Leaving Certificate, with the courses. The main grant is the Higher most popular courses taking only Education Grants Scheme which those with the highest scores. provides maintenance grants for eligible students attending full time courses. Additional “top-up” grants Third Level Education are available for disadvantaged students. The grant scheme is open to Third level education in Ireland is Irish and other EU/EEA citizens, mainly provided by universities and people with refugee status and some Institutes of Technology – including other categories of people with University College Cork and the Cork permission to remain in the state. To Institute of Technology. Universities qualify your income must be below a offer degree programmes at certain level and you must have lived Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral level. in the area for one year before Institutes of Technology provide applying. programmes along a progression ladder from certificate to diploma to degree level, as well as postgraduate degrees. Each university and IT produces a prospectus every year,

43 A NEWCOMER’S GUIDE TO CORK CITY G N I

How to Apply for Third Level N I

Education? Contact Details A Applications for most full time, Cork City Council, undergraduate courses are made Higher Education Grants section, N & TR once a year (closing date is usually 1 O

Tel 021 4924087/4924096 TI February) through the Central

or 4924363, CA

Applications Office (CAO). Applicants U e-mail: [email protected] should indicate which courses and D www.corkcity.ie E where they would like to study in order of preference. Once the Leaving Cork Institute of Technology, Certificate results are available in Bishopstown, Cork. 10 August, offers of places are sent to Tel 021 4326100, www.cit.ie applicants. Entry requirements are linked to Leaving Certificate results University College Cork and some courses require very high Tel 021 4903000, www.ucc.ie results (e.g. medicine). A list of all courses and information on how to apply is available in the CAO handbook – CAO, 33 Eglinton St, Galway. Tel 091 5098000, www.cao.ie Further Education Mature students (i.e. those aged 23 or & Training over) may apply for third level courses regardless of their Leaving Certificate Between the level of post primary and results. See the “Guide for Mature third level education, there is also a Students” available free of charge variety of other further education and from the Dept of Education and training courses. The City of Cork Science. Supports, exemptions and Vocational Education Committee application procedures for mature (VEC) oversees three further students differ between providers – education colleges: many now have mature student officers who can provide advice and ● Cork College of Commerce, information. Morrisons Island, Cork. Tel 021 4222100. If you already have a qualification and ● Coláiste Stiofáin Naofa, Tramore want to find out whether it’s Road, Cork. Tel 021 4961020. recognised in Ireland, contact the ● St John’s Central College, Sawmill National Qualifications Authority of St, Cork. Tel 021 4276410. Ireland, 5th Floor, Jervis House, Each offers a range of one, two and Jervis St, Dublin 1. Tel 01 8871500, three year full and part time courses e-mail: [email protected]

44 in a variety of subjects. Post Leaving into the Welcome English centre, Certificate (PLC) courses are one-year open Monday - Friday, 10am – 4pm, courses, which focus on vocational or call Sister Celeste, tel 087 9189841 and technological skills and take place in schools and community Integrate Ireland – classes are free, education colleges. There is no fee to but only open to those with refugee attend these courses and participants status. To find out more call in to Tigh on some programmes (e.g. the Filí, MacCurtain Street, Cork between Vocational Training Opportunities 9am and 1pm, Monday - Friday. Scheme, VTOS) may receive a training allowance. There are also a number of fee paying schools which teach English. FAS is the national training agency These include: and provides training in a range of skills for people in employment and Cork International Language those who are unemployed (but have Academy (CILA), Fitzgerald House, the right to work). Training courses Grand Parade, Cork. Tel 021 4905934. for many of its training programmes Open enrollment, pay per class, free are aimed at those who are internet & social activities. unemployed and these are usually free and may involve a training Cork English College, 30-32 allowance (see contact details page 12). Patrick’s Quay, Parnell Place, Cork. Tel 021 4551522, fees based on ten week courses, open enrolment for Learning English daytime classes, evening classes start September, January & March. English language classes are provided, free of charge, by a number Cork Language Centre of groups. Access to some of these International, 16 St Patrick’s Place, classes will depend on your status. Wellington House, Wellington Quay, The main providers include: Tel 021 4551661. Daytime classes only – open enrolment. Cork Centre for the Unemployed, 13 North Main Street, Cork. The Language Centre, O’Rahilly Tel 021 4275876, Building, University College, e-mail: [email protected] Cork. Tel 021 4902043 Classes are free and open to e-mail: [email protected] everyone, regardless of your status. www.ucc.ie/esol Daytime and evening Welcome English, Convent Place, classes, enrolment September, Cork – open to asylum seekers and January and Easter. refugees. For further information drop

45 A NEWCOMER’S GUIDE TO CORK CITY G N I V Y LI Everyday Living A RYD E V E

11 Public Transport Buses are the main form of public transport within Cork City. Bus Eireann runs 12 bus routes in the city, Train services in Cork run from Kent most of which travel via the city Station and are operated by Iarnrod centre (see map, page 27). Bus fares Eireann (Irish Railways). There are are a fixed fee wherever you travel in five main train routes from Cork – to the city (in 2004 the fare was Û1.20). Cobh (Co. Cork), Tralee, Limerick, Reduced fares are available for Rosslare and Dublin. For information children aged under 16 and those on times and fares call Iarnrod aged 66 and over can apply for free Eireann on 021 4506766 or visit travel passes (which provides free www.irishrail.ie travel on bus and rail across Ireland) from the Department of Social & Direct flights to cities throughout Family Affairs. Bus timetables for Europe are available from Cork various routes are available free of Airport, situated five miles outside the charge from the main bus station in city centre. For information on Parnell Place. services contact Cork Airport. Tel 021 4313131 or visit website: Commuter bus services to the rest of www.corkairport.com Cork and expressway bus services to places throughout Ireland all leave Passenger ferries travel between from the bus station in Parnell Place. Ringaskiddy (10 miles outside Cork Fares depend on the distance city centre) to destinations in the UK travelled - for details on times and and France. fares call Bus Eireann on 021 4508188, www.buseireann.ie

46 Voting Rights Further Information The right of non-nationals to vote Dept of the Environment, varies with the type of election: Heritage and Local Government, Franchise Department, ● Everyone aged 18 and over Custom House, Dublin 1. (including asylum seekers) can Tel 01 8882000, or vote in local elections (elects lo call 1890 201607, councillors to the local authority – www.environ.ie e.g. Cork City Council). ● Only Irish citizens can vote in Cork City Council, Presidential elections, in Franchise Department, Referendums (changes to the Irish City Hall, Cork. constitution) and Seanad elections Tel 021 4926222/021 4924000 (the senate/upper house of Parliament). ● Irish and UK citizens can vote in general elections (elects representatives to the Dáil – the lower house of parliament). Banking ● Irish and EU citizens who are Banks and building societies in resident in Ireland can vote in Ireland are usually open Monday to European Parliament elections Friday, from 10am to 4pm. When In order to vote in any election your opening an account you will be asked name must be on the electoral for photo identification (passport, register. The register is produced driving licence etc) and proof of each year by the city or county current permanent address (usually council and includes the names and household bills such as electricity, gas addresses of everyone aged 18 and or phone bill). If an original bill is not over who is entitled to vote. The draft available (e.g. because bills are not register is put on display in libraries, usually paid in your name) then your post offices and other public employer can help with a buildings every November and letter stating your name, changes can be made up to 25 address, date of birth and November. However, if you are Personal Public Service (PPS) qualified to vote but not included on number. You may need to the register, you can apply to be check with the bank as the included in the Supplement to the necessary documentation Register. If you change your address, differs from bank to bank. As you should inform the register. some bank charges are high,

47 A NEWCOMER’S GUIDE TO CORK CITY G N I it’s worth checking the charges and news. It includes a classified V shopping around before opening an advertisements section, which is Y LI account. Money transfers can be useful if you’re looking for items to A made from banks, credit unions or buy, services, accommodation, etc. RYD post offices. There are also a number of free local E V

papers, usually produced weekly, E such as Inside Cork. National daily Public Holidays newspapers include the Irish Examiner, Irish Independent and Irish Most workplaces are closed on Times. These include national and public/bank holidays, including international news, with government offices, post offices, 11 supplements on banks etc. Bus and train services may accommodation, job be reduced on bank holidays. vacancies, etc on Increasingly city centre shops and particular days. shopping centres may open for part These newspapers of the day. On Good Friday and and many others Christmas Day everything is closed can be read free of including the pubs. charge in most libraries. Metro Éireann is a monthly newspaper with Public Holidays up to date information for immigrants ● New Year’s Day 1 January and ethnic communities. ● St Patrick’s Day (national holiday) Metro Éireann, tel: 01 8690670, 17 March www.metroeireann.com ● Good Friday* Late March or April ● Easter Monday Late March or April Television & Radio ● First Monday in May In Ireland, the ● First Monday in June national television ● First Monday in August company responsible ● Last Monday in October for public service ● Christmas Day 25 December broadcasting is called ● St Stephen’s Day 26 December RTÉ. RTÉ broadcasts * While not officially a public holiday, many three channels - RTÉ businesses also close on Good Friday 1 and Network 2 (largely English Media language) and TG 4 (Irish language). The Newspapers fourth channel is TV3, Cork’s main daily newspaper is the run by a private TV company. Evening Echo, which focuses on local

48 Radio is also very popular in Irish Baptist Church, MacCurtain Street, daily life and local Cork stations are a Cork. Tel 021 4894464. particularly good source of local news Cork Hebrew Congregation, The and information (eg Red FM 104.5 – Synagogue, 10 South Terrace, Cork. 106.1 and 96 FM, 95.4 – 96.8). Cork Tel 021 4870413, Campus Radio 97.4 FM hosts Cork’s e-mail: [email protected]. only multicultural radio show Christian Orthodox Community of “Diversity Speaks”. Broadcast every Cork, 1 Sydenham Terrace, Tuesday at 2pm the programme Monkstown, Cork. addresses the issues affecting the Tel 021 4841187/086 3533113, various ethnic minority communities Jehovah Witnesses, Cork Central living in Ireland and specifically in Congregation of Jehovah Witnesses, Cork. For further details contact Cork The Kingdom Hall, Hibernian Road, Campus Radio at [email protected] Cork. Tel 021 4873174 or 021 4770880. Tel 021 4902170/ Presbyterian, Trinity Presbyterian 4902008 Church, Little William Street, off York Street, McCurtain Street, Cork. Tel 021 4891437, Faith e-mail: [email protected] Communities Methodist Church, Ardfallen, Douglas Road, Cork. Tel 021 4292503, While the main Church of Jesus Christ of Latter religion in Cork is Day Saints, Sarsfield Road, Wilton, Catholicism, the number of other faith Cork. Tel 021 7434790 communities is quickly increasing. Religious Society of Friends These include: (Quakers), Summerhill South, Cork. Catholic Church, Cork & Ross Tel 021 4504830. Diocesan Office, Redemption Road, Grace Christian Fellowship, Cork. Tel 021 4301717, St Patrick’s Woollen Mills, Douglas, e-mail: [email protected] Cork. Tel 021 4372913 Church of Ireland, Diocesan office, www.graceireland.com 14 Cove Street, Cork. Tel 021 4272262, The Father’s Bosom Christian e-mail: [email protected] Fellowship, c/o South Parish Cork Muslim Society, 69 Riverview Community Centre, Grattan Street, Estate, Glasheen, Cork. Cork. Tel 021 4342955. Celestial Church of Christ, Mosque, Heinz Haupt Health Centre, 8 Sydney Place, Cork. Vicars Road, Togher, Cork. The Redeemed Christian Church Tel 087 2402832 of God, O’Sullivan’s Quay Primary School, Cork.

49 A NEWCOMER’S GUIDE TO CORK CITY G N I

Christ Restoration Life Ministry, Places To See V 7 Knapp’s Square, Cork Y LI Arts Theatre, Cork. Tel 021 4533549, As a newcomer to Cork, there are A 086 3065201 many historic buildings and churches RYD

Greater Light International E

you may like to visit. Some of the V Ministries, Little Island Community main sights include St Ann’s Church E Centre, Co. Cork. Tel 021 4355154, in Shandon, where visitors can ring 087 7774559 the bells. The Shandon steeple is one of Cork’s main landmarks. The English Country of Origin Groups Market on Prince’s Street is famous for its fresh food products and is the 11 There are a variety of national groups place to go for foods from around the in Cork – e.g. Congolese Irish world. Cork’s public museum is Partnership, Cork Somalian located in Fitzgerald’s Park, while the Community, Association of Crawford Art Gallery on Emmet Place Cameroonians in Ireland, Ivory Coast is Cork’s main art gallery Group, Zimbabwean Group and with both art and Togolese in Ireland, to name just a sculpture few. Other groups include the Eastern exhibitions. European Association of Ireland and The Cork Kurdistan Solidarity Group Vision Centre, (www.kurdistansolidarityireland.com) on North Contact details can often change and Main St, new groups are always emerging. For houses a scale up to date contact details, and model of the city information on other groups, contact: and lots of information on the attractions and history of Cork. ● Cois Tine Drop-In Centre, For further information on places to Convent Place, Proby’s Quay, Cork see and visit in Cork visit the Tourist and 21 Victoria Avenue, Cork. Information Centre, Grand Parade, Tel 021 4316593, Cork. e-mail [email protected]; or Tel 021 4273251 or visit ● NASC, The Irish Immigrant Support www.cork-guide.ie, www.corkcity.ie or Centre, Sharman Crawford St, Cork. www.cork-insight.com/corkcity/ Tel: 021 4317411, interest.html e-mail: [email protected]; or ● Cork City Partnership, Sunbeam When it comes to entertainment Cork Industrial Estate, Mallow Road, has a lot to offer, from cinemas and Cork. Tel 021 4302310. theatres to music and dance. ‘Whazon Cork’ is a freee monthly listing of

50 events, and can be picked up in many Hollyhill Library, Hollyhill Shopping bars and shops, or visited at Centre, Cork. Tel 021 4924928. Open www.whazon.com/cork Tues, Wed, Fri and Sat 10.00am to 5.30pm, Thursday 1.00pm – 8.00pm. Libraries Mayfield Community Library, Cork has a network of public libraries Murmont, Mayfield, Cork. which are open to everyone living or Tel 021 4924935. Open Tuesday – working in the city. Anyone can drop Saturday, 10.00am – 1.00pm and in and read a book or newspaper free 2.00pm – 5.30 pm. Late opening of charge, find out more about the Wednesday until 8.00pm city’s culture and facilities, and its past, access the world wide web and St Mary’s Road Library, Cathedral send e-mails. To borrow books Cross, Cork. Tel 021 4924933. you need to join the library Open Tuesday – Saturday, 10.00am – – applications forms are 1.00pm and 2.00pm – 6.00pm available at each library, and to join you need to Tory Top Road Library, show proof of address Ballyphehane, Cork. Tel 021 4924934. and pay a small fee. All A new library is being built and will libraries have public open in Spring 2005. Until then a access PCs with internet mobile library is available at links, which can be used for Ballyphehane Community Centre, Tory E1/30 minutes, and a children’s Top Road, on Fridays from 10.00am – library. Libraries often host free events 1.00pm and 2.00pm – 5.00pm for children and adults, and are useful sources of information for what’s There is also a mobile library service going on locally. in other parts of the city. To find out more contact Cork City Library Central Library, Grand Parade, Cork. Service. Tel 021 4924900 Tel 021 4924900. Open Monday – Saturday, 10.00am – 5.30pm (Includes Music Library and Local Studies Library).

Douglas Library, Douglas Village Shopping Centre, Cork. Tel 021 4924932. Open Tuesday – Saturday 10.00am to 5.30pm, late opening Thursdays until 8.30pm.

51 A NEWCOMER’S GUIDE TO CORK CITY G N I

Public Parks Swimming V ● Leisureworld, Bishopstown, Y LI Cork City is well provided swimming pool, gym and 5 7-aside A with parks, playgrounds all weather pitches. RYD

Tel 021 4346505 E

and pleasant walks. V Fitzgerald Park is a ● Gus Healy swimming pool, Nursery E short distance Drive, Douglas. Tel 021 4293073 from the city ● Mayfield Swimming Pool at Old centre and Youghal Road has a number of features an public hours available. ornamental pond and Tel 021 4505284 for further 11 fountain, together with a information playground area. The Lee ● The Matt Talbot swimming pool in Fields, on the western edge of the Churchfield is being redeveloped city, are a traditional recreational area and is due to reopen by mid 2005. for Cork people, while the Lough in the southwest suburbs is a lake and Other public sports facilities bird sanctuary, with many swans and include: ducks. At the eastern end of the City, the Marina Walk leads to Blackrock ● Ted McCarthy Municipal Golf passing on the way the Atlantic Pond, Course, Skehard Road, Mahon, a pleasant area comprising grassy Cork. Tel 021 4292543 banks and a decorative lake. Other ● The Sam Allen Sports Centre has 6 major parks in the city include The all-weather pitches, which can be Glen River Park, Shalom Park at hired on an hourly basis. The Monerea Terrace and Bishop Lucey centre is located in Knockfree Park on the Grand Parade. Avenue, Churchfield. Tel 021 4211688/689

Sports Facilities

There is a range of sports facilities available in Cork City. Some are private (e.g. many gyms and swimming pools) and access is for members only. Others are provided by third level institutes (UCC and CIT) and may not be open to the general public. Below are some of the public facilities available in Cork:

52 All weather pitches are also Cork also has a number of playing available for hire at the Glen pitches throughout the city, which Resource and Sports Centre, Glen are let to individual sporting Avenue, Cork. Tel 021 4550511 organisations or community Recreation centres at associations. Knocknaheeny, Tramore Road and Mayfield, can all be hired for indoor football, basketball, table tennis, badminton, volleyball or tennis. Further Information

Contact details are: Cork City Council, ● Terence McSwiney Community Recreation, Amenity & Culture College, Harbour View Road, Department, Knocknaheeny, Cork. Abbey Court House, Cork. Tel 021 4397740. Tel 021 4924323, www.corkcity.ie. ● Coláiste Stiofán Naofa, Tramore Road, Cork. Tel 021 4961029. ● Mayfield Sports Complex, Old Youghal Road, Cork. Tel 021 4505284.

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