Ireland PEO Services

As a strong economy, Ireland has a number of key industries including software, hardware, food products, beverages, medical devices, and more. Irish workers are noted for their hard-working nature, with the OECD ranking them the most productive in the world when measured by GDP.

Employment Information

Ireland’s standard working hours are 9am till 17.30pm, Monday to Friday, making up around 40 hours per week. Employees are granted a one-hour lunch break during their shifts. These working patterns may vary between different industries. The average salary in Ireland tends to increase every year, standing at around €49,332 in 2019. Living costs in Ireland are generally more expensive that other European nations, and salaries are high to support this.

Taxation

Ireland has a progressive income tax system where employees contribute 20% of their salaries up to a certain amount. An employee’s 20% taxable income amount varies depending on their circumstances, and this will vary based on marriage or dependency status.

In 2019, an individual without any dependent children was subject to the following tax rates:

• €0 - €35,300 – 20%
• Any income over €35,300 – 40%

Ireland also offers a competitive corporation tax system. The general corporate tax rate for businesses in Ireland is 12.5%, however foreign businesses may also be subject to 2.2% - 4.5% on any global profits which are moved to Ireland.

Annual Leaves / Public Holidays

Most Irish employees are entitled to four weeks of paid annual leave from their employer each year. Some employers may agree to provide more paid annual leave, depending on the conditions set out in the employment contract.

Employers in Ireland are also obliged to pay sick leave for an employee for up to three days (upon provision of a doctor’s note). Employees must have completed 13 weeks of continuous service to be entitled to sick pay.

New mothers in Ireland are also entitled to 26 weeks of Maternity Benefit (around €250 per week), beginning on the date of the child’s birth.

Ireland observes several public holidays including the following (2022 dates):

• New Year’s Day – Jan 1
• Patrick’s Day – March 17
• Day of Remembrance and Recognition – March 18
• Easter Monday – April 18
• May Day – May 1
• June Bank Holiday – June 6
• August Bank Holiday – August 1
• October Bank Holiday – October 31
• Christmas Day – 25 December
• St Stephen’s Day – 26 December

Cultural Information

Irish people are known for their hard-working nature, but also for valuing their free time. English is the official and most common language of Ireland; however, the Irish language is also commonly spoken and mandatorily taught in schools.

Ireland is a predominantly Roman Catholic country and around 80% of the population practice this religion. Other religious groups can be found throughout the country.

Impacts from COVID-19

The Irish Government introduced strict measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Many Irish businesses chose to introduce flexible and remote working patterns to protect their employees and prevent the spread of the virus.

In 2021, Ireland introduced the ‘Right to Request Remote Work Bill’. This sets out to make remote working a permanent feature for employees in Ireland’s working culture.