Au Pair in Ireland - General information

1. An Au Pair's Tasks:

An au pair's daily tasks are various. They depend on the way of life of the au pair's family.

In general an au pair has to fulfil the following tasks:

• Caring for children, e.g. supervising them, taking them to kindergarten/school/other activities, taking them for a walk or playing with them;
• Easy household work, e.g. cleaning and tidying up the house and laundry-work like washing and ironing; mainly for the children.
• Preparing breakfast and simple meals.

2. Rights and Duties:

The Council of Europe's Agreement 24 November 1969 contains precise provisions on the relationship between the host family and the young person "Au Pair". Some provisions must be applied (e.g. the requirements that there is a written agreement, the rules on the obligation of the two sides in respect of working hours, free time, pocket money etc).

Length of stay

Usually au pairs stay with their host families for 6 to 12 months. In some cases the time of occupation can be shorter, but seldom less than 3 months except for summer placements.

Working hours, free time, holidays

In general, the au pairs work 25 to 36 hours per week. This can include one or two nights babysitting. Au pairs must have at least 2 days day off per week (at least 1 free weekend per month if days off not on weekend). Any over time must be agreed with the au pair and paid for. If the host-family goes on a holiday, they often take the au pair with them and expect her/him to fulfil certain tasks, like looking after the children etc. However, a family holiday can only be regarded as a holiday (free time) for the au pair, if the au pair only fulfils few and easy tasks and if she/he does not have to be present.

Language classes

The au pair has to be granted the opportunity of attending English language classes in her/his free time and participating in cultural and educational activities. In general, any costs for these classes and activities have to be paid by the au pair. However, the family is invited to pay for the course, if they want to give their au pair a special treat.

Board and lodgings

Of course the host family provides board and lodgings for the au pair free of charge. The au pair has to be given a reasonably sized room of her/his own in the host family's home. She/he joins the family during meals and eats the same food as the family. If you prefer a certain diet, please state this in your application!

Pocket money and travel expenses

An au pair is neither a servant nor an employee! Her/his primary aim is to improve her/his knowledge of language (English) and to get to know more about the host country. Therefore the au pair does not receive a regular salary, but mere pocket money. At the moment this pocket money is in general about 65 to 90 per week. Generally, the au pair pays for her/his travel expenses to and from the host family.

Health insurance, accident insurance, pregnancy

The au pair has to be insured for the cases of accident, illness, pregnancy and birth (either private or legal insurance). Insurance can be gotten either from their national insurance company if they are still insured with their parents (E 111) or we can provide information on insurances specifically designed for au pairs. The au pair should ask her health insurance before leaving for Ireland about coverage and special regulations.

Personal Liability Insurance

You may also like to get a personal liability insurance, which covers accidental damage to property. Again, you should inform her/himself at her/his parent's insurance if s/he is still covered with them.

Cancellation of au pair stay

The au pair's stay must end on agreed notice. If there has not been agreed on a period of notice, the au pair can only be cancelled before the fixed day of termination if both the au pair and the host family agree (contract of cancellation). If either the au pair or the host family wish an earlier day of termination, both sides will usually agree on the au pair staying in the host family until the au pair has found a new host family. However, if there is a strong reason of cancellation a dismissal without notice is possible. Note: The au pair will not be placed in another family if any form of corporal punishment has been used on the children.

In all other cases the au pair will not leave the host family already during the first days, of course. Although there might be an initial "culture shock" (due to the new situation in a foreign country), this can generally be overcome with patience and goodwill within a short period of time.

3. Requirements:

Au pairs have to be at least 18 years old. Au pairs under age need a written agreement of their parents or legal guardians.

You have to provide a police clearance form and a medical check. Should you have any medical conditions, we will discuss with you, if your condition could prevent you from being an au pair.

4. Residence permit, visa:

In general, you don't need any papers prior to your arrival in the country if it is a EU member state.