I’ve always been nervous for interviews, and that’s a fairly normal reaction to entering a room where people are going to assess you. And not in a medical capacity. The reason for this is probably due to the fact that I’m very bad at pretending to be something I’m not. As such, interviews are always daunting because I feel as if I am expected to fit a particular mould depending on what the job is, and sometimes that mould is of ‘young professional’.

One of the main causes of my anxiety before an interview is the fact that I’m both bad at geography and bad at being on time. I think these worries are most likely ones other people share too – what if you get lost on your way and end up super late, will it mess up your chances before you even get there? I kill both of these birds with one stone: I tell myself my interview is an hour earlier than it is, and when I get off the bus, I go directly to the place, find it, and then go and get a coffee. I return approximately 53 minutes later.

The other things that help me remain calm-ish are:

These things might not work for everyone, but what I find works the most is dressing in clothes that are comfortable. I don’t mean jeans and a t-shirt comfortable, but something that you feel like yourself in. Perhaps your best self, your most professional self, but still yourself. If you’re uncomfortable in what you’re wearing and struggling not to tug it and pull it, then you’re not going to be comfortable selling your skills to strangers. This goes down to the shoes too – it is blatantly obvious when you are wearing your “best” shoes that you feel are hobbling you as you take every step. Don’t wear those, or if you are going to wear them; put them on just as you go in the door of the building.

If you do decide to chew gum to calm you down, remember to throw it out before you get to the interview; no one likes the look of someone chewing gum while they’re talking to you. I think the main thing to remember is that the people interviewing you are human, too. You made it as far as the interview stage because your CV and cover letter impressed them. Not everyone who applies for a job makes it that far, and knowing that you were chosen should give you confidence in yourself and your abilities.

Your P60 is issued at the end of the year and is a record of how much tax you paid to Revenue during the year. It also details how much money you earned, and a breakdown of the PRSI, USC and PAYE that you paid during the year. 

How does a P60 work?

It is your employer’s responsibility to deduct your PRSI contributions from your wages and paying it, along with the company’s contribution, to Revenue. Each time you get a payslip you’ll see these deductions. The payroll section of your workplace will keep track of your contributions and is obligated to issue you with a P60 within six weeks of the end of the year. 

You need this document if you are claiming a social welfare payment because it informs the Department of Social Protection how many Social Insurance Contributions (PRSI) you’ve paid, and therefore how much and what type of benefits you are entitled to.

If your employer hasn’t given you your P60 then there is a chance that they are not paying the correct contributions for you. If they refuse to issue you with this document after you have requested it, then you should contact Revenue and inform them of this breach.

For more information check out the Revenue website and the Citizens Information website.

Need more information?

We are here to answer your questions and talk through your options. Our online chat service is for 16 to 25 year olds and is available Monday to Friday, 4pm to 8pm. Chat to us now about your situation.

I’m sitting in a café on O’Connell Street, the sun lighting up the bridge, and all I can think of is how good it is to be gay.

It’s been a miraculous few years on this little Island of ours. Perhaps the biggest change in my life was the passing of the gay marriage bill. It opened for me the possibility of being equal to my brother and sisters, in a way that my younger self would never dream possible and for that I am eternally grateful.

For a young gay man in his twenties, it is hard for me to imagine a time when I wasn’t accepted. Of course, I had those days in school where I was called ‘faggot’ but I was also called a ‘ginger’ and ‘chubby’. It’s hard for me to fully grasp what it was like to be a gay man in the 90’s, when homosexuality was still illegal and much of my life would have to be played out in underground clubs and bars, where, hidden beneath the ground I could create for myself the type of life that society would not afford me. What this year thought me was the value of equality. Those thousands of gay, lesbian, and bisexual Irish citizens who died before the referendum will never get to feel what it is like to be equal, and for that I am deeply remorseful.

The buzz surrounding Pantigate was the first time in my life that I felt truly oppressed. I witnessed a revered Irish LGBTI+ member be dragged through the dirt and it was painful to watch. I sat down each night and watched Panti’s noble call and what I took away from it each time was that my life was not yet my own. There was a limitation placed on me by the state that said I was to be tolerated but never accepted; that simply was not good enough for me.

As the no posters plastered the street prior to the referendum, I began to feel boxed in. The signs reading ‘a mother’s love is irreplaceable’ made me feel objectified, stagnated, and upset. I knew that two fathers could give equal amounts of love as a mother and father, and I was annoyed that anyone could think otherwise. My life was being debated on RTE, TV3 and nearly every radio station in the country.

I remember one very poignant day whist driving to work on the coast road in Clontarf. Before my eyes was a plethora of no signs. As my car progressed along the road, each sign hit me like a knife in the chest. It was as if they were telling me that I would never get the opportunity to be equal, that they would campaign until the bitter end so that my future remained limited.

I thought about my Brother marrying his beautiful girlfriend in Australia, on a beach in Melbourne. I thought about my sister, renting a nice affordable church in Ireland and hoping with all her might that it would not rain. I thought about my parents celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary with a cruise to the Canaries, and how they would marvel at the day that they had cemented their love for one another. Then, I thought about myself, standing with my boyfriend in each one of these scenarios and thinking ‘I wish that could be us’. It was enough to make me break into tears.

A week later it was time to vote. I was so anxious that I had barely slept the night before. I headed to the polling station in Malahide with my beautiful mother, which in itself was an incredible feat. Our relationship had been somewhat turbulent, but the support she showed me on this day was simply invaluable. She had made an event out of it. She planned the time we would leave the house, our method of transportation, and what café we’d head to afterwards. It bonded us closer together, as she also could not live in a world where her son’s life was limited.

The result of the referendum was incredible. Looking back I am so grateful to this country for saying yes. The vote was indicative of a new more aware Ireland. Gay people had always been here, now they were supported for the first time in a very communal and natural way. The country embraced us and for that I am so thankful.

I think that for the first time I feel truly blessed to be a gay man. It really is a gift from God and sitting here at a small café on O’Connell Street I’m so proud of my country. I am optimistic and excited for a new generation of gay youths who will feel confident enough to share their gift with the world.

If you pay more tax than you owe, you are eligible for a tax refund. This means Revenue will pay back the tax that you overpaid. You can only claim a refund for the last four years, so it’s important to make sure you apply for your tax refund before this time runs out.

Can I get my tax back from Revenue?

The amount of tax that you pay depends on how many tax credits you have.  Tax credits are used to reduce the amount of tax you pay. The more tax credits you have, the less tax you will have to pay.

Your tax credits are calculated by Revenue, and it is assumed that you will need to at least pay the minimum amount of tax per year. However, sometimes you will pay more tax than you needed to. If this is the case, you can get a tax refund.

Why would I overpay tax?

You might have overpaid tax if:

If you think you might have overpaid tax in the last four years, you could still be able to get it back.

How do I find out how much tax I have to pay?

The easiest way to do anything tax-related is to set yourself up for Revenue Self Service. Revenue will send you a password in the post that allows you to sign up online.

To log in, you will need this password and your PPS number. Once you’re into the self-service part of the website, you can go to your profile and see how much you’ve earned, how much tax you’ve paid, and what your tax credits are. There is an option to request a Statement of Liability. This is a document that calculates all the above, and then will decide whether you’ve overpaid or underpaid tax.

You can also view an estimated calculation of your tax liability (how much tax you have to pay) earlier in the year by requesting your Preliminary End of Year Statement on the Revenue website. This will let you know how much you are currently expected to pay provided there are no changes in your circumstances.

How can I get my tax back?

If you’ve paid too much tax, Revenue will refund you, either directly into your bank account (if you’ve put your details online) or by cheque.

In order to find out if you are owed money from Revenue, you will need to request your Statement of Liability. Make sure all information is correct before submitting the request. If the Statement of Liability shows you have overpaid tax, you will be refunded.

However, if you have underpaid tax, Revenue will deduct it from your tax credits, so you might end up owing them money.

How long do I have to claim a tax refund?

You must claim a tax refund within four years of the end of the year in which the overpayment arose or you will not get a refund.

How do I know if I have underpaid tax?

Your Statement of Liability will show whether you have underpaid tax. It will also inform you how the underpayment will be paid. Usually, you will not pay money directly to Revenue. The easiest way for Revenue to collect the underpayment is to reduce your tax credits in the following year.

I have a question about my tax liability. Who do I contact?

If you have a question about your tax situation or notice an error on your account, you can submit an enquiry on the “My Enquiries” section of your account on the Revenue website.

For more information go to the Revenue website.

Local Enterprise Offices are the place to go if you are interested in starting or growing a business in Ireland. They provide advice, information, and support.

Who is the Local Enterprise Office for?

Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) offer services to people who want to set up a business, and people who already have a business want advice.

You can access their services if you are:

What services does the Local Enterprise Office provide?

The Local Enterprise Office provides a range of services, including:

What is Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur?

If you are a young person with a business or an idea for a business, you might be interested in entering Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur competition. This is a yearly competition for people between the ages of 18 and 35. It is run by the 31 Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) with the support of the Department of Enterprise and Innovation and Enterprise Ireland. Find out more about Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur.

Where are the Local Enterprise Offices located?

There are 31 Local Enterprise Offices around Ireland. You can find your local LEO office here.

Need more information?

We are here to answer your questions and talk through your options. Our online chat service is for 16 to 25 year olds and is available Monday to Friday, 4pm to 8pm. Chat to us now about your situation.

 

If you are receiving a social welfare payment such as Jobseeker’s Allowance or Jobseeker’s Benefit, you must inform your local Intreo Centre or social welfare office if you are going to start work.

Signing off the dole

If you are currently receiving social welfare supports such as Jobseeker’s Allowance or Jobseeker’s Benefit, you will need to close your payment claim if you plan to start working.

How can I sign off the dole?

You can sign off the dole on the MyWelfare website if you have a MyGovId. You can also close your Jobseeker’s payment by contacting your local Intreo Centre or social welfare office. Once you let them know that you are going to start working soon, they will ensure that you continue to receive your payments up to the date you start working.

Can I still receive social welfare supports when I sign off the dole?

Your local Intreo Centre or social welfare office will be able to give you advice about the possibility of keeping some of your existing benefits and supports when you return to work. Find out more about what social welfare supports you can retain when you enter employment.

When you start work, you may also be entitled to other benefits such as the Working Family Payment.

If you are currently receiving social welfare supports and plan to return to work, the benefit of work estimator tool will be able to show you how this will affect your take-home pay.

The Community Employment (CE) scheme can help you get back to work if you are long-term unemployed. It provides part-time and temporary paid work placements within local communities.

What is the Community Employment (CE) scheme?

The CE Scheme helps people who are long-term unemployed or otherwise disadvantaged to get back to work. It does this by offering part-time and temporary work placements in local communities. By taking part in a CE scheme, you can gain new skills and experiences that may help you to find a job later on.

How many hours will I work on the CE scheme?

You must work for 19.5 hours per week (excluding breaks) for your sponsor organisation. Your sponsor may agree with DSP to arrange your work hours differently. For example, you might work 39 hours every second week.

How much will I get paid on the CE scheme?

The minimum weekly payment for new participants based on 19.5 hours worked is €230.50. You may receive more than this. Participant wage rates are determined by their current social welfare payment.

If the social welfare payment you were getting before participating in the CE scheme is more than €208 per week, you will receive the same amount as your social welfare payment plus an extra €22.50 per week.

If the social welfare payment you were receiving before participating in the CE scheme is less than or equal to €208 per week, you will receive a payment of €230.50 per week while on the scheme.

Can I work part-time while on the CE scheme?

It is possible to take up other part-time work while on the CE scheme.

Can I receive other payments while on the CE scheme?

You are entitled to receive income from part-time work while on the CE scheme. 

You will also keep your entitlement to the other social welfare benefits you were getting immediately before going onto CE, provided you continue to meet the conditions for these benefits. If you are receiving Rent Supplement, the amount you get may be reduced.

Any change in your circumstances might affect your payments. You should inform your CE supervisor and the local DSP Community Development Officer responsible for your CE scheme if your circumstances change while taking part in the Community Employment scheme.

How long can I stay on the CE scheme?

If you are aged between 21 and 55 years, your CE placement generally lasts for one year. However, if you are working towards a major education award, your CE placement can be extended by up to two years.

If your CE term has ended, you can stay on the scheme until a replacement CE participant is found.

Am I eligible for the Community Employment (CE) scheme?

You must meet certain requirements to take part in the CE scheme. You must be 21 or over and in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment for one year or more. If you are a member of certain disadvantaged groups and meet the other scheme requirements, you can take part from the age of 18.

To take part in the CE scheme, you must also be getting any combination of the following qualifying payments for at least 12 months:

Time spent on a recognised training course such as SOLAS/ ETB, a VTOS course, Youthreach or in prison may count as part of the 12 month qualifying period.

People on the JobPath programme and the Tús scheme are eligible for CE.

If you are aged 21 and over, and are getting Jobseeker’s Benefit or Jobseeker’s Allowance, you can have worked up to 30 days in the 12 months before starting the CE scheme and still be eligible.

There are some exceptions to the requirements above. It is best to speak to a member of staff in your local Intreo Centre for more information about the qualifying criteria.

How to apply for the CE scheme

To apply for the CE scheme, you must register at your local Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office.

Your Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office can provide information about CE job opportunities. Job listings are also available online.

What happens when I finish the CE scheme?

When your CE placement ends, you are encouraged to seek a job elsewhere using the skills, experience and training you gained on the scheme.

Find out more about CE schemes.

Need more information?

We are here to answer your questions and talk through your options. Our online chat service is for 16 to 25 year olds and is available Monday to Friday, 4pm to 8pm. Chat to us now about your situation.

I knew I wanted to write as a profession since my primary school days. I used to spend my free time writing stories about a Koala named Jack. My eight-year-old self was convinced that it would be on the best seller's list alongside my first literary inspiration, Jacqueline Wilson. Writing has always been my biggest passion in life. It’s always been something I adored with every ounce of my being. My life as a wannabe columnist, hopeful author and journalism student has been incredible so far, but it hasn’t always been smooth sailing.

I was left gutted and disheartened by my CAO offers back in August 2013. I missed out on a place in a Level 8 Journalism course that I dreamed of doing. In the end I made a panicked decision and accepted the only other offer I had, which resulted in me attending a course that I had very little interest in. I spent a handful of months in that course until I couldn’t take it anymore. I had no passion or love for it, so I gathered up the courage and dropped out. Dropping out of a course was a nerve wrecking thing to do, especially as I was only 19 years old. However, it ended up being one of the best decisions I’ve made in my 22 years on this planet. I wish somebody told my past self that dropping out of a college course does not make you a failure. It takes a lot of courage to make such a big decision like that. It’s terrifying, stressful and emotional; it takes a lot out of a person, but in the end it has a far better impact on you than you’d think.

Attending a course that you don’t enjoy or care about is no good for your mental health. You’re supposed to enjoy college; lectures should intrigue you, you should look forward to attending modules about your favourite topics and you should be travelling in on the bus feeling calm and not full of dread. I know how high the points are for journalism courses in Dublin so if you don’t get a place in one you need to remind yourself that it is not the end of the world. What I didn’t realise is that there are so many options out there other than degree courses in the top Irish colleges. I’m currently studying journalism at the Ballyfermot College of Further Education and I am so pleased to say that. My love for journalism has grown and grown, especially over the past year. The course has helped me develop my writing skills, my interviewing skills and has strengthened my love for writing. Being passionate about what you study is key. We’re constantly reminded about how tough it can be to break into the industry, but it is possible.

One of the best things I did to help establish myself as a writer and journalist was setting up a blog. I have been blogging for a little over two years now and it’s one of the best ways to practice your writing. I mainly blog for myself so I can develop my writing skills because practice makes perfect. I put a lot of love and care into my little blog. Setting up a blog is a great thing as a writer because it gives you the freedom you may not have in work or college. It also looks great on your CV because it shows employers that the passion and motivation is there. This will help when seeking internships at fashion magazines or work experience at your local newspaper. Another beneficial thing about blogging is the fact that your work is getting the exposure it needs. Employers may stumble across your work online and will fall head over heels in love with your writing style. It’s a simple yet beneficial way to get your name out there, but make sure you stay true to yourself. Write from the heart about things you’re interested in and care about. Honesty is the best policy.

Work experience is always key. During the summer I hopped on a train down to Cork where I worked at the West Cork People newspaper for a week. It was an experience I will never forget and one that has strengthened my hope for a future career as a journalist. Working at a newspaper or magazine or online site will give you the raw experience you need. It gives you a realistic and true look at what it really is like working as a journalist. It also throws you in at the deep end which is one of the best things as it gives you a well needed shock and a confidence boost. I remember on my first day I was told to go interview an archaeologist who had recently retired. I had no questions prepared so I had to think fast and remain calm. The interview was a huge success and I felt so inspired and ecstatic on my way back to the offices. It showed me that I do have it in me to work under pressure and to think on my feet. One thing to remember is that you should always believe in yourself. Self belief is key. If you don’t believe in yourself, who else will?

One thing I try to do is to write every single day. I know it’s tricky to find the time between work, socialising and college (and binge watching Parks and Recreation) but try your hardest to write something whether it’s a serious article about Ireland’s education system or a fashion piece about Debs dresses. Writing is an amazing thing and thanks to the internet it is so easy to share our words with the world. Don’t be afraid of constructive criticism, don’t be afraid to share your opinion, don’t be afraid to share your work with the world. Expose it and show people the skills you have. The more you share the more attention you will get. Patience is key. Challenge yourself. Send stories to editors. Write blog posts. Work at your local paper. Do whatever you need to to achieve your dreams.

If you have the skills, the passion and the love for journalism then jump in with both feet and don’t look back. Work your hardest. Write as often as you can. Believe in yourself. And most importantly do not let fear rain all over your hope for the future.

“I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning to sail my ship.”- Louisa May Alcott.

If you are living with a disability and aged 16 or over, you may qualify for the Disability Allowance. If you are still in school and over the age of 16, you will be able to continue your education while receiving this payment.

In the 2021 Budget the earnings disregard for Disability Allowance will increase by €20 per week from €120 to €140 per week.

Qualifying for disability allowance

To qualify for disability allowance you must meet the following criteria:

Additional grants or supports

Along with this allowance, you may also qualify for additional grants or support payments. One such grant is the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability. This grant, like the disability allowance, is means tested. It can be availed of when a home requires changes in order to make it suitable for a person with a physical or intellectual disability to live in. Therefore, this grant can be used to make your home wheelchair-accessible, extending it to create more space, things like that. The maximum grant available is €30,000.

You could receive this grant if you are a disabled person living in:

Your application is then prioritised based on medical need. Sometimes, an occupational therapist’s assessment will be required.

The means test

You must also satisfy the means test; this takes into account the total income of the household, to find out if you qualify for the grant, and if so, for what amount.

You must also provide:

If your grant application amounts to €10,000 or more, you must provide your local authority with a Tax Clearance Certificate.

Remember, unless your grant is approved, you will not be paid! Don’t schedule any work until after you’ve received approval from the local authority. When you receive approval, you will be expected to have the work completed within 6 months.

If your home requires some modifications to provide for mobility problems, you might be eligible for the Mobility Aids Grant Scheme. This grant can be used to buy and install grab rails, access ramps or a stairlift. While it is mainly used by older people, people with a disability can also access this scheme. There is a maximum of €6,000 available under this grant.

For more information see the Assist Ireland website.

Most companies ask you to apply for roles online these days. However, there are still certain situations where you can hand in your CV in person. 

Tips for handing out your CV

It is common to hand in your CV in person when applying for jobs in shops, restaurants, cafes and pubs. If you plan to drop in your CV to a business, there are certain things to keep in mind.

Make a list of where you’re going to hand your CV in

It is a good idea to decide how far you are willing to travel for work before you hand out CVs. If you decide to apply to jobs that are not near where you live, consider how you will travel there each day. 

Once you have decided on a location, make a list of relevant businesses within that area. Google Maps can be a very useful tool when trying to find businesses to apply to.

Prepare your CV and cover letter

It is important to tailor your CV and cover letter for each place you apply to. To do this, look carefully at the job description and emphasise the skills or experience mentioned. 

For more information on preparing job applications, see our articles on how to write a CV and how to write a cover letter.

Prepare what you are going to say

When you call in to a business, it’s best to politely ask to speak to the manager and hand your CV directly to them. If they are unavailable, you can ask if there is a more convenient time to come back, or hand it to the person you are speaking to.

While you might simply hand your CV to somebody and leave, it is possible that the manager will want to have a conversation with you there and then. It’s a good idea to plan what you will say if you have the opportunity to speak with a manager on the day. Think about how you will introduce yourself and what skills and work experience you would like to mention if asked. 

Follow up with a phone call

It is a good idea to phone the business a few days later to ask if they have had time to consider your CV. This is especially important if the manager wasn’t there when you dropped in. It is best to phone outside of their busiest hours. For example, if you are contacting a restaurant, try to avoid phoning them at lunch time.

Keep trying

Job hunting can be stressful. It can be challenging to apply for jobs and not receive a response. If you are finding it difficult to look for a job, you are not alone. It is important to remember that it can take time to find a job and that there is support available if you need assistance with job seeking.

If you have been trying to find a job but are not receiving any responses, your local Intreo Centre may be able to connect you with opportunities and advice.

Some of the following articles may also be helpful:

For personalised advice on finding a job, you can also speak with a trained Youth Information Officer through our Youth Information Chat: 

Need more information?

We are here to answer your questions and talk through your options. Our online chat service is for 16 to 25 year olds and is available Monday to Friday, 4pm to 8pm. Chat to us now about your situation.

As part of International Youth Day 2016 the Migrant Rights Council of Ireland held an event hosted by a group of young activists called Young, Paperless and Powerful, to highlight the experiences of undocumented young people living in Ireland through the power of spoken word. The room was buzzing with anticipation as people chatted over refreshments and found their seats. The room was decorated with pictures of the Young Paperless and Powerful group as well as a wall of solidarity where the audience could leave messages of support.

At the top of the room, right next to the stage, hung a large banner depicting a silhouette of birds flying free from a cage with the Young, Paperless, Powerful name written beside it. The event began with an introduction by three enigmatic MC’s – MC Rapunzel, DJ Caprice and MC Jay – who welcomed us all and spoke about what we were to expect during the evening, spoken word pieces about the barriers that they face as undocumented young people living in Ireland that prevent them from getting access to basic things like education and employment and how this has impacted their lives. They also reminded us to refrain from taking pictures or videos to keep the performers identities anonymous.

They encouraged us to stand in solidarity with their cause and not to view them as victims. Acknowledging the fact that for some of the performers this would be their first time speaking out about their status and experiences. To break the ice, we had a crash course in secret handshakes. It was a fun way to start the night and a great way to dissipate the nerves of the performers and to relax the audience. Ombudsman for Children Dr Niall Muldoon made an opening speech. Speaking about the number of Irish people who have emigrated and began new lives for themselves in other countries, the barriers that many undocumented young people in Ireland face when it comes to third level education, time spent in direct provision and how the limitations of living undocumented in Ireland can affect a person’s mental health.

MC Rapunzel was the first performer of the night. Her piece told the story of her parents emigrating to Ireland and travelling over to join them as a young girl. Her spoken word piece was a personal story that was echoed many times in other performances throughout the evening. MC Rapunzel went on to draw attention to the restriction felt by many young undocumented immigrants in her spoken word piece – “I am like a butterfly… but without wings, my dreams crushed right down to its core.” The evening continued on with more spoken word pieces.

“9 years here, 9 years of fear…as you watch your friends take the road to continue you must stay behind and watch it pin you.” – Sara Jane

“I’ve been sitting in the same seat hoping for better, telling myself these circumstances will never matter.” – DJ Caprice

Standing on a stage and telling your story in front of an audience is, understandably, very nerve wrecking and scary but, nerves aside, each performer had the audience captivated, in the palm of their hand. Their words transported you into their world, and for a moment a glimpse into what it must feel like to stand in their shoes. There was an awesome sense of comradery and supportiveness among the members of YPP as each performer was introduced on to the stage to perform their piece. Although the pieces touched on deeply emotive and personal struggles the one uniting factor of them all was the defiance and determination expressed by each performer to change the situation that they are in so that they have the opportunity to attain their own ambitions for their future and others in the same position as they are.

The final performance of the night came from Sleeping Beauty, recounting her family’s move to Ireland, how a place that seemed like heaven didn’t transpire to be in reality. “My dad moved to Ireland when I was nine; from a very young age I had to pretend I was fine.”

“A piece of paper will decide whether I rise… or fall.” Afterwards Edel McGinley, Director of the MRCI, delivered the closing speech. She commended the members of the YPP for their amazing performances. She drew attention to how much of a disgrace the government’s slow progress on regularisation has been. The MRCI’s Justice for the Undocumented campaign has been running for five years asking the government to introduce a regularisation scheme, which would mean that undocumented workers and their families would have the opportunity to regularise their immigration status. Irish politicians often use this same solution to advocate for undocumented Irish in the US. She also delivered a piece herself, highlighting YPP and their fight for regularisation in Ireland. At the end of the evening all members of the Young, Paperless and Powerful group took to the stage for a final bow.

The pride in their hard work was eminent as they stood before a standing ovation from the audience. The strength and potential of these young activists was inspiring to watch. Many thanks to the MRCI & YPP for inviting SpunOut along!

If you would like to find out more about regularisation and MRCI’s Just for the Undocumented campaign you can visit their website. You can also watch a short film from Young, Paperless and Powerful here: https://vimeo.com/132984011

Young, Paperless and Powerful from Migrant Rights Centre Ireland on Vimeo.

Young, Paperless and Powerful from Migrant Rights Centre Ireland on Vimeo.

If you’re working, you will be deducted money by the government from every pay cheque you receive. These deductions are taxes, and how much you pay depends on how much you earn.

Types of tax deductions in Ireland

There are also two rates of tax. A standard rate of tax and a higher rate of tax. These are calculated based on a percentage of your income. The standard rate of tax for a single person is 20%, which is deducted from earnings up to €42,000. Anything you earn over this amount is taxed at the higher rate of tax: 40%.

If you earn less than €13,000 yearly, you are exempt from paying the Universal Social Charge.

All tax deducted from your income is collected by the Revenue Commission, which then uses this money to fund public services and schemes such as:

The Citizens Information website provides some case studies in order to help you calculate how much tax you are liable to pay.

Example of pay tax and tax credits

Joan is single and earns €28,000 a year. Joan’s tax credits are listed as:

Your employer and the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, using your PPS number,  should work out your tax credits and deductions for you. But understanding how much you should be deducted means you will be able to recognise if you are being over or under taxed.

You can also visit the government’s website that provides you with a visual representation of where your money goes.

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