American Irish

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Immigrants and students seeking to study in Ireland have been hit with a 50% increase in the cost of registration with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB). The cost according to the GNIB website will rise from €100 to €150. The new fee coincides with the introduction of fingerprinting of international students registered with the GNIB.

Non-EU immigrants pay for work permits (€500 annually), for annual re-entry visas(€100) and for the GNIB card (€100). The Migrants Rights Centre Ireland (MRCI) estimates that the increase could generate an additional €5 million-€10m.

The English Language Schools Association chief executive, Adrian Cummins, said the increased fee will be “put Ireland at a disadvantage when competing internationally”.

Deputy director of the MRCI, Jacqueline Healy said the fee increase is “unacceptable and unjust” on workers and students “many of whom are struggling to support themselves and their families”.

“The existing fee is high, and places an additional burden on migrant workers, who already pay their taxes and numerous other fees. Just a few weeks after the immigration system was shown to have major flaws, Minister Ahern is responding with an increase in fees on immigrants,” she said.

The Immigrant Council of Ireland said a work permit holder in Ireland with a dependent spouse and a child over the age of 16 will now “not only be paying €1,000 for the two-year work permit, but also €450 a year to register with the GNIB”.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Irish Boxers - Medal Round

Ken has assured himself of a medal in Beijing. He is in the semifinals and will take on a boxer from Great Britain on Thursday. Paddy Barnes has also assured himself of a medal by reaching the semi-finals in his weight class. Darren Sutherland fights Wednesday for a chance to be the third Irishman to get a medal at the games.

Ken won his fight with a shutout of his opponent. I was actually getting irritated watching the match because Ken was not given some points he should have been given. Fortunately he didn't need all those points since he totally dominated this match. But the next bout is going to be much tougher and he will need all the points he deservedly earns.

The crowd of Irish in the stands was loud and very supportive waving flags and chanting "Ireland". You could tell the men were feeding off the support and Ken said it made the hairs on his neck stand up. I hope there is a lot more to cheer about and they bring some Gold home to Ireland.

Night On The Ship

It's a bit after 4:30 am and I am sitting on the research vessel monitoring some computer equipment I just installed for upcoming projects. I've never been on the ship alone before at night like this and I have to admit its a bit creepy. The ship makes a lot of creaking noises that I never really paid attention to when I'm on the ship at night with other people on board. But being alone, all the ships creaking sounds seem to be magnified.

I did have someone on board with me for most of the night helping me install this equipment. We heard a loud bang which startled both of us. Not sure what made that sound since we didn't go check it out. He did tell me I should go check out what made the noise, but I told him people that go check out noises in the dark are the ones who die in movies, so I was not going anywhere. lol It was all funny then, but now that I'm alone....not so much.

But the crew will soon be here so I think I will survive whatever ghosts may be on this ship and live to see sunrise. Of course I've probably just jinxed myself by typing that and fog is probably now circling the ship. I'm afraid to turn on the radio in case Adrian Barboux is the DJ.

But seriously, while it has been strange being on the ship alone at night, it has also been nice and relaxing. The air is cold, but refreshing and I love the smell of the sea. The moon is high in the sky and glistening over the ocean. The waves are lapping against the ship and between the sound of the waves and the rocking of the ship I could easily fall asleep. I turned the lights off in this room and I am sitting here with just the glow of the computer screen and the blinking lights of the equipment behind me. After I type this I am going to sit here and just enjoy the moment and watch the sun come up. I'm going to sleep good when I get home.

Dunguaire Castle

Dublin

Dingle, Ireland

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Sunday Night

Another weekend gone. It's now around 9:30 Sunday night. Everyone woke up from their naps and are sitting around in boxers. Sort of looks like we're about to film a porn movie. lol

My man and I are going to go out and pick up some pizza. We could have had it delivered, but decided this would give a good chance to spend some time alone together in the car on the way there. We may even have to take a detour. Hope they all like cold pizza.

Before I know it, I will be off to work again tomorrow morning. I have to finish up a project I started last week so I won't be at sea again this week. Which is fine since we have people staying with us for a few days. Stay safe and if your having weather like Ireland, stay dry.