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Employing an au pair in Ireland

Domestic workers’ employment rights (WRC)

Last reviewed

This is general guidance, not legal advice.

Employment law changes, varies by region and depends on your exact arrangement. Figures below are researched from official sources but go out of date — always confirm the current position with the official body linked on this page, or with a qualified labour adviser, before you rely on it.

Domestic workers in a private home — including nannies — have the same employment rights as any other employee under Irish law, backed by a statutory Code of Practice. Confirm details with the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) and Citizens Information.

Pay floor

€14.15 per hour

Verify — Ireland’s National Minimum Wage changes on 1 January each year and may be outdated.

What to get right

1

Written terms

You must give the employee a written statement of core terms early in the employment (Terms of Employment (Information) Act). Use the contract template in the NannyTank app as a starting point.

2

Minimum wage

The National Minimum Wage applies. Limited board/lodging amounts may count toward it. Confirm the current rate at the WRC.

3

Tax & PRSI (PAYE)

Operate PAYE — deduct Income Tax, PRSI and USC and pay employer’s PRSI to Revenue, and give the employee a payslip.

4

Working time & leave

The Organisation of Working Time Act sets maximum average weekly hours (48), rest breaks, paid annual leave and a Sunday premium.

Official sources

Check these for the current position — they are the authority, this page is not.

An editable contract template for Ireland

NannyTank includes a downloadable employment contract template that references Domestic workers’ employment rights (WRC) — you fill in the agreed pay and hours. Available in the app, along with hours, overtime and claim tracking.

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NannyTank is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. This page is a starting point to help you know what to look into; it may be incomplete or out of date, and it does not account for your specific circumstances. Confirm anything you rely on with the official bodies above or a qualified adviser.