What type of background checks can I carry out on potential employees?

The key to compliance with data protection requirements in this area is to inform the potential employee of any potential checks that may be undertaken and seek their specific consent for certain types of checks, e.g., release of transcripts by University. Any information that is legitimately in the public domain can also be accessed within the context of data protection requirements without giving rise to concerns. Certain sectors, where employees have contact with children or vulnerable adults, are permitted to make use of Garda Vetting checks which are carried out with the consent of the person.

How can I seek Garda vetting of a potential employee?

There is a system in place, which it is intended to shortly reflect in legislation, for certain sectors, such as the health service, to have a person vetted by the Gardaí prior to the commencement of employment. This is undertaken with the consent of the person. Access to this vetting system is allowed following appropriate training. The vetting system operates independently of rights which a person has to make a subject access request to the Gardaí for personal data held in relation to them. However it is important to clarify that a subject access request should not be construed as Garda Vetting, Character Reference, Security Clearance or any interpretation of same. It is not a thorough process and simply provides personal data held by a data subject at the address provided. Employers seeking to ascertain the background of potential employees, for whatever purpose, should not require those persons to submit access requests to the Gardaí. The practice is an abuse of a person’s rights under data protection and is envisaged to be an offence in Section 4(13) of the Acts which is not commenced at present.

What are the duties of an Au Pair

Au pairing can incorporate any number of duties beyond caring for children. It is worth emphasising that the job is often very demanding. Try not to have unrealistic expectations and never be seduced into thinking that you are on holiday. You will no doubt have opportunities that might not have come your way had you stayed at home, but first and foremost you are abroad to work. Your primary duties will revolve around the children.

Most families will expect you not only to keep their children's rooms tidy, but also to do some light housework. `Light housework' is notoriously open to interpretation, however, so do be careful that you are not exploited. It is usual to be asked to dust, vacuum, wash dishes and keep the children’s room clean.

It would be surprising not to be responsible for the children's clothes, though you should not be expected to do any hand washing. The vast majority of families who hire live-in helpers own a washing machine and usually a dryer, which should cut down the time taken to do this chore and on any ironing you may be expected to do.

Normally you will be expected to prepare the children's meals. You might even be required to cook for the adult members of the household sometimes, so be honest about how good you are at cooking and how much (or little) you enjoy it.

The amount of shopping you will be required to do varies considerably from family to family. Some will expect you merely to pick up a few items at the local grocery store while others will make you responsible for the entire food budget. Usually, the parents will go on a major shopping expedition once a week and leave you to purchase any extras that may be needed.

Candidates with driving licences are at a distinct advantage when applying for jobs since many parents will want you to ferry their children to school, to the doctor/dentist/dance class, etc. Not all parents are willing to lend their au pair or nanny a car, but if they do require you to drive, they will usually allow you to use the car to take the children out for day trips, or even allow you to borrow the car for your own private use during your free time. Always be scrupulous about paying for your own petrol, unless you have come to some arrangement.

Some families prefer foreign au pairs so that they can assist the children with another language. Your task will be made a lot easier if the children share their parents' ideas about the benefits of language learning, not to mention have a certain aptitude. It may be a case of giving a scheduled lesson once a day or simply chatting to them in English or reading them stories.

Au pairs must not be asked to work more than their maximum allowable hours and they must be given at least 2 days a week completely free.

It is important that the "free time" should be genuinely free, that the girl should be at liberty to meet her friends and to go sight-seeing and to concerts, cinemas etc. and that she should have the time and opportunity to attend religious services.

Many Au pairs leave families if they feel they are being taken advantage of in terms of work, so it is in the interest of the family to work out the Au pairs schedule in the form of a written work plan in order to make the best use of her time.

Examples of how your au pair may be expected to help include:

1. Childcare: Preparing breakfast and an evening meal for the children, taking and collecting children from school and helping with homework, playing games, taking them for walks or to the park, taking them to after school activities and outings, feeding, bathing and reading them bedtime stories.
2. Housework: dusting, vacuuming, making beds, laundry, simple cooking or the children, helping with family meal preparation

How should I interview an Au Pair

If the Au Pair lives abroad the normal method of interviewing them is over the phone. However a lot of Au Pairs are currently living in Ireland, you should interview them face-to-face if possible.

Some Au Pairs also have their Skype contact details on their CVs, this is a cheaper alternative to making a phone call.

How can I expect to be treated?

An au pair should be treated as an equal part of the family, not as a servant, and shall not be required to wear a uniform. There can be misunderstandings on both sides about what this means. The usual practice is that au pairs eat with the family most of the time, and join in some of the usual family activities such as outings and trips. However, host families normally expect to have some private time to themselves, particularly in the evenings. During this time, an au pair might retire to his or her room to watch television, study, or go out with friends. The au pair is given a monthly allowance and all expenses are paid by the host family.

What can I expect to be paid as an Au Pair?

On AuPairIreland we normally see salaries/pocket money offered in the range of €100 to €150, this depends on a number of factors, the au pair's experience, number of hours worked, driving license, range of duties etc and includes free accommodation and food.

What is an Au Pair?

An au pair is (usually) a foreign-national domestic assistant working for, and living as part of, a host family. Typically, au pairs are girls or young women and take on a share of the family's responsibility for child care as well as some housework, and receive a small monetary allowance for personal use. The title comes from the French term au pair, meaning "on a par" or "equal to", indicating that the relationship is intended to be one of equals: the au pair is intended to become a member of the family, albeit a temporary one, rather than a domestic servant. In the best circumstances, both parties benefit from learning about the other's culture.

How should an Au Pair be treated?

An au pair should be treated as an equal part of the family, not as a servant, and shall not be required to wear a uniform. There can be misunderstandings on both sides about what this means. The usual practice is that au pairs eat with the family most of the time, and join in some of the usual family activities such as outings and trips. However, host families normally expect to have some private time to themselves, particularly in the evenings. During this time, an au pair might retire to his or her room to watch television, study, or go out with friends. The au pair is given a monthly allowance and all expenses are paid by the host family.

What is the job of an Au Pair?

Being an au pair can be a great opportunity to experience a different country and culture. The "job" of the au pair will vary depending on how much the host family expects. Jobs vary from taking children to and from school, taking children to after school activities, cooking, cleaning, ironing, babysitting, etc.

Do Host Families ever employ male Au Pairs?

Yes they do. Most of the host families we get on this site are looking for females, but that does not mean there are no positions for males. Having a good CV, cover letter and including a photo will help your prospects of finding a job.