Find your perfect Au Pair!
Connecting Irish Families and European Au Pairs
What is an Au Pair?
An Au Pair is a young person (usually aged between 18 and 30 years) coming from another country to help a family with childcare and light housework while staying as a guest with the family. The Au Pair receives weekly pocket money. The au pair often wants improve their language skills and learn about the culture and lifestyle of the country.
Au Pair Hours and Free Time
Au pairs generally do between 20 and 35 hours (max) per week and should have Saturdays (preferable), Sundays (essential) and bank holidays (essential) free.
Pay/Pocket Money
As the Department of Employment does not recognise the au pair programme they are treated as domestic workers. It expects families to register as employers and pay the minimum wage rates or higher (€12.70 per hour aged 20+, €11.43 for 19 year olds, €10.16 for 18 year olds). Families are only allowed to deduct €1.14 an hour for board (food) and €30 a week for lodging (accommodation).
Nevertheless, many families continue to pay traditional pocket money rates of €140 for 20 hours, €160 for 25 hours €180 for 30 hours and €200 per week for 35 hours. The onus is on the host-family to comply with wage regulations.
Duties and Accommodation
In addition to childminding your Au Pair will also assist with light housework relating to the children (tidying, preparing simple meals, children’s laundry, etc).
The Au Pair will require her own bedroom, fully furnished with adequate heating. A representative of SK Dublin will check the room for suitability prior to finalising the placement. The house must be clean and tidy.
Background Checks
Our partner agencies interview the au pairs in their home country and assess their suitability.
Advice and Support
SK Dublin provides support and help to both families and their au pairs, including the agency’s mobile telephone number. We put the Au Pairs in touch with other Au Pairs in their area. In the event of the Au Pair being unsuitable, SK Dublin will offer you a suitable replacement as soon as possible or a refund. Please see Terms & Conditions.
Placement Fees
Fees are per au pair and are paid two weeks prior to the au pair’s arrival.