Irish Work Authorisation Visa renewal

[kareny]

Hi

I am currently working in Ireland as an IT professional on a work authorisation visa. It is up for renewal in December 2005, can anyone please explain to me what the renewal process is? Has anyone done this before and how long do they normally renew your visa for?

Also once I have my visa renewed (hopefully this happens with no problems) I plan to travel to South America for 8 months next year. I have been told that if you want to leave Ireland for any period of time on a renewed work authorisation visa you have to apply for a re-entry visa. Does anyone know anything about this re-entry visa and do you think they will let me leave and return to Ireland after 8 months?

Any help would be really appreciated