Stick the kettle on

Tea is essential to Irish hospitality and for the morningtime break at work.

The service in an Irish house is not accompanied by any particular formalities, nor does it require any other comestibles — but it must include the offer of milk and sugar. (Technically, sugar is offered; milk is included.) There are Irish men who would forgo the cup itself if he hadn't milk to put in it — and there isn't an Irish person alive who wouldn't look askance at anyone who drinks it black.

The question "sugar?" will elicit a response in the form of a number; one or two teaspoons.

On the job, tea-time is a break from work at around ten o'clock, and it's normal to have something to eat.