Ireland Visa Query for: Short Term, Van Der Elst and Work permit

Hi,

I am Indian citizen currently in the UK on Tier 2 General visa which is valid until mid of 2015.

I would like to travel to Ireland for 2-3 days for personal reasons. Can you please confirm that based on my current visa I am eligible for "The Irish Short Term visa waiver programme"? If not, what visa does I need to apply and the processing time?

Secondly, I am planning to work in Ireland and from Irish embassy website it seems I have two options to work in Ireland.

1. Working on project with client of my UK employer in Ireland through Van Der Elst visa.

a. What are the visa requirements?
b. Is it required to work with my current employer in the UK for minimum period of time before making application for Van Der Elst visa? If yes, what's the minimum time I need to spend with my current employer?
c. Processing time, fees and how to apply?

2. Working Directly with the company in Ireland:

a. Do I need to be sponsored through employer? Or I can apply directly for visa based on offer letter?
b. What is the minimum salary required for sponsorship or application of work visa in Ireland?
c. Processing time, fees and how to apply?

Any suggestions welcome…
   
Thanks
Backbencher