Now, in 2012, the EU Blue Card has started in a lot of European Countries. Germany, for example, will start in July with the new residence title for highly qualified foreigners.
I guess, the Bluecard is much better than the Irish Green Card. I can only tell you my experiences with the soon coming German EU Blue Card, because I have informed myself a lot. The main things you can read here:
http://www.bluecard-eu.de/eu-blue-card-germany/
I guess, all those rules are similar in all EU-countries.
The best thing is, that you can apply for a permanent residence after more ore less two up to three years. And all your family can follow you.
Greetings,
Alex