Are Employees Entitled to Legal Representation at Disciplinary Hearings?
A frequent issue that arises in practice is the right to legal representation at workplace investigations and disciplinary proceedings.
It is typical for an employee to have the right to be accompanied by a colleague or a trade union representative but the right or other wise to legal representation has been canvassed in the Supreme Court in McKelvey v Iarnród Éireann (2019).
Professional Negligence
Professionals owe both contractual duties and a duty of care to their clients. In Ireland, a professional negligence claim arises when a professional breaches the duty of care owed to a client, resulting in loss or damage. Such a breach may occur if the professional fails to fulfil their responsibilities, whether by providing incorrect advice, not following instructions correctly, or making...
Debt Collection and Enforcement Proceedings
If a Creditor is owed money, they can request that money, from their Debtor. A creditor should not harass or intimidate the Debtor in pursuit of a debt. Creditors who do so may be exposed to criticism which could undermine their recovery.
The Courts are available to a Creditor seeking repayment. Generally a creditor has six years to enforce a contractual agreement from the date of the contract.
Shareholders’ Agreements
A Shareholders’ agreement is a contract which creates rights and obligations for shareholders beyond the basic rights in company law or in a company’s constitution and it is designed to safeguard the rights and interests of the shareholders within a company.
A Closer Look at the 2024 Defamation Reform Bill
The Defamation (Amendment) Bill 2024 represents a significant shift in Irish Media Law. As of 30 April 2025, the Bill has completed Committee Stage in Dáil Éireann, clearing a major legislative hurdle.
Despite opposition efforts to retain jury trials, an amendment to preserve them was defeated by 86 votes to 64 in the Dáil. The Bill now proceeds toward its Fourth Stage, with strong Government...
Irish Whistleblowing Law After 2023: Impacts and Insights from Recent Government Reports
Ireland’s whistleblowing law has undergone a significant transformation with the Protected Disclosures (Amendment) Act 2022, which took effect on January 1, 2023. These reforms have improved protections for whistle blowers and aim to increase transparency and accountability across both the public and private sectors.
Irish Law Awards 2025
Setanta Solicitors are delighted to be nominated as a finalist in: Employment Law Team of the Year; Lawyer of the year (Setanta Landers) and Sole Principal of the year (Setanta Laaders)
Planning Enforcement and Timelines for Actions
Enforcement action may be taken against unauthorised development. Enforcement Action is most commonly taken by local authorities such as County Councils but can be taken by any person under Section 160 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (soon to be section 351 of the Planning and Development Act 2024). Enforcement action under Section 160 is more commonly known as a planning injunction.
Rewind the clock – Proposed new legislation extends time limits for equality claims
The Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024 was published by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability and Youth on 15 January 2025. This complements the Maternity Protection (Amendment) (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill which appeared on the Legislation for priority publication in the 2024 Autum Session.
The Bill is at a very early stage and will have to take its place in the...
Performance Improvement Plans as precursors to termination offers held to be grounds for Constructive Dismissal
It has been the experience of this office, of a number of Irish employers adopting performance improvement plans (PIP) and whilst employees are in the currency of a PIP making termination offers to the employees. The WRC has helpfully clarified that such circumstances can be grounds for a constructive dismissal claim in a case skilfully advanced by Mr Conor McCrave of Setanta Solicitors.
