Exploding myths around the Personal Insolvency Act 2012
There has been an avalanche of publicity around the Personal Insolvency Act 2012 and the opportunity it affords insolvent individuals to get back to a solvent state through the use of the various arrangements contained in it. The mission behind the legislation is to restore people who are insolvent to solvency in a fair, transparent […]
Calling all employers—get it right, right now!
It’s great to be able to employ staff in these difficult times and, by and large, most employers want to do right by their employees. However, to do so correctly, it is important, as an employer, that you know your obligations towards your staff. If a dispute arises and an employee is taking a case against […]
The role of the Personal Insolvency Practitioner
The role of the Personal Insolvency Practitioner is central to the practice and procedure under the Personal Insolvency Act, 2012. It is provided in Chapter 2 of the legislation that a debtor who wishes to become a party to a Debt Settlement Arrangement (DSA) or a Personal Insolvency Arrangement (PIA), must submit to a Personal […]
Protecting a Business Idea
It happens to almost every aspiring entrepreneur. You believe you have a brilliant idea for a groundbreaking business, an innovative product or a service that is better than anything your competitors do. It is one thing to daydream about a great idea or invention that will make you millions, but quite another to turn it […]
Q&A: Can you clarify the Credit Union rule regarding nominating a person to become entitled on my death to some or at least part of my shares?
Question: Due to the economic crisis, and in particular the banking crisis, I have taken the decision to lodge all my savings with my local Credit Union. I have been a member of the Credit Union for upwards of 30 years but historically I would have minimum savings in my Credit Union. However, I have […]
Q&A: Can I access Shares being held as security?
Question: I am a member of my local Credit Union and I currently have a loan of less than €10,000 with it. I adhere strictly to the repayment schedule. However, as my children are now returning to school after the school holidays, I am under increasing financial pressure and I wish to withdraw my shares […]
Using the Internet at Work: Who’s Watching?
It is safe to say that almost every employee in Ireland has access to internet and email in the workplace in order to complete their everyday tasks. Unfortunately, it cannot be denied that such use of internet and email often results in misuse. Such misuse can lead to many difficulties, and may result in employers […]
Online Shopping
Online shopping is a modern day reality. Despite its impersonal nature, the industry is growing and it allows the consumer to buy goods without the parking, queuing and general stress associated with conventional shopping. However, many consumers are cautious about purchasing online and do not know where they stand legally if the item proves to […]
Working Hours and Leave Entitlements – Rights and Obligations
The Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 (the 1997 Act) sets out the obligations and entitlements of employers and employees respectively under Irish employment law. In addition to these legislative provisions, an employee’s contract of employment ought also to make reference to shifts, breaks, overtime and entitlement to annual leave. This article will explore the […]
Legal Capacity and the Vulnerable Adult
The 16th of July 2013 saw the publication and approval of the long awaited Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Bill 2013. This new legislation will replace a 140-year-old law which categorises people with intellectual disabilities or mental health problems as “lunatics”. The current law governing mental capacity for vulnerable adults in Ireland is based on the Regulation […]