In 2014 Ireland took the lead in whistleblower protection with the introduction of the Protected Disclosures Act. It actively promoted a cultural shift towards encouraging employee whistleblowers by offering them significant protections from penalisation.
EmploymentThe UK electricity regulator, Ofgem, has called for industry feedback on ways to improve coordination in offshore electricity transmission infrastructure. This feedback will inform a wider review of the UK's offshore transmission network, launched in July 2020.
Climate Action
On 25 August 2020, the European Commission approved Ireland's plan to provide €50m worth of State aid to the Irish beef sector to address the impact of COVID-19.
COVID-19A recent Court of Appeal decision (89 Holland Park (Management) Limited -v- Hicks [2020] EWCA Civ 758) held that it was possible to object to a neighbour’s proposed works to land or property on aesthetic grounds, provided the refusal was reasonable.
Litigation & Dispute Resolution BelfastMarie O'Brien & David Berkery look at some of the key trends and developments in the aviation finance and leasing industry in Ireland such as talent, tax developments, aircraft leasing eco-system, ABS developments, climate action targets, and general market trends, and how they may shape the future of the industry.
Aviation & Transport Finance
Following the Northern Ireland assembly announcement on 20 August 2020, it has been confirmed that tightened restrictions are due to come into effect in Northern Ireland from early next week.
COVID-19 BelfastThe Low Carbon Benchmarks Regulation amended the Benchmarks Regulation to introduce a new category of benchmarks and to provide for sustainability-related disclosures for all benchmarks.
Asset Management & Investment FundsAn increase in remote working has brought with it an increase in cybersecurity risks.
Asset Management & Investment FundsThe Q&A provides an overview of the Irish securitisation markets and legal regimes.
Capital Markets - Debt
On 14 August 2020, the European Commission approved, under the EU State aid rules, a €2bn loan guarantee programme by Ireland to support businesses affected by COVID-19.
COVID-19On 13 August 2020, the European Commission and the UK Government published the agenda for the seventh round of the UK-EU Future Relationship Agreement. This round will be held between 18 and 21 August 2020 in Brussels.
BrexitA group of 16 major European banks has announced the implementation phase of a new unified payment scheme and solution called the European Payments Initiative (EPI).
EU, Competition & Procurement
