Jul 2019

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In 2014 Ireland took the lead in whistle-blower protection with the introduction of its Protected Disclosures Act 2014 (the Act). The Act not only consolidated Ireland's previous piecemeal legislative approach it actively promoted a cultural shift towards encouraging employee whistle-blowers by offering significant protections.

Jul 2019

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Last week's High Court decision in Roderick Jones v Minister for Justice and Equality (the Judgment) has shined a spotlight on the residency requirements for gaining Irish citizenship by naturalisation. However, the Judgment has led to widespread concern from individuals awaiting decisions on citizenship applications, prospective applicants, and their employers.

Jul 2019

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On 4 July 2019, Mr Justice William Davis approved the UK Serious Fraud Office (SFO) entering into a three year Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) with Serco Geografix Limited (SGL). This is the first DPA which has come before the UK courts whereby a parent company has guaranteed undertakings given by a dormant subsidiary.

Jul 2019

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On Monday 17 June, the Government published its Climate Action Plan 2019, which sets out its proposed policy measures for addressing the threat of climate change in Ireland.

Jul 2019

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The Climate Action Plan addresses the need focus on designing out waste, prioritising prevention of waste at every opportunity through eco-design, reuse and repair, taxation and levies.

Jul 2019

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In 2017, transport accounted for 19.8% of Ireland's greenhouse gases. We are already over 98% dependent on fossil fuels and as the economy continues to grow, so too does the concern that transport will represent the Achilles' heel in the Government's decarbonisation plan.

Jul 2019

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In 2017, emissions from the enterprise sector (of which manufacturing is one of the largest) accounted for 13.4% of Ireland's greenhouse gases. The Climate Action Plan acknowledges the historical connection between buoyant economic activity and high industry emissions and sets a range of targets.

Jul 2019

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On 17 June 2019, the Irish Government published the '2019 Climate Action Plan' and an 'Annex of Actions' together "the Plan") setting out a cross-sector suite of objectives and actions aimed at reducing Ireland's carbon emissions. The Plan includes a number of new – and existing – measures that will have broad implications for the electricity sector.

Jul 2019

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The Climate Action Plan 2019 (the Plan) references Data Centres (DCs) in different contexts.

Jul 2019

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The Climate Action Plan addresses the need to improve energy efficiency of buildings by meeting higher energy performance standards and by increasing retrofit activity.