In the newest phase of Ireland’s response to COVID-19, the Government have introduced further restrictions on the movement of people. Only in very limited circumstances are people permitted to leave their homes. Of importance to employers is the announcement that only those performing essential services can travel to and from, and for the purposes of, […]

The Government has made orders under Section 251(A) of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 as amended (“PDA”), which result in an extension of time by 23 days of a range of specified/appropriate periods and timelines under the PDA and other related legislation. An Order under Section 251A means that the time periods specified for […]

On 27 March 2020, the Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (COVID-19) Act 2020 was signed into law by President Michael D Higgins. The purpose of this Briefing Note is to summarise the provisions of the Act for Philip Lee clients. 1. Why is the legislation being introduced? The legislation has been introduced by the […]

As the world reacts to the COVID-19 pandemic, the public sector may be required to purchase essential goods and services more quickly than usual (or will experience substantial demand for particular goods and services). This may be complicated by supply chain difficulties with previously procured suppliers being unable to provide the level of goods or […]

The Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Covid-19) Bill 2020 passed the first stage in the Dáil on 24 March 2020. Section 9 of the Bill inserts a new Section 251A in the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. In effect, it is proposed to suspend time limits in specified legislation for the period […]

Last Friday, the Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Act, 2020 (the “Act”) was signed into law by President Michael D Higgins. This is the Government’s first legislative response to the coronavirus crisis. The purpose of this Briefing Note is to summarise the provisions of the Act for Philip […]

In our FAQ of 6 March we addressed the key points that employers need to be aware of. Regrettably, the situation is worsening so we have prepared an updated version of our note which takes into account developments since then. What are my obligations to staff?                    […]

As everyone knows, the government is enacting unprecedented measures to try to contain the spread of the coronavirus. Everyone hopes for the best – but the outcome is far from certain.  Aside from the effect on public health, the virus is already starting to cause damage to the economy.  Hopefully the measures the government is […]

As the World Health Organisation (“WHO”) and national governments continue to battle the spread of COVID-19, the impact on travel, events, national economies and supply chains is evolving day by day.  Although China’s importance to the global economy is well known, the COVID-19 crisis has brought into sharp focus how interlinked and dependent Western businesses […]

Cases of Covid-19 (otherwise known as the Coronavirus) are on the rise in Ireland. Employers should continue to review guidance issued by the World Health Organization and the HSE, along with any travel advice issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs. A number of clients have asked us practical questions in relation to the employer-employee […]