News

A former Kildare-based car dealer has been fined and ordered to pay costs following a prosecution brought by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC). Ionut Nitulescu pleaded guilty to misleading a consumer about the history of a second-hand car, an offence under consumer protection

International law firm Simmons & Simmons has recruited Louise Dobbyn as a partner in its financial service regulation practice in Dublin. Ms Dobbyn joins the firm from Matheson and brings significant experience advising international financial institutions including banks, investment firms, fund

Northern Ireland's justice minister, Naomi Long, has rejected calls for mediation to resolve a long-standing dispute over criminal legal aid fee levels. Members of the Criminal Bar Association (CBA) yesterday withdrew services from all legally-aided Crown Court fees in a significant escalation of in

Ghana has asked self-proclaimed prophets to submit their prophecies for government review. An online portal has been established by Ghana's presidential envoy for inter-faith and ecumenical relations to review "sensitive prophecies", The Economist reports.

The Irish government has condemned new Israeli legislation blocking the provision of water and electricity to UNRWA facilities. Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Slovenia and Spain say Israel's actions "undermine the UN mandate, violate international law and run counter to the findings of

Victim Support NI's chief executive officer, Janice Bunting, has received an MBE for services to victims and witnesses of crime. Ms Bunting is among 1,157 recipients of New Year honours across the UK, around five per cent of whom are from Northern Ireland.

A date has been set for English prosecutors' appeal against a decision to throw out terrorism charges brought against a member of Belfast rap trio Kneecap. Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, also known by his stage name "Mo Chara", appeared before Westminster Magistrates' Court last September to face

New legislation is to introduce a statutory basis for continuing professional development (CPD) for dentists. The proposed amendment of the Dentists Act 1985 will ensure continued patient safety, allow the public to retain confidence in the dental profession, and bring the regulation of the dental p

Former Legal Aid Board CEO John McDaid has been appointed as chairperson of the Adoption Authority of Ireland. Mr McDaid led the legal aid agency from 2014 until 2023, having joined in 1993 after a period of working in private practice as a solicitor in Dublin and in Australia.

A number of reforms under the landmark Planning and Development Act 2024 have now entered into effect. The key reforms in the latest phase of the Act's commencement relate for the most part to local authority development plans and local area plans.

Ireland now has a full-time, permanent team of investigators for marine accidents following the commencement of legislation. The Marine Accident Investigation Unit (MAIU) was established within the Department of Transport from 1 January 2026, replacing the Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB)

Mayo barrister Darragh McDonagh BL has passed away. Mr McDonagh passed away on 1 January after an illness and was buried in his home town of Kiltimagh on Sunday.

The four bars across these islands have have expressed deep concern over UK government plans to restrict jury trials in England and Wales. Since the UK government announced its proposal to restrict the right to a jury trial in response to Sir Brian Leveson’s criminal courts review, the Bar of

Thousands of offenders in England and Wales had their alcohol levels tracked over the new year period by electronic tags that monitor their sweat levels. The tags — worn by 5,000 people who have been released from jail or are serving a community sentence — have kept them sober over the f

Scotland's unique 'not proven' verdict has now been abolished in all new criminal trials. 'Not proven' was previously available to juries as a verdict resulting in acquittal — identical in effect to a verdict of 'not guilty'.