Coronavirus

Virtual prison visits have been rolled out across Northern Ireland's prisons following the suspension of in-person visits during the coronavirus pandemic. The video-link facilities introduced at Maghaberry Prison, Magilligan Prison and Hydebank Wood allow for 20-minute "visits" between prisoners and

Justice Minister Naomi Long has paid tribute to "everyone working in the justice system" for their response to the coronavirus pandemic. Ms Long discussed the impact of COVID-19 on the criminal justice system with senior members of the judiciary, police and prosecution service at the Criminal Justic

Guidance on working from home securely has been published by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). The coronavirus pandemic has suddenly presented IT personnel and indeed all users with a set of cyber security challenges that, while not unique, are being experienced on a significantly larger s

Pinsent Masons has furloughed some of its non-fee earners in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The firm may also issue guidance on holidays as it looks to avoid mass absences when the lockdown eases.

New Garda powers to enforce lockdown restrictions should not be used as the consent-based approach "has been for the most part successful", civil liberties experts have said. Health Minister Simon Harris yesterday signed regulations giving gardaí powers to enforce restrictions on movement dur

Ronan Daly Jermyn partner Diarmaid Gavin and trainee Kate Murphy explore the European Commission's response to the coronavirus pandemic. On 19 March 2020, the European Commission adopted a temporary framework for state aid measures to support the economy of member states in the current Covid-19 outb

William Fry unpacks recent clarifications about certain provisions of the Government's temporary wage subsidy scheme. The Revenue Commissioners have issued some recent welcome clarifications about certain provisions of the Government's temporary wage subsidy scheme.

Belfast-based MKB Law has welcomed back associate director and employment head Suzanne Keenan from maternity leave. In a blog post, Ms Keenan said her return to work during the coronavirus pandemic "may not be what I pictured, but it is still great to be back at it".

Children are allowed to move between parents' homes during the coronavirus pandemic to comply with access orders, according to new guidance for lawyers. The Law Society of Ireland, The Bar of Ireland and the Family Lawyers' Association yesterday jointly launched updated guidelines for access during

Criminal barristers have been told they will receive legal aid payments for adjourned cases during the coronavirus lockdown and "refresher fees" when trials resume. The Department of Justice confirmed in response to representations from The Bar of Ireland that brief fees will be paid now in respect

Eoghan Ó hArgáin, associate and head of the EU, competition and regulated markets team at Eugene F. Collins, explores what measures may be taken under Irish law in response to reports of “price gouging”. Following the outbreak of COVID-19 there have been reports of hand san

Prominent Belfast solicitor Niall Murphy, who has spent almost two weeks in hospital with coronavirus, is showing signs of improvement, according to reports. Mr Murphy, 43, is a partner at KRW LAW LLP and is known for his work as a criminal defence lawyer and in representing victims of state violenc

People who are not normally resident in Ireland will not suffer negative tax repercussions if they are unable to leave due to the coronavirus pandemic, Revenue has said. "Where a departure from the State is prevented due to COVID-19, Revenue will consider this ‘force majeure’ for the pur

Spitting on a police officer during the coronavirus pandemic should be prosecuted as actual bodily harm or grievous bodily harm, a judge has said. Judge Mark Hamill, sitting in Belfast Magistrates' Court, said the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) should take a harsher attitude while police officers

Joanne Ryan, associate at William Fry, looks at whether remote swearing is permitted in Ireland in light of the coronavirus pandemic and what can be done to address the issue of swearing affidavits while adhering to social distancing.  Due to the Government's necessary social distancing restric