News & Insights
Karen’s Diner Ordered to Pay Compensation in Unpaid Tips Dispute
The quirky dining experience at Karen’s Diner in Dublin, known for its intentionally rude service, has led to a legal ruling requiring compensation for an ex-employee. The restaurant, part of a global chain that became popular in Australia and a viral sensation on TikTok, opened its doors in Dublin in early 2023. At the heart […]
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Builder Wins Compensation for Unfair Dismissal After On-Site Dispute
A builder, dismissed following an on-site disagreement where he labelled his employer a “sneaky rat,” has received €9,000 in compensation for unfair dismissal. The award was granted under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977 after David Donohoe’s complaint against SJK Civils Ltd, where he had been employed for 13 years before his termination in April 2024. […]
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European Hotels Unite Against Booking.com Over Pricing Restrictions
The hotel industry across Europe is taking a unified stand against Booking.com, challenging the platform’s restrictions that have prevented hotels from offering competitive rates. This collective legal move follows a significant ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union last September, which questioned the legality of Booking.com’s parity clauses. These clauses have barred […]
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Impacts of Proposed Defamation Law Reforms in Ireland
The landscape of defamation law in Ireland is on the brink of significant change with new legislative reforms under consideration. The Defamation (Amendment) Bill 2024, which was temporarily shelved during the dissolution of the Oireachtas for the general election, has been reinstated and is progressing through the legislative process. This Bill aims to modernise the […]
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New Legislation to Extend Expiring Planning Permissions Amid Delays
Planning permissions that have expired or are on the verge of expiry due to delays from judicial review proceedings are set to receive a lifeline through new legislative measures. The proposed Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2025 aims to address these issues and is currently being prioritised for enactment before the summer recess, according to […]
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High Court Rules Alterations to Dublin Property Will Invalid
The High Court has determined that modifications made to a will, intended to retract a gift of a significant property on South Circular Road, are invalid. These changes were likely attempted post-execution, failing to comply with section 86 of the Succession Act 1965. Delivering the judgment, Ms Justice Siobhn Stack underscored the critical importance of […]
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The Illusion of Fairness: Why It’s Time to Rethink the Injuries Resolution Board
When the Injuries Resolution Board (IRB) was first established in Ireland, it was heralded as a progressive solution to the slow and costly machinery of litigation. It promised a streamlined, non-adversarial process for resolving personal injury claims, one that would ease pressure on the courts while delivering justice quickly and efficiently to injured parties. The […]
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High Court Dismisses Injury Claim Due to Lack of GP Witnesses
A personal injury claim stemming from a 2016 road traffic accident has been dismissed by the High Court. The case, Daly v Ryans Investments Limited T/A Hertz [2024] IEHC 703, centred on the decision not to present witnesses who were the plaintiff’s treating general practitioners, including the GP whose report was submitted to the Personal […]
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Understanding Force Majeure in Construction Contracts
In recent years, Ireland has experienced a series of significant weather events, prompting a renewed focus on the role of force majeure provisions in construction contracts. These clauses serve as a critical mechanism, allowing parties to suspend obligations when faced with extraordinary, unforeseen circumstances beyond their control. Defining Force Majeure Force majeure, a term with […]
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Can Emojis and WhatsApp Create Legally Binding Contracts?
In today’s digital landscape, messaging platforms such as WhatsApp, along with the use of emojis, have become integral to business communications. This shift raises intriguing questions about the potential for these informal methods to establish legally binding contracts. Recent legal cases have highlighted this evolving dynamic, with decisions that illustrate how modern communication tools are […]
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High Court Rules Proposed Injury Award Uplift Not Applicable Yet
On 12th May 2025, a High Court ruling in Cork by Mr Justice O’Higgins clarified that proposed increases to personal injury awards cannot be implemented without the necessary legislative backing. This decision arose from a case involving a member of An Garda Siochana who sustained injuries during her duties. The Plaintiff’s legal team argued for […]
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Student Wins Case Against School’s Gender Discrimination Policy
A 16-year-old student has been awarded €9,000 in a case of gender discrimination and victimisation, following disciplinary action taken against him for wearing an ear piercing to school. The incident occurred at the beginning of the previous academic year. The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) determined that the school’s uniform policy was indirectly discriminatory based on […]
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