Coronavirus

Remote court hearings are set to begin later this month following a successful trial of the new technology, the Chief Justice has announced. Solicitors, barristers and courts staff across various jurisdictions are now taking part in mock hearings ahead of the use of the technology in actual cases "e

Prominent Belfast solicitor Niall Murphy was applauded by healthcare workers as he was wheeled out of intensive care following nearly two weeks of treatment for coronavirus. A video of the 43-year-old lawyer, a partner at KRW LAW LLP, leaving intensive care was posted on Twitter by Sinn Féin

High Court cases listed for a hearing next week should be adjourned for four weeks rather than eight weeks, the Lord Chief Justice has directed. Amended COVID-19 guidance issued to courts states that "in most cases the adjournment period will be one of eight weeks".

A new awareness campaign has been launched to ensure that victims of domestic abuse know services are still available in spite of the coronavirus pandemic. New TV and radio ads now airing reflect the particular issues raised for some by the need to stay at home because of restrictions introduced to

Ronan Hynes, partner at Sellors, considers how the coronavirus pandemic has accelerated the transformation of the justice sector. COVID-19 has reminded us how globalised the world has become, how interconnected we all are and the role that technology will play in our future. The World Economic Forum

Ireland's human rights watchdog has called on political parties forming the next government to safeguard rights in its response to the coronavirus pandemic. In a letter sent to party leaders, acting chief commissioner Tony Geoghegan said Ireland's "legal human rights and equality norms" should "cont

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