In December 2020, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) published its Annual Review of Workplace Injury, Illness and Fatality Statistics for 2018-2019.
Health & SafetyThe CBI has threatened to sanction certain aircraft lessors and other 'Schedule 2 firms' if they are AML non-compliant. In our latest publication, we provide practical guidance on managing this risk.
Financial RegulationThe EU and UK concluded a Trade and Cooperation Agreement effective from 1 January 2021. There is little in it for financial services and the implications for Irish regulated investment funds are, for the moment at least, effectively the same as if there had been no-deal.
Asset Management & Investment FundsThe Central Bank's Individual Accountability Framework is much-anticipated, with draft heads of Bill originally promised for year-end 2019. Although the Bill is on the government's legislative programme, no draft has been published as yet.
Financial RegulationThe European Banking Authority is consulting on Draft Guidelines on internal governance for investment firms categorised as Class 2 firms under the Investment Firms Directive.
Financial RegulationAn optimistic start to 2021 for the Irish gambling industry, with recent media reports indicating that the long awaited Gambling Regulator will be established by the summer of 2021.
Betting, Gaming & LicensingIreland's Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment – the Irish Government's business ministry – has commenced a public consultation to review certain aspects of competition law in Ireland.
EU, Competition & ProcurementOn 12 October 2020, the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework on BEPS released the Pillar One and Pillar Two Blueprints, together with a public consultation document seeking stakeholder input on the Blueprints.
TaxWhat could be the final public consultation meeting on the BEPS 2.0 blueprints will be held this week on 14 and 15 January 2021.
TaxThe Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) (Amendment) Bill is working its way through the Oireachtas at the moment
Disputes
The "interim period" of the Companies (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Covid-19) Act 2020 (the 2020 Act) has been extended to 9 June 2021. The Act makes temporary amendments to the Companies Act 2014 and the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1893 to address issues arising as a result of COVID-19.
Corporate & M&A
On 15 December 2020, the Minister for Health announced Ireland’s National COVID-19 Vaccination Strategy. The first vaccine was approved for use on 21 December 2020, with the first dose administered in Ireland on 29 December 2020.
COVID-19
