Public sector update *

Ireland - April 27 2012
The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan, T.D. has initiated a public consultation on national climate policy and legislation.

Co-authors: Catherine Allen, Niall Michel, Edward Gleeson, James Bardon.

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Court takes into account duty of “fidelity to the nation and loyalty to the state”… “in a time of fiscal emergency” when imposing sentence *

Ireland - April 27 2012
The Court of Criminal Appeal recently imposed a nine year sentence in a case of significant and systematic fraud on the public revenue involving illegal tax evasion and social security fraud.

Co-authors: David Hickey .

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EU *

European Union, Ireland - April 27 2012
The European Commission is running 26 consultations at present on topics ranging from the future of European Company Law to a revision of the limit values for lead in toys. 

Co-authors: Catherine Allen, Niall Michel, Edward Gleeson, James Bardon.

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Changes in judicial review procedure *

Ireland - March 14 2012
The Rules of the Superior Courts (Judicial Review) 2011, SI 2011/691, replace the previous Rules 18 to 28 of Order 84 of the Rules of the Superior Courts 1986. 

Co-authors: Catherine Allen, Niall Michel, Edward Gleeson, James Bardon.

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Access to information on the environment *

European Union, Ireland - March 14 2012
In two judgments, the European Court of Justice has provided guidance on the extent of the exemption for authorities acting in a legislative capacity from having to provide access to environmental information under the Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters (Aarhus Convention). 

Co-authors: Catherine Allen, Niall Michel, Edward Gleeson, James Bardon.

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