Latest news with #JimOCallaghan
Irish Times
12 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Insurers and businesses call for injury guidelines reform
Insurers, business lobby groups and the Injuries Resolution Board (IRB) have called for an overhaul of how personal injury awards guidelines are set, amid concern that a planned 16.7 per cent hike to payouts will widen the gap with other European jurisdictions when it comes to whiplashes and other minor injuries. Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan's officials are working on draft legislation that would bring about the increase, which has been put forward by the Judicial Council under an awards guidelines regime that came into being four years ago. Joe Brennan has the details. Smokers pay tens of thousands of euro more for life insurance and mortgage protection than non-smokers, according to new research from price comparison and switching website For mortgage protection – a legal requirement for anyone taking out a mortgage in Ireland – a 38-year-old couple can pay as little as €35.60 a month for €300,000 in cover over 30 years as long as they're both non-smokers. Conor Pope reports READ MORE Dutch private equity group Waterland is to invest a further €150 million here over the next year and a half as it looks to add to its growing portfolio of Irish companies. At a time when the wider industry is reportedly pulling back on new investments and fundraises, the group's Irish arm signalled on Friday that it plans to 'dramatically' ramp up its expansion plans in the Republic, writes Ian Curran. Ford Chief Lisa Brankin on accelerating the switch to EVs Listen | 41:35 More than two-thirds of job applications are rejected by employers because they lack the relevant skills for the role, new research has found , with others binned because applications are badly formatted or due to unexplained gaps in employment. The survey, which was carried out for hiring platform IrishJobs, found that 78 per cent of employers are dissatisfied with the quality of job applications received, making it slower and more resource-intensive for employers. Ciara O'Brien reports. Average Irish mortgage approval values rose to a record of more than €319,000 in April, new figures from the banking industry reveal, as house prices continued to climb, requiring property owners to take on higher levels of debt, reports Ian Curran. At 7.55am most weekday mornings, about 60 staff at the Seating Matters' manufacturing facility in Limavady, Co Derry meet for 45 minutes with the family owners and management. The factory makes therapeutic seating for people with disabilities. It's part training session to sharpen skills and knowledge, and partly a platform for both sides to air any issues from the previous day and is practice imported from Japanese business culture, Martin Tierney, managing director of Seating Matters tells Ciarán Hancock . He is one of 140 Irish business leaders in Japan this week as part of a CEO retreat organised by the EY Entrepreneur of the Year (EOY) programme. For the last two months European businesses have been facing 10 per cent tariffs, which are import taxes, when selling goods into the US. Cars and steel products sold from the EU to the US have been subject to 25 per cent levies. The threat of across-the-board tariffs of 20 per cent, or even 50 per cent, if negotiations failed, has caused growing alarm across European industries. Jack Power brings us inside a crucial week in the trade talks between the European Union and the US A key lesson from the miserable economic performance of the 1980s is that it is vital to act quickly when in a fiscal crisis. Spreading the adjustment out over the course of a decade made things worse rather than easier, argues John FitzGerald in his weekly column . In the financial crisis that began in 2008-09, this lesson was learned. The really painful adjustment was completed between 2010 and 2013, resulting in a rapid and sustained recovery from 2014. While many at the time argued for a slower adjustment, it is likely that would only have prolonged the agony, as in the 1980s. The Linwoods brand was for most of its history best known as a bread and milk producer and wholesaler but, amid changing economic fortunes and increased competition from multinationals, the family-owned company began to struggle. 'My father always says 'evolve or die',' managing director Patrick Woods told Hugh Dooley in our interview slot . Linwoods has since evolved into one of the largest health food companies in Ireland, with distribution links with big retailers across the UK. If you'd like to read more about the issues that affect your finances try signing up to On the Money , the weekly newsletter from our personal finance team, which will be issued every Friday to Irish Times subscribers.
Irish Times
12 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Insurers and businesses call for injury guidelines reform as 17% rise planned
Insurers, business lobby groups and the Injuries Resolution Board (IRB) have called for an overhaul of how personal injury awards guidelines are set, amid concern that a planned 16.7 per cent hike to payouts will widen the gap with other European jurisdictions when it comes to whiplashes and other minor injuries. Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan 's officials are working on draft legislation that would bring about the increase, which has been put forward by the Judicial Council under an awards guidelines regime that came into being four years ago. A Supreme Court ruling last year confirmed that the council had the power to set guidelines, as long as they, and any changes, are rubber stamped by both Houses of the Oireachtas. A number of insurers and business representative groups have used a Department of Finance public consultation on future insurance reforms to register concerns about the planned blanket increase to personal injury awards, the frequency with which they are reviewed and the extent of powers the judiciary has. READ MORE Aviva Insurance Ireland said that while the 2021 guidelines brought down overall injury awards, the going rate for minor neck injuries where recovery is made within six months is up to €3,000, 5½ times higher than that in the UK. 'The large disparity is before the 16.7 per cent increase proposed by the Judicial Council, which, if introduced, will make the gap even larger,' Aviva said. 'Comparing Aviva's claims in the UK and Ireland, attritional claims like whiplash represent 30 per cent of the cost of motor insurance premium in Ireland compared to 10 per cent of premium in the UK in 2024 and lower still in Europe.' 'We estimate that the cost of implementing the 16.7 per cent increase is €74 million, which ultimately will be paid for by customers.' Aviva , Allianz Ireland and Insurance Ireland each called for the guidelines to be benchmarked against European countries. 'Legal expenses and award levels for lower-value claims remain disproportionately high and are not aligned with those observed in the UK and other European jurisdictions,' said Allianz. 'Before any inflationary adjustments are made to the personal injuries guidelines, it is essential to conduct a comprehensive benchmarking exercise with our European counterparts to ensure a proportionate and evidence-based approach.' Alliance for Insurance Reform, a lobby group for business and civic organisations, said the periodic review of awards should be extended from three to seven years. 'The guidelines ought not to be both reviewed and subsequently applied by the judiciary,' the alliance said in its submission to the Department of Finance. 'Rather the former responsibility should be delegated to an independent commission comprising a variety of members, reflective of the many stakeholders and policy considerations involved.' Small business lobby group ISME also called for judges to be removed entirely from the setting of awards guidelines. It claimed, in addition, that 'there is too much judicial discretion improperly exercised in favour of losing plaintiffs' in the injury cases that end up in court. The IRB said the current three-year review cycle does not allow guidelines to be embedded. It suggested it should be extended to five years. It also called for clarity on what happens if the Houses of the Oireachtas does not approve amendments. 'Under the current guidelines model, there could be several versions of the guidelines in use dependent on whether a claim has already been assessed or if legal proceedings have been initiated,' it said. 'A situation cannot exist whereby the same injury, the same claim, that has been rejected within the Injuries Resolution Board goes into the court system and a different set of guidelines is used to value compensation.'
The National
a day ago
- General
- The National
Sean McGovern, alleged Kinahan gang member, extradited from UAE to Ireland
A man alleged to be a key player in the Kinahan Organised Crime Group has been extradited from the UAE to Ireland. Sean McGovern, named in Ireland's courts as being part of the criminal gang, landed in Dublin on Thursday evening, having flown on an Irish military aircraft. He is wanted in connection with a 2016 murder and alleged drug offences. Dubai Police arrested Mr McGovern in October 2024, and he has remained in custody since. While Jim O'Callaghan, Ireland's minister for justice, did not name Mr McGovern directly, he welcomed news of an extradition and described it as "further evidence of the excellent criminal justice co-operation" Ireland and the UAE. "In recent years, the UAE and Ireland have worked together to advance criminal investigations into serious and organised crime," Mr O'Callaghan said. "That strong co-operation was further strengthened by the decision to deploy a Garda Liaison Officer to Abu Dhabi last year and the negotiation of bilateral treaties on extradition and mutual legal assistance, both of which entered into force on Sunday May 18." Mr O'Callaghan added that these developments result from the tireless work of law enforcement in both Ireland and the UAE. "I would particularly like to acknowledge and thank my counterpart, the Emirati Minister of Justice, Abdullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi and his senior officials in the Ministry of Justice, along with the Dubai Police, for their ongoing engagement and commitment to strengthening judicial and police-to-police cooperation on criminal matters in our efforts to combat the global threat of organised crime," Mr O'Callaghan said. Mr McGovern was detained in Dubai in 2024 following an Interpol red notice. It is believed he had been contesting the extradition. Interpol described Mr McGovern as "one of Ireland's most wanted fugitives" and said the red notice was published to support the ongoing collaboration between the Irish and UAE authorities. It also confirmed that Mr McGovern is wanted for charges including murder and directing an organised crime group. Additionally, Mr McGovern was also one of the seven senior figures in the Kinahan group named and placed under sanctions by US authorities. The UAE in 2022 froze assets related to the group. Ireland's then minister for justice, Helen McEntee, visited the UAE in October last year to sign the extradition and mutual assistance treaties between both countries. It came just after Mr McGovern was detained. In an interview with The National during the visit, Ms McEntee declined to comment on individual cases but said anyone who thinks they can 'inflict misery' at home and then move away and live with impunity is mistaken. "My objective and our government objective is to make sure that, irrespective of where you go, we can bring you back home to face justice at home,' Ms McEntee said. 'I think this certainly tightens the net … and I think it sends a very clear message,' she said. "This really will apply to everybody and I hope it sends a very strong message to everybody that they won't be able to disobey the law." Ms McEntee said the McGovern case, while again not wanting to get into specifics, had already started and so did not fall under the extradition treaty. RTE reported that Mr McGovern is the first person ever extradited to Ireland from the UAE. The Kinahan gang, meanwhile, emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s as the most powerful organised crime group operating in Ireland.
BreakingNews.ie
a day ago
- Health
- BreakingNews.ie
Contacts with Dublin Rape Crisis Centre reach record high
Calls to the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre reached a record high last year, the organisation has revealed. The almost 23,000 contacts made to the centre's helpline in 2024 represented the highest in the DRCC's 46-year history. Advertisement The figures were contained in the organisation's annual report published on Thursday. Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan, who will launch the report in Dublin on Thursday morning, said the figures were 'hugely concerning'. 'Sexual violence is a crime that has historically been under-reported and this is something I am committed to addressing, and something that is changing as complainants become more confident in our justice system,' he said. 'Many of the figures and statistics in this latest report from Dublin Rape Crisis Centre are hugely concerning but I am encouraged that a significant percentage of those who seek support from DRCC also report to An Garda Síochána.' Advertisement Mr O'Callaghan commended the 'excellent work and unwavering commitment' of the centre. Chief executive of DRCC Rachel Morrogh said contacts with the helpline broke the 20,000 mark for the first time in 2024, reaching a total of 22,700. She said: 'In fact, engagement with the National Helpline increased by over 20% from 2023, bringing the number of contacts to almost 23,000. There are likely a number of drivers behind the increased demand for our 24-hour listening service, including that survivors feel increasingly confident about where to find non-judgmental support, but also the reality that sexual violence is still an insidious and common occurrence in modern Ireland. 'Although we are encouraged by the marked rise in the number of survivors contacting us, we know that this is a fraction of the thousands of people living with trauma who have not yet sought support. Our message to them today is that they are not invisible to us, that they deserve support, and that when they feel ready to talk, we are ready to listen.' Advertisement Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan said the figures were 'extremely concerning' (PA) Ms Morrogh said the sharpest increase in activity across the organisation's frontline supports was reported by its therapy service. 'Dublin Rape Crisis Centre's counsellors held almost 6,000 counselling sessions with survivors, an increase of 57 per cent compared to 2023,' she said. 'Specialised counselling unlocks healing for many survivors of sexual violence and we are proud to have supported 637 women and men last year. The number of therapy clients increased by 28 per cent, or 140 people. 'While many people choose not to make a report to An Garda Síochána about what happened to them, Dublin Rape Crisis Centre therapy clients do so at much higher rates than the national average. The Central Statistics Office has reported that tiny numbers of people who have experienced sexual violence in their lifetime have reported it to the Gardaí. There are many reasons for this, ranging from a fear of not being believed or thinking they are in some way to blame or that what happened was not serious enough. Amongst our new therapy clients last year however, the reporting rate was 27 per cent. Advertisement 'We are honoured to support our clients through the justice system, which can be a very difficult process for many. Every time there is a conviction and sentence for a sexual offence, we know it is felt as a victory for those who will never have their day in court or have the validation and catharsis of a guilty verdict.' – The 24-hour National Rape Crisis Helpline is available on 1800 778888
Irish Times
2 days ago
- General
- Irish Times
Special Criminal Court and Offences Against the State Act set to be repealed
The non-jury Special Criminal Court and the Offences Against the State Act are set to be repealed after more than 50 years in existence following the acceptance by the Minister for Justice of the recommendations of an expert review group. Jim O'Callaghan told Cabinet colleagues this week that the emergency powers, introduced in 1972, had served the State well but an updated approach was needed for the modern security landscape. The Act established the non-jury court as a counter-terrorism measure. However, following the Belfast Agreement in 1998, and the sharp decline in paramilitary-type offences, the court was used in recent years to try serious gangland cases. However, the replacement of the legislation will not mean an end to non-jury courts. Mr O'Callaghan said that they remained necessary for certain cases and that had been a recommendation of the Independent Review Group, chaired by Mr Justice Micheal Peart. READ MORE 'Trial by jury is an important, though not unqualified, right under our Constitution,' said Mr O'Callaghan. 'The review group proposal recognises, and it is clear to me as Minister for Justice, that a non-jury court remains necessary to try serious criminal offences in certain exceptional cases where the ordinary courts are inadequate,' he said. While the new legislative framework is being developed, the Government agreed at its meeting this week to renew the emergency Act for a further year. The recommendations of the majority report include the repeal of the Offences Against the State Acts and to re-enact select elements in replacement legislation. [ Offences Against the State Act: Is it still needed? Opens in new window ] They also include the establishment of a new non-jury court to try serious criminal offences where the ordinary courts are inadequate to secure the effective administration of justice. The Offences Against the State Acts are Ireland's primary counter-terrorism legislation and provide the legislative basis for the non-jury Special Criminal Court. The Independent Review Group recommended the repeal of the Act in its 2023 report and their replacement with a modern legislative framework. 'Given the importance of the Acts over many decades, proposals for reform must be thoroughly considered and approached with the utmost care. This is to ensure we do not do anything to undermine the efforts of the authorities with responsibility for countering terrorism and organised crime,' said the Minister. Sinn Féin TDs opposed the annual renewal of the emergency powers for many years in the Dáil but in recent years, the party has abstained pending the outcome of the review.
