Law « Thurles Information

Ending Youth Wage Inequality In Ireland.

On International Workers’ Day, the spotlight has once again turned to a controversial issue in Ireland’s labour market: sub-minimum wages for young workers. According to the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI), more than 27,000 young people are currently earning less than the standard minimum wage; a figure that has sparked renewed calls for reform.

Ireland remains one of the few countries in the EU where workers under 20 can legally be paid less than the full minimum wage. These reduced rates are structured by age, meaning younger employees may receive as little as 70% – 90% of the adult rate, regardless of their experience or responsibilities.
The NYCI argues that this system amounts to “age-based pay discrimination,” sending a troubling message that younger workers’ contributions are inherently less valuable. Ms Kathryn Walsh, Director of Policy and Advocacy at NYCI, has warned that such policies deepen inequality and undermine living standards for young people already facing rising costs of living.

Beyond fairness, there are growing concerns about exploitation. Research from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) suggests some employers may rely on lower youth wage rates to offset rising labour costs as the national minimum wage increases. This creates a system where young workers are not only paid less, but may also be more vulnerable to insecure and precarious employment conditions.
For many young people, minimum wage jobs already offer limited stability. Lower pay rates can make it even harder to afford basic living expenses or plan for the future.

The NYCI believes abolishing sub-minimum wages is a necessary step toward ensuring dignity, equality, and fair treatment in the workplace.

As Ireland moves toward a “living wage” model in the coming years, pressure is mounting on policymakers to act. Ending sub-minimum pay rates would not only align Ireland with broader European standards but also signal a commitment to valuing all workers equally,regardless of age.

Fraud In Ireland: A Growing Problem We Can’t Ignore.

Recent news articles have shed light on a troubling reality; fraud is becoming increasingly common across Ireland, and in many cases still go unreported. While scams have long existed, the scale and sophistication of fraudulent activity today make it a serious and evolving threat that affects people from all walks of life.

What’s particularly concerning is not just how widespread fraud has become, but how often it goes unspoken. Many victims feel embarrassed, unsure of what to do, or even doubtful that reporting the incident will make a difference. As a result, countless cases remain hidden, allowing criminals to continue operating with little resistance.

Fraud is no longer limited to obvious or easily identifiable schemes. Modern scams can be highly convincing, most often involving social media through fake emails, phone calls, or websites that closely mimic legitimate organisations such as banks, delivery services, or even government agencies. With the rise of digital banking and online services, fraudsters have more opportunities than ever to exploit trust and access sensitive information.

It’s important to recognise a simple truth; fraud can happen to anyone. No level of education, awareness, or caution makes a person completely immune. Scammers rely on manipulation, urgency, and psychological pressure, not just technical tricks. They are skilled at creating scenarios that feel real and demand immediate action, catching people off guard.

Because of this, the conversation around fraud needs to shift. Instead of focusing on blame or embarrassment, there should be greater emphasis on awareness, support, and prevention.

If you’ve been affected by fraud, it’s crucial to understand that reporting it is one of the most effective ways to combat the problem.

By contacting your financial provider as soon as possible, you increase the chances of limiting financial loss and preventing further unauthorised activity. Banks and financial institutions have dedicated teams that can respond quickly to suspected fraud, freeze accounts, and investigate suspicious transactions.

Equally important is reporting the incident to An Garda Síochána. While it may seem like a small step, every report contributes to a broader understanding of how fraud operates in Ireland. This information helps authorities identify patterns, track criminal networks, and develop strategies to prevent future scams.

Reporting fraud doesn’t just help you, it helps others. When scams go unreported, criminals remain free to target more victims using the same tactics. By speaking up, you play a role in disrupting these schemes and making it harder for fraudsters to succeed.

Education also plays a key role in prevention. Staying informed about common scams, being cautious with unsolicited communications, and taking time to verify requests for personal or financial information can significantly reduce risk. Simple actions, such as double-checking a sender’s email address or contacting a company directly through official channels, can make a big difference.

However, even the most careful individuals can be caught out. That’s why creating an environment where people feel comfortable reporting fraud is essential. Open conversations help remove stigma and encourage others to come forward if they experience something similar.

Fraud is a growing challenge, but it’s not one we are powerless against. Through awareness, vigilance, and a willingness to report incidents, individuals and communities can work together to reduce its impact. The more we talk about it, the harder it becomes for fraud to thrive in silence.

Government Announces Major Reform Of Ireland’s Family Justice System.

The Government has today published an Implementation Plan for the Family Courts Act 2024, setting out a major transformation of Ireland’s family justice system over the coming years.
The reforms aim to create a more accessible, efficient, and child-focused system for families engaging with the courts. The plan has been approved by Cabinet and outlines how the new structure will be introduced on a phased basis, beginning in January 2027.
At the core of the reforms is a commitment to improving the experience of families in the legal system. The new model will prioritise the needs and welfare of children, while also seeking to reduce costs, simplify processes, and make the courts more user-friendly.

New family court structure.
The Family Courts Act 2024 provides for the establishment of dedicated family court divisions within the existing court system. These will include a Family District Court, Family Circuit Court, and Family High Court, each dealing specifically with family law matters.
Under the new system, specialist judges with expertise in family law will be assigned to these courts on a full-time basis. Each division will be led by a Principal Judge, ensuring improved case management and consistency across the system.
The reforms will also allow for greater flexibility in how cases are handled, including enabling certain family law applications, such as divorce proceedings, to be heard at different court levels.

Phased implementation from 2027.
The implementation plan sets out a three-phase rollout designed to minimise disruption while ensuring effective delivery.

Phase 1 (January 2027):
The first family courts will open in selected locations, each providing a full suite of family court services. Judges and staff will receive specialised training, and public awareness initiatives will be introduced.
Phase 2 (January 2028):
Additional locations will be brought into the system, building on lessons learned from the initial rollout.
Phase 3 (January 2029):
Full national implementation will be achieved, with family courts operating across the country.
This staged approach reflects the complexity of the reforms and allows for ongoing evaluation and refinement at each stage.

Planning and oversight.
A preparatory phase is already underway to ensure the first courts are operational by 2027. This includes infrastructure development, staff training, and coordination across the Courts Service, judiciary, and other stakeholders.
To support delivery, an Implementation Steering Group has been established to oversee progress, monitor performance, and ensure collaboration between all parties involved.

A long-term transformation.
The reforms represent one of the most significant changes to Ireland’s court system in decades. By introducing specialised court divisions, strengthening judicial expertise, and embedding child-centred principles, the new system aims to deliver a more responsive and effective family justice framework.
Once fully implemented, the reformed system is expected to provide a more streamlined, supportive, and accessible experience for families, while ensuring that the best interests of children remain central to all proceedings.

€4.3 Million Boost Announced To Strengthen Victim Support Services Across Ireland.

The Irish government has confirmed funding exceeding €4.3 million to support organisations that assist victims and survivors of crime nationwide.

Of this, €3.8 million will be distributed among ten specialist support groups, including services such as Victim Support at Court, AdVIC, the Crime Victims Helpline, Ruhama, Support After Homicide, Missing in Ireland, Tourist SOS, the Immigrant Council of Ireland, Doras, and the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland.

Reporting a crime can be deeply distressing, and it is essential that victims feel safe, heard, and treated with dignity throughout the process. These organisations play a crucial role in ensuring that individuals receive compassionate support, practical assistance, and clear information about their rights.

The funding will help provide a range of services, including emotional support, counselling, helplines, court accompaniment, and assistance during Garda interviews for those affected by traumatic incidents.

These groups form a vital part of Ireland’s victim support framework, and this investment will help ensure that specialised services remain accessible across the country when they are most needed.

In addition, €480,000 has been allocated to honour existing commitments related to training, research, and advocacy work for victims of crime.

The government has emphasised the importance of ensuring access to support for all victims, particularly those in vulnerable situations and minority communities. The Victims of Crime Fund continues to be a key mechanism in delivering these essential services.

Funding arrangements have evolved in recent years, with organisations supporting victims of domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence now funded separately through Cuan, the national statutory agency established in January 2024.

A multi-annual funding model, introduced in 2024 and covering 2025 to 2027, aims to provide greater stability, enabling organisations to plan effectively for staffing and long-term service delivery.

All applicant organisations are required to demonstrate strong governance, sound financial management, and the capacity to meet monitoring and reporting standards.

FSAI Serve One Prohibition & One Closure Order On Two Tipperary Retailers.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) today reported that Environmental Health Officers in the Health Service Executive (HSE) served twelve Closure Orders and two Prohibition Orders on food businesses during the month of March for breaches of food safety legislation, pursuant to the FSAI Act, 1998 and the European Union (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) Regulations, 2020.

Two Prohibition Orders (one in Tipperary) were served under the European Union (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) Regulations, 2020 on:
♦Al-Eman Halal Shop Limited (Butcher Shop/Retailer), 21 Irishtown, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary .
Pinoy Sari Sari (Retailer), 25-26 Mary Street, Dublin City.

Four Closure Orders (one in Tipperary) were served under the European Union (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) Regulations, 2020 on:
♦ Arsh Bazzar (Closed area: Butcher area) (Retailer), 6 Mary Street, Clonmel, Tipperary.
Bruno Gomes (Wholesaler/ Distributor), A food business in operation from a domestic dwelling at Ferndale, Navan, Meath.
Mars Pizza (Take Away), Coolbeg, Kildimo, Limerick.
Meet Brazil (Closed area: the kitchen area upstairs serving the restaurant and take away. The retail area downstairs can remain open.) (Retailer), Castle Hill, Enniscorthy, Wexford.

Eight Closure Orders were served under the FSAI Act, 1998 on:
Kebab House 66 (Service Sector), Moore Street Mall, 58 Parnell Street, Dublin 1.
Georgian Delight (Restaurant/ Café), Unit 3, Moore Street Mall, 58-66 Parnell Street, Dublin 1.
Dailo Nepali Kitchen (Restaurant/ Café), Kitchen 4, Moore Street Mall, 58-66 Parnell Street, Dublin 1.
Tiramisu Mania (Manufacturer), Moore Street Mall, 58 Parnell Street, Dublin 1.
Spicy Bite (Restaurant/ Café), Unit 1, Moore Mall, Moore Street, Dublin 1
Glanmore Foods Limited, Grange Community College (Service Sector), Grange Abbey Road, Donaghmede, Dublin 13.
Eskimo Pizza Bandon (Closed area: the potato peeling room at the rear of the premises) (Take Away), 1 St Patrick’s Quay, Bandon, Cork.
Eurospar (Retailer), 25-27 Annesley Bridge Road, Fairview, Dublin 3.

Among the reasons for the Enforcement Orders in March are: active cockroach infestation; dead cockroaches noted inside a fridge; evidence of rodent activity; dead mouse in a cockroach trap; rodent droppings under the sink area; meat being air dried in a bedroom; no suitable hand washing facilities available to food workers; no hot water or soap for hand washing; cleaning materials stored in dirty stagnant water; thick waste discharge covering an entire floor in a kitchen; equipment observed to be heavily soiled and in an unclean condition; insufficient traceability information; no food safety management system or procedures in place for food safety; no commercial documents or other suitable records to establish the traceability of the foods.

Commenting today, Mr Greg Dempsey, Chief Executive, FSAI, reminded food businesses of the importance of having proper food safety management systems in place:
“It is disappointing that we continue to see enforcement action being necessary due to fundamental breaches. Inspectors are finding recurring incidents of pest infestations and unhygienic practices in food businesses. These are entirely preventable non-compliances when proper food safety management systems are in place. Consumers have a right to safe food. Under food law, it is the legal responsibility of food businesses to ensure that the food they sell to the consumer is safe to eat.”

“If anyone experiences unfit food, poor hygiene standards or notices a breach of food law in a food business, we encourage them to contact us via our online complaint form at www.fsai.ie/makeitbetter. Reporting inappropriate and unsafe food practices provides us with information that we can act upon. We strongly encourage food businesses to continuously improve their food safety standards via regular training, availing of our free online learning portal, as well as promoting a strong culture of food safety within their businesses,” added Mr Dempsey.

Separately, during the month of March one prosecution was taken by the Health Service Executive in relation to:
Sheela Palace Foodstall (Trading at Kerala House Carnival, Fairyhouse Racecourse, Ratoath, Co Meath) Vela, Liffey Valley Complex, Dublin 22.

Details of the food businesses served with Enforcement Orders are published on the FSAI’s website. Closure Orders and Improvement Orders will remain listed in the enforcement reports on the website for a period of three months from the date of when a premises is adjudged to have corrected its food safety issue, with Prohibition Orders being listed for a period of one month.