News & Insights

O’Reilly Stewart were recently instructed to act in a Shareholder dispute on behalf of a Director and Shareholder, who had been excluded from acting in that capacity in a local construction company. The Director he had started and built up the company from instigation with his fellow Directors. Christina Lishman of our Commercial Department acted…

The Court of Appeal has at last handed down its judgment in the case of Swift v Carpenter, heard in June 2020, on the issue of how damages for the cost of specially adapted accommodation is to be calculated. This is a victory for Charlotte Swift and for many other plaintiffs, including many here in…

The recent announcement from Robin Swann, Minister for Health, of a full public inquiry in respect of the abuse suffered by patients of Muckamore Abbey Hospital is both welcome and necessary. It is imperative that a full and robust investigation takes place to ensure that lessons are learned and that such an event never happens…

One of the side effects of the Covid-19 pandemic has been to extend already long waiting lists in Northern Ireland. That is understandable to an extent due to the lockdown and restrictions that have been required. However, what is not understandable is that the waiting lists in Northern Ireland are currently significantly longer than in…

One of the side effects of the Covid-19 pandemic has been to extend already long waiting lists in Northern Ireland. That is understandable to an extent due to the lockdown and restrictions that have been required. However, what is not understandable is that the waiting lists in Northern Ireland are currently significantly longer than in…

In the wake of the Coronavirus, job losses are occurring across the globe, and the Northern Ireland workforce is no exception. The developments of the pandemic are such that many employers will be left with no choice but to make redundancies over the coming months.   Redundancy is unique from ordinary dismissal of employees; when…

O’Reilly Stewart recently published clarification in respect of the recent Corporate Insolvency & Governance Bill which lately came into effect in Northern Ireland. This was introduced by the government in order to relieve the burden on businesses and to assist with economic recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic. In summary, the Bill makes permanent and temporary…

This week the Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a Stamp Duty holiday, increasing the Stamp Duty threshold from £125,000 to £500,000 for a limited time. The temporary Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) changes are welcome news for the housing market, assisting purchasers to either get on or move further up the property ladder and those planning…

Following, the government announcement today, property purchasers in Northern Ireland will be delighted to hear that for a temporary period no Stamp Duty is payable for purchases up to the level of £500,000. This Stamp Duty threshold increase is applicable for all purchases completing between Wednesday 8th July and the 31st  March 2021.   This…

The Department of Justice has amended the same household rule within The Northern Ireland Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme (2009). This amendment has been approved by the Northern Ireland Assembly and came into operation on 9 June 2020. The amendment to the Scheme will mean that anyone previously denied compensation under the same household rule, or…

As many will have read in the media, concerns continue to be expressed in relation to the opening up of healthcare services for non-covid patients who are at risk of serious harm or death if they cannot access them. We have received calls from patients and their next of kin where such lack of access is…

On 15 June, the Executive announced Northern Ireland’s hotels, bars, restaurants and cafés can conditionally reopen from 3rd July. This is a much welcomed decision during an incredibly difficult time for the hospitality industry.   The Economy Minister Diane Dodds stated the developments were an important step on the road to recovery. The dates provided…