LexBlog (Blogs)

665 results for LexBlog (Blogs)

  • LexBlog Ireland LexBlog, 2019
  • DPC statement on LinkedIn AI training

    Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC) has released a statement revealing that LinkedIn informed the DPC of its plan to train proprietary generative AI models using personal data from EU/EEA members, set to commence in early November 2025. After reviewing LinkedIn’s data protection documentation and engaging extensively, the DPC identified several risks and issues, leading to...
  • A Link to Brighten Your Day, Even if Some of the Shine is Because of a Tear or Two in Your Eye

    During the summer of 2025, I travelled with friends on several horse back riding adventures, with time at a “Dude Ranch” in southern Virginia and, far more challenging, on the trail around the Ring of Kerry in Ireland. But this summer’s plans did not quite work out — and so it is on to planning...
  • Campylobacter and E. coli infections rise in Ireland

    Campylobacter cases continued to rise in Ireland, but Listeria and Salmonella rates were stable, according to recently released data. Figures come from a report published by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) that includes foodborne illnesses in the second quarter of this year.  There were higher rates in April to June for campylobacteriosis, hepatitis A...
  • Irish audit uncovers pest control problems

    An audit of ambient storage and distribution food business operators in Ireland has revealed pest control problems and a variety of other deficiencies. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) said some non-compliances undermined the safety of the foods being stored. Twenty-four onsite audits of individual establishments were conducted between April and August 2023. The...
  • Report identifies risks from food taken into patients

    There are gaps in policy, communication and staff training related to foods given to people in healthcare settings in Ireland, according to a report. The report, published by safefood, examined food safety risks linked to food brought into hospitals, residential care and nursing homes for vulnerable patients on the island of Ireland. Such people have...
  • Consultation on Modernising the Environmental Permitting Regime for Industrial Activities

    On 26 August 2025, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) launched a consultation to reform how industrial activities are regulated in England. DEFRA is also working alongside Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so similar changes are likely to take place in those administrations. The consultation excludes waste operations, mining waste operations, radioactive...
  • FSA reports rise in consumer food safety confidence

    Public confidence in food safety across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland has increased, according to a survey by the Food Standards Agency (FSA). The survey, conducted between October 2024 and February 2025 with 5,690 adults, found that 94 percent of respondents are confident that the food they buy is safe to eat. This is a...
  • Factor Bioscience Sues Cellectis and AstraZeneca Alleging Infringement of Gene-Editing Patents

    On September 26, 2025, Factor Bioscience Inc. (“Factor”) filed a complaint against Cellectis Inc., Cellectis SA, AstraZeneca PLC, AstraZeneca Ireland Limited, and AstraZeneca Holdings B.V., alleging infringement of Factor’s U.S. Patent Nos. 10,662,410, 10,829,738, and 10,982,229.  The case was filed in the District Court for the District of Delaware. Factor’s patents...
  • Ready, set, regulate – Ireland’s new National AI Office and Competent Authorities

    Ireland has marked a significant milestone in the implementation of the EU Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act, positioning itself at the forefront of responsible AI regulation in Europe. On 16 September 2025, the Department for of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment announced the designation of additional national competent authorities and a single central coordinating authority tasked with...
  • Ireland designates national competent authorities under EU AI Act and confirms new national AI office

    Ireland has designated 15 authorities responsible for enforcing the EU AI Act. A national single point of contact has also been established within the Department of Enterprise to streamline coordination between Irish regulators, the European Commission, and stakeholders. The Single Point of Contact serves as the interface with the public, other Member States, and EU-level...
  • Operations resume at Irish firm after Listeria outbreak

    The company behind a deadly Listeria outbreak in the Republic of Ireland has resumed production. Ballymaguire Foods said it had received approval from the Health Service Executive (HSE) to restart operations. Products will return to retail shelves beginning Aug. 12. The HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) reported nine confirmed cases of listeriosis and one death related...
  • Irish event spotlights role of AI in food safety, pointing out limitations

    Artificial intelligence has the potential to improve food safety practices but it is not a magical solution that can solve all problems, according to speakers at a recent event. The Food Safety Consultative Council (FSCC) meeting in February was held to gain insights into how artificial intelligence (AI) supports food safety. The FSCC is part of...
  • One dead in Irish Listeria outbreak

    One person has died in a Listeria outbreak linked to ready meals in the Republic of Ireland. Nine confirmed cases of listeriosis have been identified. The Health Service Executive (HSE) Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) is investigating the death of an adult with confirmed listeriosis. A national outbreak control team is investigating the “extensive” outbreak but no demographic details.
  • Ireland: GDPR, PIAB, and the Personal Injury Puzzle – The Irish Supreme Court Decides

    The Irish Supreme Court, on 24 July 2025, issued a landmark decision offering greater clarity on non-material damages in the context of privacy claims under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The judgment in Dillon v Irish Life Assurance plc[1] (Dillon) marks a significant development for both individuals seeking compensation following data protection breaches and...
  • FSAI annual report shows rise in recalls and incidents

    The Food Safety Authority of Ireland’s (FSAI) annual report has revealed a rise in food incidents, recalls, and enforcement but a decline in sampling. In 2024, the food incidents team dealt with 796 incidents, which is up from 733 in 2023. Almost 500 were in the most serious category. Incidents of significant public health concern...
  • Upward trend of hygiene rating display continues in England

    Almost three-quarters of businesses in England were displaying a food hygiene rating in the latest inspections, making it the highest rate since monitoring began in 2011. However, results published by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) found self-reported display of scores was higher than the reality. Outlets are given a rating from 0 to 5, with...
  • Irish survey finds rise in meat thermometer ownership

    More than a third of people surveyed in Northern Ireland own a meat thermometer, according to recent research. Safefood is encouraging everyone to “Trust the Meat Thermometer” this barbecue season. Safefood is an agency that promotes food safety and nutrition on the island of Ireland. At 38 percent, more than a third of home barbecue...
  • Excavation of Children s Remains Begins at Irish Home for Unwed Mothers – The New York Times

    Excavators broke ground on Monday in western Ireland to search for the bodies of hundreds of babies and young children, some of them discarded in septic tanks, who died at a home for unwed mothers that was managed by Catholic nuns from 1925 to 1961. The circumstances of the children s short lives, the treatment...
  • President Trump says he’s considering revoking Rosie O’Donnell’s citizenship

      CNN reports that President Donald Trump on Truth Social platform wrote that was considering revoking Rosie O’Donnell’s citizenship. “Because of the fact that Rosie O’Donnell is not in the best interests of our Great Country, I am giving serious consideration to taking away her Citizenship,” Trump wrote. “She is a Threat to Humanity, and should...
  • Irish illness data reveals hepatitis A outbreak; other pathogen infection rates up

    Data on the number of infections in Ireland in early 2025 has revealed a foodborne hepatitis A outbreak with 17 sick. Figures come from a report published by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) that includes foodborne illnesses in the first quarter of this year.  There were higher rates in the first quarter of 2025...
  • St. Cillian and the whales – by JD Flynn – The Pillar

    Cillian arrived near Würzburg Castle in late 686, and set up shop, monastery-wise, with a few of his traveling companions. He was by then a bishop, though it s not clear whether he was consecrated in Ireland or in Rome, by the pope personally. In either case, Cillian and companions did as Irish monks do,...
  • Happy July 4th! — Sinead O’Connor – Oro Se do Bheatha Bhaile

    Happy Fourth to all Americans at home or abroad, in fact or in spirit! I post this ballad of Irish rebellion because it captures the spirit I think we’ll need. But Ms. O’Connor is happy you’ll note. For the great Gaels of Ireland are the men that God made made, for all their wars are...
  • Risk Management Measures and Cyber Fundamentals: the NCSC’s roadmap towards NIS2 compliance

    On 24 June 2025, Ireland’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) published a set of proposed Risk Management Measures (RMMs) and launched Cyber Fundamentals, a framework designed to assist organisations to comply with the EU’s Directive (EU) 2022/2555 (the NIS2 Directive). The NIS2 Directive sets out high level measures for cybersecurity for in-scope entities across the...
  • Northern Ireland: Gender Pay Gap Reporting

    Quick Hits Unlike England, Scotland, and Wales, Northern Ireland’s employment law is devolved, meaning the existing United Kingdom gender pay gap reporting requirements for employers with 250 employees or more do not extend to Northern Ireland. In February 2025, the Department for Communities in Northern Ireland concluded a twelve-week public consultation on proposed requirements to...
  • FSAI review backs agency but makes several recommendations

    A review of the Irish food agency has found it is doing a good job but data sharing could be better and emerging issues are likely to pose new challenges. A critical review of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) was done by consultancy firm Indecon for the Department of Health and seven recommendations...
  • Wired for Progress: How Ireland and OpenAI Are Scaling Intelligence, Infrastructure, and Innovation

    Editor’s Note: This article offers an in-depth report on Day One of the 2025 Dublin Tech Summit, an annual technology event that has become a strategic touchpoint for both public policy and enterprise innovation in Ireland. With keynote insights from Minister Jack Chambers and OpenAI CFO Sarah Friar, the article explores the convergence of infrastructure,...
  • FSAI opens consultation on food hygiene rating plans

    The Irish food agency has opened a public consultation to get views on the creation of a national food hygiene rating system. Food hygiene rating scores provide customers with information that assesses the food safety standards of a business based on official inspections that look at cleanliness, food handling, and storage practices.  The Food Safety...
  • E. coli illness link prompts raw milk recall

    A brand of raw cow’s milk has been recalled in Northern Ireland because of a link to illness. Kenneth Hanna’s Farm Shop is recalling Ken’s Raw Jersey Milk because of possible contamination with Shiga toxin producing E. coli (STEC).  “As a precautionary measure we are recalling all batches and use-by dates of our raw cow’s...
  • “At the Premises” Notifiable Disease Extensions and Causation (Ireland)

    The recent Irish High Court supplemental judgment to its judgment in Marlin Apartments Limited t/a Marlin Hotel Dublin v Allianz PLC [2024] IEHC, doesn’t affect the court’s September 2024 judgment on the meaning to be given to the words “at the Premises” in the relevant notifiable disease extension.  The court said the words “at the...
  • New report shows mixed food safety disease picture in Ireland in 2024

    Ireland has reported a mixed picture for diseases in 2024 with rates of Campylobacter and Listeria going up but a decrease in E. coli notifications. Data comes from a report published by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) that includes foodborne illnesses in the final quarter of this past year.  In 2024, there were 3,984...
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