Budget Tax Changes Retrospective?
The most recent budget in December 2010 introduced changes to certain tax breaks which were previously available to investors and property owners. Briefly, the Government had previously enacted legislation (such as Section 23 type legislation) whereby people who invested in the construction of properties such as crèches, nursing homes and urban and rural renewal developments could claim tax allowances against income.
The changes proposed by the latest Budget will largely do away with these tax allowances and will begin to impact immediately. The question to be asked is whether a taxpayer has a legitimate expectation that these allowances would be available for as long as the Government initially stated, and on the basis of which the taxpayer made the decision to invest in the property. Whelan Solicitors are aware of submissions having been made to the Department of Finance on this point and are monitoring the position.
Tags: Budget 2010, retrospective, Section 23
Faulty Hip Replacements
In August 2010, DePuy Orthopaedics reported a worldwide recall of two particular types of hip replacement implants. The medical devices were recalled because as many as 15 per cent required replacement within five years. There are also concerns about certain materials used in the manufacture of the implants. Read the rest of this entry »
IDIOT’S GUIDE TO NAMA
This is not a legal interpretation. Well, it is, but only in an extremely limited and general way. If you want specific advice, come talk to us. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: guide to nama, nama, whelan solicitors
Caring for Elderly Relatives: The Fair Deal Scheme
Many people are faced one day with the realisation that their parents or other elderly relatives need care, often on a full time basis. Sufferers of Alzheimers disease, senile dementia or vascular demential often need full time care, and just as importantly, their carers need support and relief.
Retention of Title for Goods
In the present economic climate it is imperative that you check your terms and conditions of business before affording any customer credit to ensure that you have a valid Retention of Title clause in regard to any goods provided by you or your company. Read the rest of this entry »
Code of Practice on the Display and Sale of Alcohol
Dermot Ahern launched the new Code of Practice on the Display and Sale of Alcohol in Mixed Trading Premises on Wednesday last, 13th May 2009. A Mixed Trading premises is a premises to which an off licence attaches and which sells goods other than alcohol.
Changes in Landlord & Tenant Law
Minister for Justice, Dermot Aherne, tabled an amendment on Thursday 25 June 2009 to the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Bill, which is currently at Committee Stage. Mr. Aherne has decided to introduce legislation banning the practice of upwards only Rent Review Clauses in Commercial Leases. Under the amendment, upwards only rent reviews will, in effect, be prohibited in all new leases. Any rent review claue in such a leae will now have to provide that the rent can go up, down or remain the same by reference to the rent immediately payable before the rent review date. Read the rest of this entry »
Building Energy Rating (BER) Certificates
As and from the 1st of January 2009 any person offering any residential or commercial building for sale or let must produce what is referred to as a Building Energy Rating (BER) Certificate to the person who wishes to buy or let the property.
Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears
The Financial Regulator’s Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears came into effect on the 27th of February 2009. This Code applies to the mortgage lending activities of all regulated entities operating in Ireland lending to a consumer in respect of the consumer’s principal private residence.
Pirate Bay Operators Found Guilty
A court in Sweden has jailed four men behind the Pirate Bay website, the world’s most high-profile filesharing website, in a landmark case.
The ruling was handed down on Thursday April 16th by judges in Sweden, where a number of entertainment companies including Warner Bros, Sony Music Entertainment, EMI and Columbia Pictures were awarded damages in the amount of approximately €3million.