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The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (DPC) has recently issued a guidance note on the collection and use of location data. Any information which can link an individual with a particular place is considered to be location data.

The European Commission’s draft Privacy Shield aims to address the legal uncertainty around the commercial transfer of personal data between the EU and the US. Laura Fannin outlines the key data protection and compliance issues.

In recent years the backlog of High Court litigation has increased significantly. Two new statutory instruments, effective from 1 October 2016, aim to tackle the backlog by introducing major changes to the rules for trial conduct and case management.

The Standards in Public Office Commission recently produced its first annual report regarding the Regulation of Lobbying Act, 2015, which commenced on 1 September 2015.

Since 2004, the Commercial Court has had the power to adjourn proceedings so the parties can engage in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). This power to refer matters to ADR, with the consent of both parties, was extended to all High Court cases. The courts have taken the view that ADR should be explored by the parties as a suitable alternative to litigation where appropriate.

The Charities Regulatory Authority will have increased statutory powers when Part 4 of the Charities Act 2009 comes into force on 5 September 2016. The commencement is a timely confidence boost for the charities sector following high profile governance controversies in recent months.