Over 150 solicitors heard updates on the GDPR at last Friday’s general practice update at Hotel Kilkenny in Kilkenny.

Organised by the Law Society Finuas Skillnet in partnership with Carlow Bar Association, Kilkenny Bar Association, Waterford Law Society and Wexford Bar Association, the event offered practitioners essential updates on employment law, probate law, and their GDPR obligations.

Solicitor Yvonne Blanchfield (Owen O'Mahony & Co, Kilkenny) is president of the Kilkenny Bar Association. She said that the annual legal conference is an opportunity for local solicitors to reflect on a continually evolving legal landscape.

“This year, we have had huge changes within the law, particularly in relation to GDPR,” she said. “We were lucky to benefit from the knowledge of tech law expert Elizabeth Fitzgerald.” 

Compliant

She added that data protection changes make it crucial that every business, organisation, sports and volunteer group, big or small, stay compliant.

“GDPR is about much more than storing personal data safely. It is also important that anyone facing a data request knows how to handle it, especially within the timeframe of 30 days.

“Personal data is any information that can identify an individual person. This can include, but is not limited to, a name, postal address, image, or anything relating to the identity of a person.”

“If you need information on reviewing your GDPR policy, or handling an access request, talk to your solicitor at the earliest opportunity. 

“Businesses not compliant with the new rules may face severe penalties, including fines of up to €20 million, or 4% of turnover,” she pointed out.

The conference also updated local solicitors on probate laws and handling estates, including the ramifications of the Budget 2019 change that increased the inheritance tax threshold for children by €10,000 to €320,000.