In Ireland, it is possible to bring legal claims against the State, State Departments and State agencies. If you have a dispute or have suffered an injury or loss as a result of actions by the State, contact Cantillons Solicitors and consult with one of the team.
State Departments and State Agencies
There are many State Departments, including, but not limited to:
- The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
- Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.
- Department of Defence.
- Department of Education.
- Department of Finance.
- Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
- Department of Health.
- Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
- Department of Justice.
- Department of Transport.
The head of each State Department is the Minister in that field, for example, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine oversees that Department.
State Agencies sit beneath the umbrella of the State Departments and are required by the Government to carry out set tasks. For example, within the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine you will find State Agencies such as:
- Bord Bia – tasked with promoting Irish food and horticulture.
- Bord Iascaigh Mhara – responsible for developing Ireland’s fishing industry.
- National Milk Agency – regulates the supply of milk.
There are currently hundreds of State Agencies working beneath the various State Departments. When these State Agencies fail in their duties, they become liable to legal action. State Agencies are also liable when agents of the State are involved in road traffic accidents whilst driving a State vehicle.
Bringing A Claim Against the Irish State, State Departments and State Agencies
At Cantillons Solicitors, we have extensive experience of successfully bringing legal actions against the Irish State, State Departments and State Agencies.
If, for example, a child with Special Needs is not being provided with the education they are entitled to, and deserve, a case may be brought against the Minister for Education, seeking an order that the appropriate education be provided.
Judicial Review
Cantillons Solicitors advise clients on how to navigate Judicial Review proceedings. A Judicial Review allows a person to challenge, in certain circumstances, decisions/rules which have been made by State Departments and State Agencies. These Judicial Review proceedings are brought to the High Court.
For example, if the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine imposed a ban on certain exports, and there was no legal basis for that ban, then that ban could be challenged by way of Judicial Review.
The time limits for bringing a Judicial Review are extremely tight, and can be as short as 2 months from the decision which is being challenged. In those circumstances, it is important that you contact a Judicial Review Solicitor as soon as possible should you wish to challenge a decision.
Call us at Cork +353 (0)21 4275673 or Dublin +353 (0)1 264 1802 or email us at info@cantillons.com for more information.
Our offices are located at 39 South Mall, Cork and 31-36 Ormond Quay Upper, Dublin. We do, however, represent clients from all over Ireland. Should you be unable to attend our offices, we are more than happy to travel to you, or conduct the meeting on Zoom.
* In contentious business, a Solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement. Many Personal Injury Solicitors portray themselves as ‘no win no fee’ Solicitors. This term can be misleading and it is essential that you discuss fees with the Personal Injury Solicitor you ultimately choose. At Cantillons Solicitors, we are entirely transparent.
