Know Your Rights
Every month we publish four frequently asked questions. Select one below.
I took out a loan from the bank some time ago. I have had difficulty making the full monthly payment and I have been making small payments when I can. Now I have received telephone calls from a solicitor’s firm seeking immediate repayment of the debt. I find these calls distressing and threatening. Can they do this?
Answer Your bank (or its representatives) is entitled to ask you to pay your debts but is not entitled to harass or intimidate you. There are specific rules for debt collection (under the Consumer...Self-employment and voluntary PRSI contributions
I have been self-employed for many years and paid contributions at Class S which count towards my pension. This year I had to cease trading and sign on for Jobseeker’s Allowance. I’m worried about my pension. What can I do to maintain my insurance record?
You are right to be concerned. People who paid PRSI contributions at Class S do not get credited contributions or ‘credits’ with Jobseeker’s Allowance. If you wish to maintain your insurance record...I was born in Ireland but lived in Britain for most of my life and my children were all born there. My daughter is now expecting her first child who will be born in the UK. My daughter is an Irish citizen. Can the baby become an Irish citizen?
Yes, your grandchild can become an Irish citizen. Any child born outside Ireland to an Irish citizen is entitled to become an Irish citizen. However before the baby can claim Irish citizenship, he or...I am living in a committed relationship but am not married. I do not wish to get married. What difference will the new Civil Partnership Act make to my situation?
The Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010 has been passed by the Oireachtas but has not yet been commenced (is not in force). The main purpose of the Act is to...