In this month's First Tuesday Q&A, Ciarán Lyng, Associate in A&L Goodbody's Employment Practice Group, provides an insight into what employers need to know when faced with the most common, and often tricky, dismissals in Ireland.

Probationary and performance dismissals

1. What do employers need to consider when including a probation clause in employment contracts?

It is important that the probation clause in contracts of employment complies with the European Union (Transparent and Predictable Working Conditions) Regulations 2022. This sets a statutory limit of six months for probationary periods. On an exceptional basis, a probationary period may be up to 12 months where this would be in the interest of