Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 section 73

Accidents in illegal employment and accidents outside the State

Section 73 allows workers to claim occupational injuries benefits even when their employment was technically unlawful or their contract was void, and restricts benefits for accidents occurring outside the State.

• The Minister may treat employment as insurable for occupational injuries purposes, even if the employment breached protective legislation.
• This protection applies where the employment contract was void due to non-compliance with employee protection laws.
• It also applies where the worker was not lawfully employed at the time or place of the accident, disease, or injury.
• Benefits are generally not payable for accidents occurring while the insured person is outside the State.