Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 December 2025
204. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the key measures taken in the area of company and corporate affairs during 2025; his priorities for 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73147/25]
View answerThe following provides an overview of the principal measures progressed in the area of company and corporate affairs during 2025, along with the Department’s key priorities for 2026.
In February 2025, the European Commission proposed an Omnibus Directive to simplify EU sustainability and reporting rules, including changes to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). As part of this package, a “Stop the Clock” measure was introduced to defer CSRD obligations for companies due to report in 2026 and 2027 and to postpone the transposition deadline and initial application of the CSDDD. Following the adoption of the Stop the Clock Directive in April 2025, Ireland transposed the measure ahead of the deadline through S.I. No. 309 of 2025, signed on 7 July 2025. This instrument also addressed a small number of technical points in Ireland's original CSRD transposition by refining the definition of net turnover and clarifying the scope of applicable companies, including rules for third-country undertakings and their Irish subsidiaries or branches.
A Periodic Critical Review of the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA) was completed in November 2025. The Review confirmed strong organisational performance across IAASA’s standard-setting, supervisory, enforcement and advisory functions, supported by a clear statutory mandate and effective governance.
The remit of the Advisory Council against Economic Crime and Corruption, chaired by James Hamilton, the former Director of Public Prosecutions, is to advise and make proposals to Government on strategic and policy responses to economic crime and corruption. The Council is developing a multi-annual strategy to combat economic crime and corruption and an accompanying action plan for the Minister of Justice who will subsequently bring the final strategy and action plan to government for approval. The Department and its agencies, as Advisory Council members, will support the implementation of the Strategy.
A competition is currently underway to appoint two new Members to the Corporate Enforcement Authority, in line with the Programme for Government commitment to build capacity to tackle economic crime and corruption. It is anticipated that the new Members will be appointed in 2026.
Officials from my Department represented Ireland’s position in the intensive negotiations on the proposed EU Directive harmonising certain aspects of insolvency law, known as INSOL III. A political agreement on the file was reached by the co-legislators in November 2025, marking a significant milestone in a negotiating process that began in 2022.
A public consultation was completed on the transposition of the EU Directive on multiple-vote share structures in companies that seek admission to trading of their shares on a multilateral trading facility in September 2025. The Department will advance transposition in 2026 to meet the deadline of 5 December 2026.
The Company Law Review Group is a statutory body tasked with monitoring, reviewing, and advising the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment on matters relating to the Companies Act 2014 and related issues. Nominations and expressions of interest will be sought in early 2026 for membership of the CLRG from 2026-2030.
Arising from consideration of a report from the Company Law Review Group, in relation to access to residential addresses of company Directors and Secretaries, my Department launched a public consultation in November 2025 on proposed legislative changes. Following consideration of the responses received, it is expected that any related amendments can be finalised and progressed in early 2026. This may also have implications for the Co-operative Societies Bill and the Registration of Limited Partnerships and Business Names Bill which are currently being drafted.
The Companies (Corporate Governance, Enforcement and Regulatory Provisions) Act 2024 contains provisions to enhance and amend the legislative framework provided by the Companies Act 2014 in the areas of governance, administration, insolvency, enforcement and supervision. The majority of the provisions came into force with effect from 3 December 2024, including providing the option for holding hybrid and wholly virtual meetings. A further provision, providing an amended audit exemption regime for small and micro companies, came into effect on 16 July 2025. The remaining provisions will be commenced during 2026 once the necessary administrative arrangements are in place in the Companies Registration Office.
