Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 April 2026
337. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to list all infringement proceedings currently instituted by the European Commission against Ireland, and the way in which the number of such proceedings has changed in recent years. [28541/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs of 16 April 2026, there were 48 open infringement proceedings against Ireland. Full details of all 48 cases, including the responsible Department, subject area, and procedural stage are published on the website of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
This places Ireland among the better-performing Member States: the most recent data range across the EU runs from 28 cases at the lower end to over 100 at the upper end, against an EU average of approximately 62.
Ireland’s infringement caseload has been on a broadly downward trajectory over recent years, from a high of 67 cases in December 2022. This is a result of a consistent and sustained compliance effort.
When a Member State fails to fulfil its Treaty obligations—whether through non-transposition, incomplete transposition, or incorrect application of EU law—the European Commission may initiate an infringement procedure under Article 258 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). The procedure progresses from a Letter of Formal Notice, to a Reasoned Opinion, and if unresolved, referral to the Court of Justice of the European Union. At the most serious end, the Court may impose financial sanctions under Article 260 of the TFEU.
