Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 September 2026
358. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the position regarding any review of the requirement for company directors to make publicly available their name, date of birth, personal residential address and a copy of their signature; and if he is concerned about the implications on their privacy as a result of this requirement. [68533/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraLimited liability is a fundamental feature of company law and is designed to encourage enterprise by allowing individuals to undertake commercial activity without unlimited personal exposure in the event of business failure. However, the law demands that, in return for the privilege of limited liability, those availing of it act in good faith and abide by minimum requirements of governance, transparency and commercial probity.
The Company Law Review Group (CLRG) prepared a report last Autumn following a review of the provisions in company law relating to the disclosure of the residential addresses of company officers and a public consultation was conducted by my Department on the intended approach. The Government has subsequently agreed to amending the Companies Act 2014 in relation to the treatment of residential addresses, in a manner which strikes a balance between the right to privacy of individuals, the importance of transparency in relation to company officers and ensuring continuing access to such addresses in particular circumstances.
A similar approach is being reflected in the drafting of the Co-operative Societies Bill and it is intended to also use this Bill as the vehicle to make the required changes to the Companies Act. The Co-operative Societies Bill is being finalised at present and it is expected that the final Bill will be brought to Government before end year and with a view to progressing through the Oireachtas as soon as possible thereafter.
