Welcome to the latest edition of Technical Roundup. In developments since the last edition, the Government has issued its Spring Legislative Programme 2025 the first since the new Government took office.  Chartered Accountants Ireland and ACCA as CCAB-I has prepared Technical Alert TA01-2025 containing some pointers for firms to consider in their use of artificial intelligence (AI). Read more on these and other developments that may be of interest to members below. Financial Reporting EFRAG, the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group, is seeking views from financial statement users on particular aspects of the International Accounting Standards Board’s (IASB) Exposure Draft Provisions Targeted improvements. EFRAG is also seeking views in relation to when a levy provision should be recognised. EFRAG has prepared a summary report from its conference held on 10 December. The theme of this conference was “Advancing Transparency and Competitiveness in Challenging Times”. EFRAG has published its January 2025 update and podcast. The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) has announced that it expects to issue the third edition of the IFRS for SMEs Accounting Standard on 27 February. The UK Endorsement Board has announced that it has adopted Annual Improvements to IFRS Accounting Standards – Volume 11, which was issued by the IASB in July 2024 The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has published the January/February 2025 edition of its “Spotlight on Markets” Newsletter. Auditing The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) have issued the Post-Exposure Consultation: Invitation to Comment Before the IAASB Finalizes the Narrow Scope Amendments to the ISQMs and ISAs as a Result of the Revisions to the Definitions of Listed Entity and Public Interest Entity in the IESBA Code. Accountancy Europe has released its February 2025 Audit Policy Update. Insolvency Readers may find of interest the recent Court of Appeal case in the matter of Joe Miley and Partners (Dublin) Limited (in liquidation) and in the matter of sections 25 and 26 of the Trustee Act 1893.In this case a property was in the name of a partnership as the registered owner. The case was made by the liquidator of Joe Miley and Partners (Dublin) Limited (the Company) that a transfer of the property to the Company had occurred prior to the liquidation and the liquidator claimed the property as a Company asset. The Court of Appeal upheld the claim. The court held that section 26 of the Trustee Act 1893 could be used to vest the property in the Company which is clearly entitled to it. The court was satisfied that the criteria within section 26 is appropriate, and it is the best option available to give effect to the clear agreement between the partnership and the Company, whilst also ensuring the liquidator has this issue fully resolved. The court held that while section 596 of the Companies Act 2014 confers an entitlement upon the liquidator to take company records and provides that any person holding company property without lawful entitlement shall surrender it immediately to the liquidator, this may be of assistance to the liquidator, but the property remains in the name of its registered owner. The judge agreed that reliefs pursuant to the 2014 Act would not have entirely met the difficulties encountered by the liquidator in this case. Instead, the provisions of section 26 of the Trustee Act must be utilised to vest lands in persons shown to be beneficially entitled to them. Anti–money laundering and sanctions The National Crime Agency in the UK has recently issued its first SARs in Action magazine of 2025. It includes an interesting article on an Amber Alert issued by the Joint Money Laundering Intelligence Taskforce in the UK in October 2024. The alert which is not publicly available covers the use of Artificial Intelligence to bypass customer due diligence checks. The magazine also includes an article on the destabilizing of a Russian speaking money laundering network, case studies on SARs and a reply to a reader’s question on NCA response or feedback from the NCA on a submitted SAR. Readers can find out more about being an Authorised Corporate Service Provider or Companies House authorised agent (UK). Registering as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) is a new requirement that will help Companies House to know who is filing information on the public register. The National Economic Crime Centre has issued its National Economic Crime Centre Annual Report 2023-2024. The UK financial sanctions authority, Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) recently published the first in a series of sector-specific assessments addressing threats and vulnerabilities relating to UK financial sanctions. This report relates to the financial services sector. It states that providers of related professional services, such as accountancy service providers or auditors are included as relevant persons. The report provides an insight into sanctions evasion typologies and areas where there is a higher risk of breaches. Sustainability The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) and the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) have confirmed a new partnership enforcing a shared commitment to high-quality sustainability assurance. The International Sustainability Standards Board has released its Q1 2025 Implementation Insights podcast. Irish Government Legislation Programme Spring 2025 The Government has in recent days issued its Spring legislative Programme 2025 the first since the new Government took office. In it there is some business legislation which may be of interest to members. For an in depth look at some of the proposed legislation  please click to read our latest news item on this topic. Other news The Corporate Enforcement Authority’s Director of Legal Michael Dillon recently wrote about directors’ duties. The Companies Act makes clear that the term ‘director’ encompasses anyone ‘occupying the position of director by whatever name called.’ He writes. The focus is on the function they perform, emphasizing ‘substance rather than form’.”. There is no such thing as director lite. The Dept of Enterprise Trade and Employment has recently issued its latest newsletter. News in the bulletin includes information on an European Commission AI webinar (see further below) and the Balance for Better Business 7th Annual Report. Readers can subscribe for the newsletter here. Central Bank of Ireland Governor Gabriel Makhlouf introduced the recent Strategic Foresight Symposium on The Importance of Foresight which took place on Tuesday, 11 February. The Dept of Finance recently published its first National Financial Literacy Strategy. A 5 year strategy, its ultimate mission is stated to be to improve the level of financial literacy in Ireland through a vibrant financial literacy ecosystem. Click for a press release on the strategy and here for the Action Plan. The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has launched a consultation on the criteria for the assessment of knowledge and competence of crypto-asset service providers’ (CASPs) staff giving information or advice on crypto-assets or crypto-asset services. The Charities Regulator has recently issued its first newsletter for 2025. Click for articles including an update on the Charities (Amendment) Act 2024 and details of provisions which have now been commenced. Also, read about the Charities Regulator’s plans to introduce a new traffic light system on the Register of Charities that will show more clearly and simply whether or not a charity has submitted its annual report on time. The change is designed to highlight the charities that meet their legal obligations. The European Commission recently published its work programme for 2025. Please click to access the programme and the annexes. There is also a fact sheet explaining the Commission work programme. In its competitiveness compass also recently published, the Commission signposted three planned omnibus packages. Two may be of particular interest to our members. The first one will deal with simplifying sustainability reporting, and the expected publication date is 26 February 2025 though we understand that this date may potentially slip. The other proposal will introduce a definition of small mid-cap companies, and the expected publication date is Q2 2025. Another proposal under “ongoing proposals” which may be of interest is the proposed directive to harmonise certain aspects of insolvency law.  Technical Release TR04-2015 ‘Companies Act 2014 - A statutory auditor’s duty to report to the Corporate Enforcement Authority’ has recently been updated. The updated version is available to members by logging into their member’s account. The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has announced the successful signatories to the UK Stewardship Code following the latest round of applications. Accountancy Europe has released its February 2025 SME update. Artificial Intelligence (AI) - updates Please click to read a factsheet produced by Accountancy Europe (AE) in February 2025 entitled The EU AI Act: a guide for SME accountants. The factsheet outlines the key requirements of the EU AI Act, focusing on aspects relevant to SMEs. An accountant, as advisor to an SME or in their own practice may, AE writes, be developing or deploying AI systems. If so, the accountant should carefully familiarise themselves with the AI Act’s requirements, assess whether they are applicable to them, and take any required steps to ensure compliance. Article 4 of the AI Act requires providers and deployers of AI systems to ensure a sufficient level of AI literacy. It entered into application on 2 February 2025.The European AI office invites us to learn more about the approach of the European Union towards Article 4 of the AI Act. Please click to go to the European Commission webpage and to access a recording of a webinar on AI Literacy.  In the first part of the webinar, the EU AI Office focuses on Article 4 of the AI Act and its requirements, presenting the initiatives foreseen to facilitate the implementation of this general provision. In the second part of the webinar, some practices and related learnings are presented in an interactive dialogue between the EU AI Office and AI Pact members. Also on the subject of AI, Chartered Accountants Ireland and ACCA as CCAB-I has prepared Technical Alert TA01-2025 containing some pointers for firms to consider in their use of artificial intelligence (AI). All firms should be considering putting a policy in place whether it’s just to cover basic points of whether your trainees (or other employees) are permitted to use AI in the office or whether you need more extensive provisions. The pointers in the technical alert and links included in it may be of use to members. For further technical information and updates please visit the Technical Hub on the Institute website.      This information is provided as resources and information only and nothing in the information purports to provide professional advice or definitive legal interpretation(s) or opinion(s) on the applicable legislation or legal or other matters referred to in the information. If the reader is in doubt on any matter in this complex area further legal or other advice must be obtained. While every reasonable care has been taken by the Institute in the preparation of the information we do not guarantee the accuracy or veracity of any resource, guidance, information or opinion, or the appropriateness, suitability or applicability of any practice or procedure contained therein. The Institute is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of the resources or information contained herein.  

From the Professional Accountancy team…… The Government has in recent days issued its Spring Legislative Programme 2025 the first since the new Government took office. In it there is some proposed legislation which may be of interest to members. Co-operatives The Co-operative Societies bill is listed for priority drafting. This legislation aims to place the co-operative model on a more favourable and clearer legal basis, thereby creating a level playing field with companies and encouraging the consideration of the co-operative model as an attractive formation option for entrepreneurs. Readers may recall that the previous Government in November 2022 approved the drafting of what was billed as ground-breaking legislation for the sector. The draft legislation proposes to repeal the Industrial and Provident Societies Acts 1893-2021 and provide a modern and effective legislative framework suitable for the diverse range of organisations using the co-operative model in Ireland. You can read more here by following the  link to the General Scheme of the Co-operative Societies Bill 2022. Readers can also go to the Institute’s technical hub pages where there is further information on this area. Other Also on the business regulation side, changes are proposed to the law on limited partnerships and business names. As we reported previously, heads of the general scheme for the Miscellaneous Provisions (Registration of Limited Partnerships and Business Names) Bill was published in July 2024  as both the limited partnership and business names legislation require updating to provide for modern business practices for those engaged in business using a business name or the limited partnership model .The Spring legislative programme indicates that work is ongoing on priority drafting of this legislation. Other legislation for priority publication is the National Cyber Security Bill to implement the Directive known as NIS 2 into Irish law. This directive was due to be transposed by 17 October 2024, so Ireland is overdue in its implementation. The previous government published heads of Bill of the National Cyber Security Bill in July 2024. Finally on this topic: - heads are in preparation for the Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Bill .The Bill will give full effect to the EU Regulation ,the Artificial Intelligence Act and will designate the National Competent Authorities responsible for implementing and enforcing the EU Regulation and will provide for penalties for non-compliance. - the Autumn 2024 legislative programme referenced heads in preparation and priority publication of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) (Amendment) Bill. This was stated to amend the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010 (2010 Act) to ensure that Crypto Asset Service Providers are covered by national law in relation to Ireland’s Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing regime. Readers might note that in December 2024 the Minister for Justice by SI 724 of 2024 prescribed crypto asset service providers as designated persons under the 2010 Act. - the Finance (Provision of Access to Cash Infrastructure) Bill 2024 which was published by the Dept of Finance last year  has been restored to the Dail order paper . This information is provided as resources and information only and nothing in these pages purports to provide professional advice or definitive legal interpretation(s) or opinion(s) on the applicable legislation or legal or other matters referred to in the pages. If the reader is in doubt on any matter in this complex area further legal or other advice must be obtained. While every reasonable care has been taken by the Institute in the preparation of these pages, we do not guarantee the accuracy or veracity of any resource, guidance, information or opinion, or the appropriateness, suitability or applicability of any practice or procedure contained therein. The Institute is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of the resources or information contained in these pages.    

Accountancy Europe has in recent months issued a factsheet entitled “Navigating the EU Anti-Money Laundering Regulation: Key Issues for the Accountancy Profession”.The factsheet highlights the key changes introduced by the new AML Regulation passed in Europe in 2024 and emphasises the importance of early preparation for these upcoming changes. Please click the link above to access the factsheet and here to preview the publication’s key insights on their website .

From the Professional Accountancy team …..CCAB-I  has prepared Technical Alert TA01-2025  containing some pointers for firms to consider in their use of artificial intelligence (AI). All firms should be considering putting a policy in place whether it’s just to cover basic points such as if your trainees (or other employees) are permitted to use AI in the office or whether you need more extensive provisions. The pointers in our technical alert and links included in it may be of use to members.   This information is provided as resources and information only and nothing in these pages purports to provide professional advice or definitive legal interpretation(s) or opinion(s) on the applicable legislation or legal or other matters referred to in the pages. If the reader is in doubt on any matter in this complex area further legal or other advice must be obtained. While every reasonable care has been taken by the Institute in the preparation of these pages, we do not guarantee the accuracy or veracity of any resource, guidance, information or opinion, or the appropriateness, suitability or applicability of any practice or procedure contained therein. The Institute is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of the resources or information contained in these pages.    

Welcome to the latest edition of Technical Roundup. In developments since the last edition, Technical Alert (TA) 02/2024, which was issued in June 2024, has been updated to reflect the transposition the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (“CSRD”) into Irish legislation and the issue of ISAE (Ireland) 3000 by IAASA.  The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has launched a campaign to assist SMEs with access to audit services and to support their growth aspirations.  Read more on these and other developments that may be of interest to members below. Financial Reporting The UK Endorsement Board (UKEB) has published the 2025 consolidated UK-adopted international accounting standards on behalf of the UK Government. UKEB has issued a final call for comments on its Draft Comment Letter in response to the IASB’s Exposure Draft Provisions – Targeted Improvements. Comments are welcome until close of business on 10 February 2025. The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has published a draft three year strategy for 2025-28 detailing its commitment to supporting UK economic growth.  It has also issued a draft Plan and Budget for 2025-26. The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) recently released a webcast explaining the amendments to IFRS 9 and IFRS 7 regarding power purchase agreements. The webcast explains the targeted amendments to both standards which aim to help companies better report the financial effects of nature-dependent electricity contracts The IASB has released its January 2025 update and podcast. The FRC has launched a campaign to assist SMEs with access to audit services and to support their growth aspirations.   EFRAG, the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group, is currently inviting financial statement preparers and users to submit their feedback on the voluntary application of IFRS 19 Subsidiaries without Public Accountability: Disclosures, allowing eligible subsidiaries to prepare reduced disclosures under IFRS Accounting Standards. The feedback will assist EFRAG in performing a cost-benefit analysis of applying the standard. The deadline for submission is 28 February 2025. The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) has recently issued Amendments to IPSAS Standards: Specific IFRIC Interpretations. Auditing Sample Engagement Letter Terms for CSRD Technical Alert (TA) 02/2024 which was issued in June 2024 has been updated to reflect the transposition the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (“CSRD”) into Irish legislation and the issue of ISAE (Ireland) 3000 by IAASA. The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) and the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) have launched an integrated effort to support effective implementation of their landmark standards aimed at advancing trust and transparency in sustainability reporting and assurance. The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has published the final report from its market study into the assurance of sustainability reporting. The 2024 study found that while the UK’s market for the assurance of sustainability reporting is functioning well, there are concerns over quality consistency amid growing demand. The report recommends three key actions; establish a clear UK policy framework; create a unified regulatory regime and improve the calibre of available information on the quality of sustainability assurance to support how the assurance market functions. Insolvency The Insolvency (Amendment) Rules (Northern Ireland) 2024 confirmed that from 10 January 2025 the value of a vehicle disregarded as part of an asset value for a debtor seeking a debt relief order in Northern Ireland will increase from £2,000 to £4,000. Anti–money laundering and sanctions Please join us for Chartered Accountants Ireland free webinar on suspicious transaction reporting at 10AM on 12 February 2025. Accountants in practice, as designated persons under Irish Anti-Money Laundering legislation, have a statutory obligation to report suspicious transactions to both the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of An Garda Síochána and the Irish Revenue Commissioners. Join representatives of both An Garda Síochána and the Revenue Commissioners on Wednesday 12 February as they provide an overview of how to report on the recently updated FIU GoAML system, as well as the Revenue system. This event will be of interest to accountants, trainees and anyone in the firm of a designated person who may come across something suspicious which might raise the obligation to make a suspicious transaction report. Click here to learn more and to book your place today: Suspicious transaction reporting: all you need to know - ..rteredaccountants.ie The Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Ireland Derville Rowland spoke recently on the topic of Innovation and technology in financial crime. She referenced some emerging risks and how the new AMLD 6 package will meet them : the use of AI is acknowledged under the package. Firms must ensure that human oversight is applied to decisions proposed by AI tools that may impact customers in certain areas. Details of Virtual IBANs which are linked to other payment accounts will have to be recorded in member states’ Bank Account Registers to allow law enforcement to trace funds. The concept of Information Sharing Partnerships is introduced. Credit and financial institutions will be enabled to share information relating to high-risk customers, subject to important protections. The Central Bank of Ireland recently published a new Behind the Data (BTD) paper on Irish payment fraud statistics. Click for insights from Irish Payment Fraud Statistics. Sustainability The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) is hosting an event on 25 February 2025 to discuss disclosures about transition plans - IFRS S2 Climate-related Disclosures.  The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has published the final report from its market study into the assurance of sustainability reporting. The GRI Academy has launched a new ESRS Reporting program for all reporters to prepare to navigate the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). In its recent article, the GRI discuss some practices and steps that companies can take to mitigate against the risk of greenwashing. The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) has released a podcast hosted by ISSB Chair Emmanuel Faber and ISSB Vice-Chair Sue Lloyd discussing the latest developments around the ISSB. In its article entitled “CSRD & CSDDD: key provisions and concepts”, Accountancy Europe look at some of the key features, concepts and differences between the two Directives. The IFRS Foundation has published a guide entitled “Applying IFRS S1 when reporting only climate-related disclosures in accordance with IFRS S2”. This guide is intended to support the implementation of the International Sustainability Reporting Standards Other news The Companies Online Registration Environment (CORE) access was restored on 29 January.  If your Annual Return is late and you have already contacted the Annual Returns section in the CRO they will be in touch with you soon. The Irish Pensions Authority recently published a revised personal retirement savings account (PRSA) code of conduct. The revised code includes additional sections on conflicts of interest, risk warning, and product oversight and governance. PRSA providers must comply with the code from 1 August 2025. The most recent episode of IFAC’s podcast series The Fast Future with IFAC discusses how small and medium sized practices can embrace technology. The FRC hosted a webinar on Monday 3 February for insights into the feedback heard so far during its consultation on proposed revisions to the UK Stewardship Code. For further technical information and updates please visit the Technical Hub on the Institute website.      This information is provided as resources and information only and nothing in the information purports to provide professional advice or definitive legal interpretation(s) or opinion(s) on the applicable legislation or legal or other matters referred to in the information. If the reader is in doubt on any matter in this complex area further legal or other advice must be obtained. While every reasonable care has been taken by the Institute in the preparation of the information we do not guarantee the accuracy or veracity of any resource, guidance, information or opinion, or the appropriateness, suitability or applicability of any practice or procedure contained therein. The Institute is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of the resources or information contained herein.  

Welcome to the latest edition of Technical Roundup. In developments since the last edition, the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) has published the results of a survey among its members 'International Standards: 2024 Global Adoption Status Snapshot’ including research results on the adoption of IFRSs. EFRAG has released a document that maps the voluntary Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) against the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRSs). Read more on these and other developments that may be of interest to members below. Financial Reporting The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) has launched a new podcast series dedicated to the forthcoming third edition of the IFRS for SMEs accounting standard. The series discusses some key updates to the standard.  The IASB has released a webcast which explains the proposed targeted improvements to IAS 37 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets as set out in its recent Exposure Draft. The comment period for this Exposure Draft remains open until 12 March 2025.   EFRAG, the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group, is holding an event entitled “Financial Reporting: What’s Ahead for 2025” on 6 February. This event will focus on upcoming changes in the reporting landscape in 2025. EFRAG has published its December 2024 update. This summarises the public technical discussions held, decisions taken, open consultations, future events and vacancies. EFRAG has published its final comment letter on the IASB’s Exposure Draft Equity Method of Accounting IAS 28 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures. EFRAG has issued its latest Endorsement Status Report. The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) has published the results of a survey among its members 'International Standards: 2024 Global Adoption Status Snapshot’ including research results on the adoption of IFRSs. IAASA has published a summary of the outcomes of its 2024 financial report examinations which highlights the various issues IAASA addresses with companies as part of its corporate reporting supervision.  It indicates a strong overall compliance with financial reporting requirements.  The summary lists the financial statement examinations completed in 2024 and the outcomes of those examinations. The UK Endorsement Board (UKEB) has published a Draft Endorsement Criteria Assessment on the potential use in the UK of the IASB’s Annual Improvements to IFRS Accounting Standards – Volume 11. Auditing The IAASB have published their plans for 2025 which includes approval of the revisions to the Fraud standard and complete the project on Listed and PIE entities.   At their December board meeting the IAASB approved ISA 570 (Revised 2024) Going Concern, which will be effective for periods beginning on or after December 15, 2026. Anti–money laundering and sanctions Please join us for Chartered Accountants Ireland free webinar on suspicious transaction reporting at 10AM on 12 February 2025. Accountants in practice, as designated persons under Irish Anti-Money Laundering legislation, have a statutory obligation to report suspicious transactions to both the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of An Garda Síochána and the Irish Revenue Commissioners. Join representatives of both An Garda Síochána and the Revenue Commissioners on Wednesday 12 February as they provide an overview of how to report on the recently updated FIU GoAML system, as well as the Revenue system. This event will be of interest to accountants, trainees and anyone in the firm of a designated person who may come across something suspicious which might raise the obligation to make a suspicious transaction report. Click here to learn more and to book your place today: Suspicious transaction reporting: all you need to know - ..rteredaccountants.ie The Joint Practice Group (JPG ) comprising representatives of the professional accountancy bodies, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, Chartered Accountants Ireland, Association of International Accountants, and Chartered Institute of Management Accountants with input from the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and FIU Ireland has recently issued a bulletin on payment diversion fraud. Click for more details. Sustainability The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has published a thematic review of Climate-related Financial Disclosures by AIM and large private companies, following their first cycle of mandatory reporting in the UK. EFRAG has published a document that maps the voluntary Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) against the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRSs). Accountancy Europe has set up a tracker that monitors the transposition of the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) across the European Economic Area (EEA). In an interesting article, Accountancy Europe have discussed the European Commission’s efforts to reduce administrative and reporting burdens for European companies. While welcoming the efforts being made, Accountancy Europe have highlighted some concerns as well as some suggestions on how reporting burdens could be reduced. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment hosted a free online event focused on responsible business and the environment on 6 November 2024.  The presentations are now available to download from their website. Legislation The UK’s Public Procurement Act 2023 will be implemented shortly pursuant to the Procurement Act 2023 (Commencement No. 3 and Transitional and Saving Provisions) Regulations 2024. The explanatory notes describe the purpose of the Procurement Act 2023 as to reform the United Kingdom’s public procurement regime following its exit from the European Union, creating a simpler and more transparent system not based on transposed EU Directives. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has published a Transposition Table of EU Directives as of 31 December 2024. Other news The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants has begun a standard-setting project to create a principles-based framework on a firm’s culture and governance. The objective of the project is to develop a culture and governance framework that promotes, supports and reinforces a high standard of ethical behaviour by a firm's leadership, other partners, and staff across all of the firm’s services, thereby helping the firm develop a reputation as a highly ethical firm, mitigate the risks of unethical behaviour and strengthen public trust and confidence in all of its services. Readers may find of interest the High court judicial review case taken by the Irish Registrar of Companies in connection with two companies’ delivery of annual returns to the Companies Registration Office. Under section 343 of Companies Act 2014 a court can make one order (only) to extend the time for filing an annual return. In Registrar Of Companies and Greenway Limited ; Registrar Of Companies and Kitchen Innovations Limited the High Court quashed a decision by the District court where the District Court erroneously granted a second extension of time for filing of  annual returns. With the coming into force of Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) on 17 January 2025, readers may be interested in some DORA related news. Please click to read  an article of January 17th entitled “What do you need to know now that DORA is here?” Also, the Pensions Authority recently published details of how pension schemes subject to the DORA regulation can report major ICT-related incidents and make voluntary reports of significant cyber threats. Readers can find details here. For further technical information and updates please visit the Technical Hub on the Institute website.      This information is provided as resources and information only and nothing in the information purports to provide professional advice or definitive legal interpretation(s) or opinion(s) on the applicable legislation or legal or other matters referred to in the information. If the reader is in doubt on any matter in this complex area further legal or other advice must be obtained. While every reasonable care has been taken by the Institute in the preparation of the information we do not guarantee the accuracy or veracity of any resource, guidance, information or opinion, or the appropriateness, suitability or applicability of any practice or procedure contained therein. The Institute is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of the resources or information contained herein.