The Department of Agriculture has announced a €100 million Fuel Support Scheme to assist farmers, agricultural contractors and fishers who are facing unprecedented increases in fuel costs. The scheme for famers, agricultural and forestry contactors, will cover the period from March to July 2026 and will provide a single payment based on an applicant’s verified 2025 usage. Support will be equivalent to roughly 20 cents per litre or €200 per 1,000 litres of marked gas oil. Farm and forestry contractors must also be VAT‑registered, tax‑compliant, and supplying services for primary agricultural or forestry production.A fuel support scheme for fishers and aquaculture tailored to the specific needs of that sector is to be operated separately by Bord Iaciagh Mara (BIM) on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine. The scheme will also be calculated based on fuel consumption with specific eligibility criteria for the different categories of fishers. It is also anticipated that the scheme will open in May. The €100 million Fuel Support Scheme is in addition to the full removal of all non-carbon excise on green diesel, worth approximately 7.5c per litre.

Revenue has updated its VAT guidance on guest and holiday accommodation and restaurant and catering services reflecting the amendments introduced in Finance Act 2025.The updated guidance on guest and holiday accommodation includes clarification on multiple supplies arising from the application of second reduced rate of VAT to restaurant and catering services, with effect from 1 July 2026.The guidance on restaurant and catering services has been updated to reflect that the second reduced rate of VAT applies to these services with effect from 1 July 2026.  

Revenue has published updated guidance on investment limited partnerships (ILPs), reflecting the changes introduced by Finance Act 2025. Among the changes is an important update to the compliance obligations of ILPs going forward. Previously, ILPs needed to submit both the Form 1 (Firms) and the Form ILP1, despite both forms requiring largely similar information. Now, for the 2026 year of assessment and going forward, ILPs will only be required to submit a single return under section 739J(3B) TCA 1997.The unnecessary compliance burden did not make sense to investors familiar with comparable regimes in other jurisdictions. In 2025, the Institute made representations on behalf of members seeking that the compliance obligations for ILPs would be streamlined such that ILPs would only be required to submit a single information return. We are pleased to see this amendment now reflected in guidance.For completeness. the new guidance is updated as follows:the tax treatment of ILP’s under section 739J of the Taxes Consolidation Act (TCA) 1997,the dividend withholding tax treatment of ILPs following the passing of Finance Act 2025,the withholding tax treatment of interest payments made to ILPs, anddetails relevant to ILPs respect to the definition of "collective investment scheme" in Chapter 10A of Part 35C TCA 1997.

Revenue will be hosting information sessions in May and June for individuals over 65 years of age under the heading "All you need to know about tax". The sessions will be held in Dublin, Kilkenny and Limerick and advance registration before 15 May 2026 is required.The sessions will run from 19 May 2026 to 4 June 2026 and will cover a range of topics including:Capital Acquisitions TaxPay As You EarnIncome TaxLocal Property TaxCapital Gains TaxThe Law Society of Ireland andThe Department of Social ProtectionDetails on registration and the topics to be covered on the various dates are available on Revenue’s news webpage.

The Department of Finance has confirmed the European Commission's approval of the Visual Effects (VFX) Uplift for the Film Tax Credit. Announced in Budget 2026, this measure introduces a new 40 percent rate of tax credit for productions with a minimum of €1 million of eligible expenditure on relevant VFX work. The rate will apply to eligible expenditure of up to a maximum of €10 million per production, with the standard rate of 32 percent continuing to apply for eligible expenditure above this cap.The VFX uplift will be available to qualifying productions that receive cultural certificates from the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport. Work is currently underway to finalise the Regulations underpinning the new VFX provisions, and a commencement order is expected to be signed by the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance in the coming weeks.

The OECD has published its Global Minimum Tax Implementation Toolkit to provide guidelines on best practices to support the efficient implementation and administration of global minimum tax. 

Revenue has released its Q1 2026 service delivery report, providing data and insights on real-time reporting, taxpayer access to online information, and direct interactions initiated by taxpayers during the quarter. The report outlines that 829,029 PAYE taxpayers filed income tax returns through MyAccount and 100,987 tax returns were filed via ROS.  A total of €4.2 billion was repaid by Revenue. In terms of online inquiries, the report confirms that 689,480 MyEnquiries were received by Revenue in quarter one with details of the estimated response time being applied in 106,148 cases. The report outlines that the estimated response time was met or exceeded in 65.5 percent of the responses.A total of 440,711 calls had the ‘hold my place in queue’ service available with the report confirming that 17 percent of the relevant callers availed of the service.

The OECD has published an article that considers the use of artificial intelligence in tax administration, tracing its development from its days of early innovation to modern day advanced technologies. The article outlines that as part of their digital transformation, tax administrations are adopting more predictive and proactive approaches in line with the risk‑based principles of the OECD’s Tax Administration 3.0 vision of “seamless taxation.”

On 23 April the Ulster Society hosted a webinar titled 'Energy by Design: Preventing Burnout and working in Rhythm'.This webinar, featuring Dr Jonny Bloomfield and Kerry McWilliams, brings together two expert perspectives on energy, burnout prevention and working in rhythm with the body to help members perform at their best over the long term. Through practical, evidence‑based insights, attendees will gain tools to manage stress, protect wellbeing and sustain focus, supporting both personal effectiveness and the long‑term strength of the profession.A recording of this webinar is available to view HEREA copy of Dr Jonny Bloomfield's slides are available to view HERE:  Finding Rhythm April 2026A copy of Kerry McWilliams' slides are available to view HERE:  Burnout and Rest 24-4-26

From the Professional Accountancy team…... Draft legislation has been introduced by UK Parliament which proposes changes to improve the effectiveness, proportionality, and clarity of the UK AML/CTF regime and to ensure compliance with FATF standards. The legislation will amend the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017 (“2017 Regulations”). The draft legislation is the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (Amendment) Regulations 2026 (“2026 Regulations”). The explanatory memorandum states that the 2026 Regulations make targeted changes prior to the next comprehensive review of the 2017 Regulations, which is due to be conducted in 2027. Effective dates   We understand that the 2026 Regulations are expected to come into force in late June or early July 2026 and there are various provisions with later proposed commencement dates. Below are some of the changes, which may be of interest to our members when the 2026 Regulations come into effect. Change for EDD from high-risk 3rd country to FATF call for action country A change is proposed in the application of enhanced customer due diligence (EDD) for high-risk third countries. The current requirement is to apply enhanced CDD to jurisdictions listed by FATF, which include FATF ‘High-Risk Jurisdictions subject to a Call for Action’ (black list) and ‘Jurisdictions under ‘Increased Monitoring’ (grey list). It is proposed that the EDD obligations will apply to FATF “call for action” countries only. Currently this includes Iran, North Korea and Myanmar. This is a significant divergence from the EU position regarding high-risk third countries. It should be noted that jurisdictions being subject to increased monitoring by FATF will continue to be a (geographical) risk factor that should be considered in firms’ risk assessments under 33(6)(c) of the 2017 Regulations. TCSPs –“off the shelf firms” The 2026 Regulations will bring the sale of “off-the-shelf” firms within the scope of regulated trust or company service provider (TCSP) activity so that they must comply with AML and CTF regulations, including conducting customer due diligence, maintaining records, and reporting suspicious activities. “Off the shelf” is defined as a firm that either does not carry on business or carries on business, but such business is not the main activity carried on by the TCSP. Pooled accounts The 2026 Regulations make some new provisions for pooled accounts . An example of a pooled account is where an accountancy firm holds monies on behalf of a client in a pooled account opened with a financial institution. .The financial institution has obligations under these new pooled account rules (such as taking reasonable measures to understand the purpose of the account and how the customer will use it). The accountancy firm also has obligations under the 2026 Regulations including: -make available on request information  on the identity of the persons and any beneficial owners on whose behalf monies are held in the pooled account -maintain accurate and up-to-date written records of all the monies paid into and out of the pooled account for a five-year period -on request by any law enforcement authority provide information to them about itself and the management and use of any pooled account There is no obligation to provide that information in cases of legal professional privilege and any disclosures made pursuant to the above requirements (i.e. either to the financial institution or law enforcement ) is not a breach of any  restriction on the disclosure of information. Removal of Euro references The proposed changes update currency thresholds so that they are in Sterling. The changes will reduce administrative burden by making it easier to apply transaction thresholds for CDD. Previously the thresholds were not clearly aligned with FATF thresholds in some cases when converted. “Unusually complex or unusually large” The 2026 Regulations will change one of the enhanced due diligence triggers in the 2017 Regulations. Currently one of the triggers is a transaction that is “complex or unusually large”. This will be changed to  a transaction that is unusually complex or unusually large in each case given the nature of the transaction. Other The 2026 Regulations also propose changes for cryptoassets businesses and changes for insolvent bank customers. This includes rapid onboarding of customers who are migrating accounts following a bank insolvency. Changes are also proposed in relation to Trust registration services. Readers can read full details in the links provided above. 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.  

Ciara Cuggy Details of Professional Career I began my career with Grant Thornton, where I trained and qualified as an accountant, progressing to Manager and Associate Director. I specialised in risk, compliance, internal audit, governance, and consumer protection, leading engagements and advising senior stakeholders. I managed teams, client relationships, and delivery end-to-end.  In 2025, I joined Avant Money as a Senior Risk Manager in Mortgages, overseeing risk and working closely with senior leadership on risk appetite and regulatory compliance requirements matters. Details of Institute/District Society Activities I have been actively involved with Chartered Accountants Ireland since 2015 through CASSD, progressing from PRO to Vice Chair and Chair while completing my FAEs. I also contributed at national level through CASSI and served as a Leinster Society representative for two years. Following qualification, I joined the ACA Professionals committee, where I currently serve and represent the Leinster Society. I have supported member events and held the role of Secretary.  Details of other personal particulars or other matters judged by the Candidate as relevant to the Election  I am committed to the ongoing development of the profession, particularly in governance, risk, and member engagement. Through my experience, I appreciate the importance of maintaining high standards and supporting members at all career stages. I would welcome the opportunity to contribute further through continued involvement in the Institute. Patrycja Jurkowska Details of Professional Career I am a Chartered Accountant with eight years of PQE, having trained with Deloitte. At present, I hold the position of Head of Global Finance and ICT at Gorta, where I oversee financial and ICT operations at an international level. My career has spanned diverse sectors, including international development, professional services, and both the private and public domains. I have also served as President of Junior Chamber International (JCI) Dublin and as a Council Member of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce, demonstrating commitment to professional and community engagement. Details of Institute/District Society Activities Current: •    Recently appointed as Director of CA Support  Previous: •    Recipient of the Chartered Star Award in 2019 •    UN SDGs Awareness Taskforce Member (2021 to 2023) •    ACA Committee Member (2018 – 2020) Details of other personal particulars or other matters judged by the Candidate as relevant to the Election  I am deeply committed to fostering collaboration and driving positive change within both the accounting profession and the wider community. While serving on the ACA Committee and JCI Dublin Board, I organised events and training sessions aimed at fostering connections, facilitating learning, and encouraging professional growth in a positive and enjoyable environment. I am keen to make a meaningful contribution to the Leinster Society.

The pace of change in artificial intelligence is accelerating and for the accountancy profession, the implications are profound. From how we work and advise, to our role in shaping trust, governance and growth across the economy, AI presents both extraordinary opportunity and important questions. This moment calls for leadership, clarity and an open, informed discussion.  To mark the launch of its new position paper, An Empowered Profession – AI and the Future of Accountancy, the Institute is hosting a Chartered Roundtable event on Wednesday 20 May at 8:30am, with Deputy Malcolm Byrne TD, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on AI, who will bring valuable perspectives on how government is approaching AI policy, supports and regulation, and what this means for businesses, professionals and the wider economy. Members will also hear from Institute CEO Rosemary Keogh, who will give an overview of the Institute’s position paper and host a Q&A discussion with Deputy Byrne.   This is an opportunity to engage directly on the issues that matter most: the impact of AI on accountancy, its role in transforming business and the economy, and how public policy and professional leadership must evolve together.   Members are encouraged to register early to secure their place at this important event.   Register now for this free Chartered Roundtable discussion on AI and the Future of Accountancy.  About the Chartered Roundtables   This is the fourth event in the Institute’s series “Trusted Business Leadership: The Chartered Roundtables”.    The last year or so has been a momentous one for the Institute. We launched a refreshed brand and a new strategy placing Trusted Business Leadership at the heart of all our activity. We have an enhanced mandate as the largest professional body on the island, and a responsibility to use our voice to advocate for members, to deliver for members, and to support members through change.    Through the Chartered Roundtables, we want to meet with members on a regular basis and discuss policy areas of relevance to you. We want to provide a forum for discussion and debate. But equally we want to take your sentiments and feed them through to policy makers in our ongoing engagements on your behalf.