It has been a busy week of commentary on savings and investments. An Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, Simon Harris, spoke about how he wants to help people get the most out of their money. On a Leaders interview with RTÉ, he outlined that he will bring a strategy to government setting out its plan for a Savings and Investment Scheme to bring Ireland in line with many of our European colleagues.   He outlined that he plans to: Make saving and investing more rewarding and accessible for ordinary families, not just the wealthy. Bring Ireland closer in line with European peers who have structures that help people make their money work harder and better for them. Reduce barriers like outdated rules that currently act as a drag on long-term personal investment.  The Tánaiste also commented outside the meeting of Finance Ministers in Brussels that “There is a €170 billion on deposit today, we need to make that money work – not just for our country, not just for the economy, but for our SMEs…I’m thinking of the next generation of people in Ireland and how this could help with their own personal economic resilience…At the moment they are locked out of any meaningful participation in the investment scenario in Ireland.”  Last week we updated you on our advocacy in this area and we wrote to Minister Harris, with recommendations to implement changes to Ireland’s savings and investments ecosystem including: Abolish the deemed disposal rule Reduce the tax rate on investment funds  Introduce loss relief on disposals of units in a fund at a loss Introduce a Savings and Investment Account  Prioritise financial literacy   In our letter, we outlined that increasing retail investment is not only beneficial to households and workers but also to the wider economy.  Whether it is improving the funding environment for growing innovative companies or increasing investment opportunities in infrastructure, the possibilities are considerable if Ireland gets this right.    On Budget day, it was announced that a road map would be published in the first quarter of 2026 outlining how the government plans to implement the recommendations in the Funds 2030 report. We will hopefully see the details of the Minister’s plans for savings and investments outlined in the roadmap and for it to be published in the coming weeks. We look forward to engaging with Government in this area – whether via a forum or consultation process. We will represent members views and keep members updated in this area of important work.  

Welcome to the latest edition of Technical Roundup.   In developments since the last edition, the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment (DETE) has launched a public consultation regarding a new Green Growth Strategy. The Financial Reporting Council has issued amendments to FRS 102 to provide entities with an updated framework to use when adapting their balance sheet format.    Read more on these and other developments that may be of interest to members below.   Financial Reporting   As part of its Corporate Reporting Supervision activities, IAASA has published a paper summarising the outcomes of its 2025 financial reporting examinations.  The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has issued amendments to FRS 102 to provide entities with an updated framework to use when adapting their balance sheet format. These amendments have been developed to maintain alignment with the presentation requirements of IFRS following the introduction of IFRS 18 Revenue from Contracts with Customers.  The FRC has issued a consultation regarding revisions to Technical Actuarial Standard 310. The revised standard is intended to come into force on 31 July 2026 with a deadline for comments of 23 March.   The European Union has published a Commission Regulation endorsing IFRS 18 ‘Presentation and Disclosures in Financial Statements. EFRAG has also updated its Endorsement Status Report to reflect this.  The UK Endorsement Board hosted a roundtable to seek stakeholder’s early feedback on the IASB’s Exposure Draft on Risk Mitigation Accounting. A summary of this roundtable is now available.  The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) has launched a consultation which proposes targeted amendments to IAS 28 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures. The proposed amendments are intended to clarify which investments a company is eligible to measure using the fair value option under IAS 28.  The IASB has released two new webcasts to assist SMEs in implementing the third edition of the IFRS for SMEs.  Overview of the revised Section 23 Revenue from Contracts with Customers — Requirements  Overview of the revised Section 23 Revenue from Contracts with Customers — Application guidance and transition  The IASB has also issued a podcast on the highlights of its January 2026 meeting highlights.  EFRAG has published its Draft Comment Letter on the IASB's Exposure Draft Risk Mitigation Accounting-Proposed amendments to IFRS 9 and IFRS 7  with a comment deadline of 22 June.  Auditing and Assurance   The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) has published a summary of feedback from its global Technology Quality Management roundtables.    The FRC is consulting on a temporary amendment to its Third Country Auditor (TCA) policy.  Insolvency   The Institute is hosting three in-person sessions which will provide an introduction to the new Creditor Voluntary Liquidation workbook. The workbook has been produced to assist Liquidators in complying with legislative and SIP requirements when conducting statutory meetings, reporting to creditors and approval of remuneration.  The sessions will also cover compliance matters and will include potential issues and problems that can arise and how to avoid or best navigate these. It will also include some practical examples and a Q&A session.  The sessions are targeted at professionals taking on insolvency appointments and acting as Liquidator, and those training or working in the insolvency sector looking to gain expertise in this area.     Each of these three-hour sessions are free to attend and will take place on the following dates:  Tuesday, 3 March at 1pm  Cork Book Now    Wednesday, 4 March at 9am  Galway  Book now   Thursday, 5 March at 9am Dublin  Book now  Sustainability   The GRI has launched a new guide to help companies report on biodiversity.  Last December, following the publication of the draft simplified European Sustainability Reporting Standards, the European Commission invited the European Central Bank (ECB), the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), the European Banking Authority (EBA) and the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) to comment on the draft standards. These opinions have recently been published. All four authorities welcomed the simplification of the standards. However, they have also outlined some concerns including identifying permanent reliefs which will reduce the availability of meaningful information and recommend that these are time-limited. Please see the opinions published by ECB, ESMA, EBA and EIOPA, all of which make for interesting reading.   Anti-money laundering  AMLA published a press release launching several public consultations regarding key mandates for the private sector and harmonised supervision. The consultations cover the following draft Regulatory Technical Standards (RTSs):  The draft RTS on Customer Due Diligence. The deadline for the consultation response is 8 May 2026.  The draft RTS on criteria for identifying business relationships, occasional and linked transactions and lower thresholds. The deadline for the consultation response is 8 May 2026.  The draft RTS on pecuniary sanctions, administrative measures and periodic penalty payments. The deadline for the consultation response is 9 March 2026.  AMLA also highlighted that it welcomes input regarding the above consultations from the non-financial sector and has published an explainer regarding the role of the non-financial sector for the new EU Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Framework.  The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) published an update following its February 2026 Plenary meeting in Mexico. The update included the addition of Kuwait and Papua New Guinea to the list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring (FATF's "grey list"). Members in the UK are reminded that changes to FATF’s list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring are directly applicable in the UK following HM Treasury’s advisory notice in October 2025.  FATF also provided an update regarding adoption of assessment reports for Austria, Italy, and Singapore under the new round of mutual evaluations. The FATF also approved new publications on cyber-enabled fraud and virtual assets to support countries to stay alert to evolving threats and harness technology to mitigate against risks.   In an interview published in the print edition of Italian financial daily ‘Il Sole 24 Ore’ on 17 February 2026, AMLA Chair Bruna Szego discussed the Authority's risk analysis model, its preparations for direct supervision starting in 2028, and how a single European framework will replace 27 different national approaches to anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing.  Central Bank of Ireland (CBI)  The CBI's Governor Gabriel Makhlouf published his latest blog outlining why the Governing Council decided to keep the main policy interest rate unchanged. The blog highlights areas including the Euro area inflation position, the Euro area economy and growth, and the risk outlook.   The CBI's Governor Gabriel Makhlouf provided details of the outlook for the macro-financial environment and financial services landscape and the CBI's regulatory and supervisory priorities for 2026 in a letter to the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris. The CBI also published a press release associated with the above letter highlighting the advice provided to the Government regarding building economic resilience in the face of unprecedented uncertainty.  The CBI's Deputy Governor Vasileios Madouros delivered a speech at Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) focused on 'Enabling a decade of higher investment' highlighting that over the course of the next decade, there will be a need to allocate more collective resources towards domestic investment. Deputy Governor Madouros noted that looking ahead, like many other countries, Ireland is facing profound economic and societal shifts in years to come, and a common denominator in terms of how Ireland navigates these shifts is through increasing investment sustainably. The CBI also published a press release regarding this speech.  The CBI's Governor Gabriel Makhlouf delivered a speech to the Head of EU Missions regarding 'Reinforcing Resilience, Responding to Change: Priorities for the Year Ahead'.  The CBI's Governor Gabriel Makhlouf delivered a speech to the Blavatnik School of Government in Oxford regarding ‘Institutions, Anchors, and Their Discontents: The Role of Central Banks’. This keynote address outlined the critical role of central bank independence in delivering price stability and supporting economic prosperity for society.   Artificial Intelligence (AI)  Accountancy Europe (AE) recently organised an educational session in partnership with Scope Solutions titled ‘AI, the accountant’s new toolkit’. This session was designed to introduce accountants to the world of AI, explore industry-specific trends, and move beyond the hype, focusing on what accountants need to do today to evolve along with the accounting industry. For further information, a recording of this session is available on AE’s website.  The Government updated its national digital and AI strategy titled 'Digital Ireland - Connecting our People, Securing our Future'. The strategy sets out the Government’s ambition and vision to meet key objectives by 2030 and to ensure Ireland remains a digital leader in an increasingly competitive global environment. There are five strategic ambitions included in the strategy - Apply, Grow, Invest, Lead, and Empower, which reflect the agile approach needed to succeed in a fast-evolving digital world.  To support these ambitions, the strategy details 20 high-level objectives and 90 specific deliverables across many Government Departments and Agencies.  Cybersecurity   The European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) published its revised International Strategy renewing the Agency’s approach to engagement with its international partners. It strengthens the alignment to the EU’s international cybersecurity policies, the promotion of EU values, and fortifies ENISA’s mission to achieve higher common level of cybersecurity across Europe. ENISA therefore seeks to strategically engage with its international partners outside of the EU working within its mandate.   The National Cyber Security Centre in Ireland published a blog covering 'Quantum Computing and the Risk to Encryption'.  The National Cyber Security Centre in the UK published a blog regarding 'Improving your response to vulnerability management' .  ENISA published the 'Cybersecurity Exercise Methodology', which is an end-to-end guide on how to plan, run, and evaluate a cybersecurity exercise. It has been developed to help support organisations with simulation and training and building resilience and agility in mitigating cyber risks.  The NIS Cooperation Group composed of EU Member States representatives, the European Commission, and the EU Agency for cybersecurity (ENISA), has adopted an EU ICT Supply Chain Security Toolbox. The toolbox will help Member States and public and private actors to bolster the security of ICT supply chains in the EU. The toolbox includes useful risk scenario examples and details of recommendations on how to strengthen the cybersecurity and resilience of ICT supply chains.  Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA)  The CBI held a 'DORA Industry Briefing session' on Wednesday 4 February regarding the upcoming 2026 Register of Information (RoI) preparation and submission process. The CBI published the DORA briefing slides and the recording from this session on the DORA communications and publications section of its website. In addition, the CBI included additional updates on its Register of Information website regarding the RoI process.  Internal Audit  The Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) in the UK and Ireland published an update regarding its ‘Risk in Focus 26/27 Report’ including the approach and timelines that will be used for Risk in Focus 26/27 Report during 2026. As in previous years, Chartered IIA in the UK and Ireland also plans to issue a survey to chief audit executives (CAEs) to gather insights for this report. It is planned to launch the survey on 2 March, and it will be open until the end of March.   The President of the Chartered IIA in the UK and Ireland published the latest ‘President’s Blog’ highlighting the importance of integrity in business, and the need for facts, evidence and a proportionate and effective response during internal audit work including the use of AI to interrogate data more effectively. The blog also highlights the launch of The IIA’s Global Audit Committee Center, which provides resources and thought leadership to help boards and audit committees strengthen internal audit oversight and drive governance excellence.  Data Protection  The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) and the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) adopted a Joint Opinion on the Proposal for a Regulation as regards the simplification of the digital legislative framework (Digital Omnibus). The EDPB and EDPS joint opinion notes that there is support for simplification and competitiveness but also raised some additional points for consideration regarding items included in the Digital Omnibus that may adversely affect the level of protection enjoyed by individuals and may result in the creation of certain legal uncertainties.  The EDPB adopted its Work Programme for 2026 - 2027. Built on the four pillars of the EDPB strategy, the work programme focuses on 1) enhancing harmonisation and promoting compliance, 2) reinforcing a common enforcement culture and effective cooperation, 3) safeguarding data protection in the developing digital and cross-regulatory landscape, and 4) contributing to the global dialogue on data protection. The work programme also reaffirms the commitment of the EDPB to simplifying GDPR compliance for organisations, which includes the development of a series of ready-to-use templates for organisations.   The EDPB also adopted a report on its Coordinated Enforcement Framework (CEF) action on the right to be forgotten (Art.17 GDPR). EDPB selected this topic as it is one of the most frequently exercised data subject rights and has given rise to many complaints in European jurisdictions and results in a growing number of decisions from supervisory authorities. The report includes a list of recommendations for controllers and actions that supervisory authorities and the EDPB may consider for issues related to the right to erasure.  The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) published data protection complaints guidance explaining what organisations need to do to meet the new requirements to implement a data protection complaints process, as set out in the Data (Use and Access) Act. Although these requirements are not in force until 19 June 2026, the UK ICO is publishing this guidance now so that organisations are ready for these changes.   Other News  Charities in Northern Ireland are preparing for a new registration threshold which is coming into effect.     Charities with annual income of £20,000 or less, and  Assets of £100,000 or less  will not have to register or submit annual reports and accounts to the Commission.  The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment (DETE) launched a public consultation regarding a new Green Growth Strategy. DETE is seeking the views of interested stakeholders to inform the development of a new Green Growth Strategy, which is linked to commitments in the Programme for Government 2025 - Securing Ireland’s Future.  Accountancy Europe has issued a publication and factsheet outlining the proposed changes to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) by the European Commission.  Accountancy Europe has also published its February 2026 SME update.  IDA Ireland has recently published its IDA Ireland newsletter for February 2026.  The ECB published its latest Economic Bulletin (Issue 1, 2026) highlighting economic, financial, and monetary developments.  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.    

In this week's Sustainability/ESG Bulletin read about the Government’s new National Digital and AI Strategy and a public consultation on a Green Growth Strategy. Scale Ireland’s 2026 survey shows slight declines in sustainability adoption among start-ups, almost €35 million in new funding will support community level climate action, and Ireland also reported strong progress under its National Biodiversity Action Plan. In the UK, new actions target modern slavery risks and strengthen protections for small business energy customers, and the EU approved measures to support a smoother ETS2 launch in 2028. This, plus the latest articles, technical content, resources and upcoming events. IRELAND Climate change and need for national digital and AI resilience   Both geopolitical shifts and climate change require a focus on the security and resilience of our digital infrastructure, which is increasingly challenged by malicious attacks and severe weather events. This was one of the many drivers for the new National Digital and AI strategy, published this week and containing 20 high-level objectives, supported by 90 specific deliverables, covering Public Services, Enterprise, Digital & AI Infrastructure, Cyber Security, Digital Regulation, Online Safety, and Skills and Talent. The Strategy, titled Digital Ireland Connecting our People, Securing our Future, outlines five strategic and mutually reinforcing ambitions - Apply, Grow, Invest, Lead, and Empower – aims to reflect the agile approach needed to succeed in a fast-evolving digital world. Public consultation on proposed Green Growth Strategy The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment is seeking the views of interested stakeholders to inform the development of a new Green Growth Strategy, which is linked to commitments in the Programme for Government 2025 – Securing Ireland’s Future. The aim of the new strategy is to ensure that Ireland develops a strong domestic supply chain in the renewable energy sector and that government adopts a coherent and ambitious approach to future opportunities. Views from stakeholders and interested parties on the public consultation are requested no later than 5pm on Wednesday, 4 March 2026 via the following link: Green Growth Public Consultation – fill in form Scale Ireland's State of Start-ups Survey 2026 A Scale Ireland survey has found that 44.9 percent of companies believe they contribute to local or global sustainability. The State of Start-ups Survey 2026 from the independent not-for-profit representative organisation for Irish tech start-up and scaling companies also noted that this figure is a slight decrease (3.6 percent) from the previous year. The survey further found that 39.2 percent of start-ups have a sustainability or climate action plan, again a slight decrease on 2025 (41.3 percent). Scale Ireland aims to support, promote and advocate on behalf of indigenous tech start-up and scaling companies of all stages, sizes and sectors and to create the most favourable conditions for them to succeed. It produces an annual survey to get the feedback of founders and CEOs and gauge the sentiment of the sector on key issues.  Over the past five years (2021-2026) the Scale Ireland State of Start-ups surveys reportedly show that sustainability in the Irish tech sector has gradually increased in adoption and strategic focus, transitioning from a secondary consideration to a necessary component for business growth.  Funding announced for climate action in communities Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O'Brien has announced new funding of almost €35 million to further support local authorities as they continue to drive forward climate action in Ireland’s communities. The new scheme, ‘Supporting a Sustainable Transition through Climate Action for a Resilient Territory (START)’, aims to build resilience local communities and will support local authority-led Climate Action Plan infrastructure projects and feasibility studies that align with the EU JTF programme. Details of the types of projects that local authorities can submit for consideration under this closed call can be found here. National Biodiversity Action Plan progress report published The 2025 report on the Implementation of Ireland’s National Biodiversity Action Plan 2023-2030 has published, revealing that almost 80 percent of the plan’s strategic actions are currently on track or finished, with key achievements including greater accountability for public bodies in protecting biodiversity, and actions for designated habitats and protected species. Biodiversity supports a broad spectrum of raw materials essential for industries like agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and construction, and its loss significantly impacts global supply chains and business operations, affecting resilience, cost efficiency, and sustainability, as declining species can lead to shortages and increased costs. PwC estimates that that “unchecked nature loss could erode 12–17% of GDP, 11–14% of overseas investments, and 12–18% of stock exchange market value (roughly US$11 trillion)” within the next 15 years. NORTHERN IRELAND/UK New licence measures to strengthen protections for Northern Ireland’s small business energy customers The Utility Regulator in Northern Ireland has introduced new licence measures designed to improve transparency and protections for the region’s non‑domestic electricity and gas consumers. The measures introduce requirements that aim to support clearer information and fairer treatment for small business consumers. The modifications cover the following areas: transparent price information for small business consumers on supplier websites; identification of alternative options to security deposits and clear information on the return of any deposit; and confirmation that a deemed contract cannot require notice before a customer switches supplier. The measures form part of the Utility Regulator’s Consumer Protection Programme 2024–2029, which seeks to ensure fair engagement and outcomes in the non‑domestic energy market. The changes will take effect from 4 February 2026. Global standard for private sector’s modern slavery risks              The UK’s national standards body, BSI, is consulting on a new standard on modern slavery, aiming to be the first of its kind that is applicable globally. ISO 37200, Managing the risk of modern slavery aims to provide guidance for the prevention, identification and response to human trafficking and forced labour. It is designed to help organisations assess and respond to the risks associated with modern slavery across their value chains. Modern slavery is estimated to affect some 50 million people globally, according to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), and presents significant risks for business in terms of compliance, corporate and social responsibility, and brand reputation. It has been estimated to have cost the UK Exchequer approximately £52.4 million in 2023 in terms of main personal tax and pension contributions for paid employees from the forced or compulsory labour of adults if none is currently being paid. Responses to the consultation can be submitted until 2 February. For more on modern slavery see the Chartered Accountants Ireland sustainability resources hub. EUROPE European Council backs measures for a smoother launch of ETS2 The European Council (at EU ambassadors level) has adopted its position on a targeted amendment of the market stability reserve for the new emissions trading system for buildings, road transport and other sectors (ETS2). The amendment aims to ensure a better price stability and predictability for a smoother start of ETS2 in 2028, but does not change the overall design of the market stability reserve. The market stability reserve helps address supply and demand imbalances in ETS2. It automatically adjusts the number of emission allowances available when prices fluctuate. To improve longer-term market predictability and confidence among market participants, the market stability reserve will be extended beyond 2030. RESOURCES Accountancy Ireland Sustainability, and developments in sustainable finance, accounting and reporting, are covered in the Feb/March 2026 issue of Accountancy Ireland. Find articles by the Institute’s Professional Accountancy Lead Dee Moran and KPMG’s Russell Smyth, and an article based on a research report into public sector sustainability accounting and reporting by Ciaran Connolly,  Paul Lawless, Eoin Reeves and Elaine Stewart.  Green shoots: clearer path ahead for future of sustainability reporting The business of sustainability in 2026: opportunity and risk Sustainability reporting in the public sector: benefits and progress ARTICLES Businesses urged to act on pay-gap reporting or face threat of penalties and litigation (Irish Times) UK’s gender pay gap ‘won’t close for 30 years’ at current rates (The Guardian) Climeaction launches app to track farm emissions (Irish Times) Climate and energy efficiency: ESG priorities for Ireland and the EU in 2026 (BDO Ireland Insights) PODCAST Chartered Accountants Worldwide, Young Difference Makers: How Khethiwe Sibanyoni uses ethics and systems thinking to tackle gender-based violence What if the rigour that keeps companies honest could also save lives? We sit down with social impact activist and Chartered Accountant Khethiwe Sibanyoni to unpack how ethics, systems thinking, and real accountability can turn good intentions into measurable change. From Saturday mornings in GBV shelters at age 11 to auditing across oil and gas, pharma, and FMCG, Khethiwe shows how credibility becomes a tool for communities when it is used with care. (13:07) EVENTS Chartered Accountants Ireland Ulster Society, Legal Webinar: Green Loans and Reporting Requirements This webinar with Hannah McDaid and Katie Britton from A&L Goodbody will provide an update on the fast-evolving landscape of green loans, highlighting key legal developments and the principles driving the loan market. A&L Goodbody will provide an overview of the reporting requirements for borrowers, external verification options for green projects, the distinction between green and sustainability-linked loans and the significance of qualitative vs quantitative indicators. Speakers will explore operational impacts on borrowers and include an overview of the regulatory and risk landscape. Virtual, via Zoom | Tuesday 3 March, 1pm - 2pm |Free, but registration required. Chartered Accountants Ireland, ICAS, Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism: What you need to know Join us at a webinar on Thursday 12 March on Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism: What you need to know.  Learn how CBAM currently operates and what its implementation is revealing in practice. Virtual, 12 March, 11am-12pm. UN Global Compact Network UK Webinar Series, The Business Role in Systems Change, Feb/Mar 2026 Businesses are facing escalating risks as the world approaches critical tipping points. Corporate resilience now depends on the transformation of markets, supply chains, and business models needed to steer the system towards stability. There is also potential for positive tipping points - moments when small, well-directed actions accelerate large-scale transitions towards sustainability. Businesses hold a unique capacity to create and amplify these dynamics of change. In these webinars, leading scholars and experts will discuss tipping points, climate risk, and systems change, how to respond to emerging climate realities and apply breakthrough frameworks such as the Positive Tipping Points Toolkit and Doughnut Economics to unlock change at multiple scales.   Webinar sessions: Understanding Tipping Points Risks, Feb 26  | 14:00 Systems Thinking in Business and Climate, Mar 5  | 14:00 Triggering Positive Tipping Points, Mar 12 | 14:00 Shift, EU Omnibus Webinar - Briefing for business on the revised CSDDD and performing due diligence This webinar will feature insights from the Shift team and leading businesses on practical, real‑world approaches to implementing due diligence aligned with good practice. The session will explore how due diligence requirements under the CSDDD and reporting obligations under the CSRD can be addressed in an integrated way, rather than treated as separate exercises. Companies in scope of the CSDDD or operating within their value chains are encouraged to attend. Virtual, Thursday, 26 February 2026 | 09:00 SEAI, EXEED Energy Efficient Design Training Join our exclusive free half-day training and become a leader in energy-efficient design. The SEAI EXEED team invites you to a dynamic training session designed to upskill professionals and stakeholders in the Excellence in Energy Efficient Design (EXEED) process. This training is ideal for those aiming to become an Energy Efficient Design (EED) Expert. Virtual, Friday 27 February, 9am - 1pm Enterprise Ireland, Sustainability Kickstarter Workshops A half‑day workshop series designed to support business leaders in recognising the strategic importance of sustainability and decarbonisation. The sessions provide practical skills to integrate core sustainability principles, identify competitive opportunities, and build actionable plans to meet rising customer expectations for sustainable products and services. Workshops | Dates & Times • Friday, 27 February 2026 | Half‑day workshop • Friday, 20 March 2026 | Half‑day workshop • Friday, 17 April 2026 | Half‑day workshop • Friday, 8 May 2026 | Half‑day workshop Shift, EU Omnibus Webinar - Briefing for business on the revised CSRD and reporting on sustainability issues The session will examine what recent changes to the CSRD and the ESRS mean in practice for how companies report on sustainability issues.  The webinar will feature insights from the Shift team, alongside leading businesses, on implementation approaches that reflect good practice, support companies in identifying and addressing key risks, and remain practical and workable in real-world contexts. The discussion will also explore how reporting obligations under the CSRD and due diligence requirements under the CSDDD should be considered together, rather than in isolation.  If your company is in scope of the CSRD, or part of the value chain of a company that is, we encourage you to join us. Virtual, 3 March 2026 | 15:00 Pentland Centre for Sustainability in Business - Lancaster University, What Does ‘Good’ Look Like in Corporate Reporting? The final session in the Pentland Centre’s free webinar series for SMEs explores what effective reporting on nature and biodiversity looks like. Drawing on global examples, this webinar highlights best practices and practical approaches for integrating nature and biodiversity into corporate reporting. Virtual, Thursday 12 March 2026, 8:00am – 9:00am | 4.00pm – 5.00pm Sustainability Centre You can find information, guidance and supports to understand sustainability and meet the challenges it presents in our online Sustainability Centre.

Last Monday, Chartered Accountants Ireland and the Ulster Society were pleased to meet with representatives from the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and the Confederation of British Industry Northern Ireland to discuss potential ways forward in the ongoing campaign to reduce the corporation tax rate in Northern Ireland. The meeting was very informative and productive and each of the organisations agreed that Northern Ireland needs a coherent, long term industrial policy that attracts investment, creates secure, well paid jobs and fosters innovation. There was also agreement on the end goal of reducing the corporation tax rate in Northern Ireland. The key issues and Institute stance One of the main issues discussed was the need for an economic assessment of the impact of reducing the corporate tax rate on employment, earnings and investment. The 2021 ESRI research 'Enhancing Attractiveness of the Island of Ireland to High-Value Foreign Direct Investment' shows that a reduction in the rate of corporate tax to 15% would yield an annual increase of 7.5% in high-value Foreign Direct Investment in Northern Ireland. One of the main issues that remains is the potential impact on the block grant that Northern Ireland receives every year. The Institute outlined various measures that can be availed of to overcome this issue, most notably the use of a low interest loan from Westminster to manage the initial drop in corporate tax revenue that would arise immediately after the rate reduction.  Our progress to date and next steps  This meeting was an important step in achieving a united approach across the business community in Northern Ireland. Work will continue to garner cross-party consensus on reducing the corporate tax rate in Northern Ireland which will be critical when the campaign is taken to Westminster. This point was highlighted during the Institute's recent appearance before the joint Economy and Finance Committee’s in Stormont earlier this month. As outlined previously, in November 2025, the Institute wrote specifically to the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury on this issue. In this letter, we highlighted that the ultimate aim of a lower rate is for it to become self-funding in the longer term, but that it would necessitate a replacement loan at a low interest rate from HM Treasury to fund the necessary block grant reduction. Last year the Institute published its position paper ‘Enhancing Our Competitiveness: The case for a reduced rate of corporation tax in Northern Ireland’.   

This week Chartered Accountants Ireland represented members in attending the Cost of Business Advisory Forum run by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment. The meeting follows the Institute’s submission recently where the focus was on reporting and compliance burdens that have been placed on businesses. The meeting forms part of the Institute’s ongoing campaign to remove the real time reporting obligation under Revenue’s Enhanced Reporting Requirements. From the outset and in response to our engagement with members on this matter, the Institute has been very clear that this obligation has placed a significant burden on businesses and employers and should be removed. The Institute once again argued that to date no reason has been offered as to why non-taxable items needed to be reported in real time. There has never been an adequate analysis on the benefits in terms of receiving this information in real time versus the compliance burden placed on businesses. The Institute will continue to campaign for the removal of the real time reporting element of the Enhanced Reporting Requirements. On the wider issue of simplification, the Institute argued that there was a need for a cross-Government approach in Ireland to reduce complexity and the regulatory burden on businesses and that this requires political will.  The Enhanced SME test is designed to sense check every proposal coming from Government to see if it is placing an undue and disproportionate burden on SMEs. Yet there is concern that this test is not being applied and the Institute outlined some key examples where this has been the case. From a European perspective, the Institute urged the Government to get behind the European Commission’s simplification agenda and to use its Presidency of the Council of the European Union to advance important files like the Digital Omnibus, the Tax Omnibus, the Savings and Investment Union and the 28th Regime. Following this meeting, the Institute will continue to contribute to the Forum with the aim of completing a comprehensive report on business costs with important and achievable recommendations for Government. Previous representations on this matter include: A 2023 CCAB-I submission on the proposed approach to ERR for employers A 2023 letter to the then Minister for Finance on the matter CCAB-I's Pre-Budget Submission 2025 included proposals relating to ERR CCAB-I's Pre-Budget Submission 2026 reiterated proposals 2026 Annual Dinner Invitation letter to Minister for Finance 

Ahead of the publication and launch of a new history on 19 March, authors Brenda Clerkin, Brid Murphy and Martin Quinn outline more than a century of the Irish accountancy profession’s work in the public interest and look towards its future. Introduction The amalgamation of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland (the Institute) and CPA Ireland in 2024 created a unified body to strengthen the accountancy profession’s voice and public interest role. CPA Ireland would have marked its centenary on 11 March 2026. In the spirit of this centenary and amalgamation, we were commissioned to write a history of the Irish profession since the Institute’s establishment in 1888. While prior histories have informed our efforts, we also offer updates and new insights. This article summarises our work, covering the changing nature of the accountant’s role, auditing, and technology – three pillars that have defined the profession’s trajectory over time. The expanding role of accountants When the Institute was formed in 1888, accountants’ work was largely confined to bookkeeping, insolvency, and some audit engagements. The Companies Act 1900 introduced a statutory requirement for all companies to appoint auditors, elevating the importance of audit and increasing this element of their work. The First World War broadened the profession’s remit. Accountants were instrumental in administering excess profits duty, with the Institute’s President, David Telford, in 1916 estimating that accountants prepared “80% or so of such returns”. Wartime conditions also accelerated the development of cost accounting, as governments curbed profiteering and ensured equitable pricing for war supplies. The brewer Guinness, for example, adapted its cost centre system to allocate war-related expenses (e.g. additional insurance costs of shipping to Great Britain), demonstrating the profession’s agility in responding to external shocks. More directly related to the war, prior histories of the Institute list 19 Irish accountants who died in active service. Our detailed research – made possible through digitised records of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission – has shown two were associated with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales but worked for Craig Gardner in Dublin. All 19 were honoured at the Institute’s 1918 Annual General Meeting. The interwar years saw Irish accountants become more embedded in industrial enterprises, exemplified by the Electricity Supply Board (ESB). Under Chief Accountant Friedrich Weckler, ESB’s accounting systems evolved to reflect the growing complexity of the organisation. By 1943, ESB’s accounts spanned 21 pages (up from four pages in 1927) and disclosed assets of £18.1 million (about €940 million in 2025 values). The Second World War, or  ‘Emergency’ in Ireland, reinforced accountants’ role in public administration. Government debates reveal their involvement in price control and rationing, underscoring the profession’s contribution to economic resilience during a period of scarcity. Post-war recovery and industrial expansion in the 1950s and 1960s introduced new challenges. The Companies Act 1963 (Ireland) and the Companies Act (Northern Ireland) 1960 mandated group accounts and codified the ‘true and fair view’ standard, shifting accountants’ focus from mere compliance to professional judgement. Decimalisation in 1971 and accession to the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1973 further expanded the profession’s responsibilities, requiring system upgrades and acquiring proficiency in new taxation structures such as VAT and corporation tax. The late 20th century witnessed exponential growth in demand for accountants, driven by globalisation and foreign direct investment. From this boom, some weaknesses in regulatory oversight ultimately emerged, leading to the establishment of the Irish Auditing & Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA) in 2006 – the UK’s equivalent body, the Financial Reporting Council dates from 1990. The 21st century brought further challenges. The adoption of the euro currency in 2002 required systems reconfiguration, while the mandatory implementation of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for listed entities in 2005 represented a generational shift in financial reporting. The 2008 global financial crisis tested the robustness of these standards and intensified scrutiny of accountants’ role in safeguarding public trust. More recently, Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic introduced new layers of uncertainty, compelling accountants to confront, amongst other things, regulatory divergence, remote working, and accelerated digital transformation. Auditing: from watchdog to strategic assurance Since 1888, auditing has evolved from a rudimentary check on ledgers to a sophisticated assurance function. In the 19th century, audit reports were perfunctory, often comprising a sentence affirming that accounts were “properly drawn up”. The Companies Act 1900 transformed this landscape by mandating independent audits for all companies and prohibiting directors from serving as auditors. Subsequent legislation, notably the Companies (Consolidation) Act 1908, strengthened auditors’ rights to access books and require explanations, embedding audit within the statutory framework.  The 20th century witnessed a steady professionalisation of audit practice. The ‘true and fair view’ requirement, first introduced by the UK Companies Act in 1948, and later incorporated in the Irish Companies Act 1963, elevated auditors’ responsibilities, demanding judgement beyond arithmetical accuracy. Influential publications such as Cooper’s Manual of Auditing (1966) codified best practice, emphasising system evaluation and internal controls over rote checking. Ireland’s accession to the EEC in 1973 further aligned audit standards with European norms, while the establishment of the Auditing Practices Committee in 1976 marked the beginning of formal standard-setting in the UK and Ireland. By the 1980s, auditing standards were consolidated under Statements of Auditing Standards (SASs), and the scope of audit extended to governance and risk management. The Cadbury Report (1992) and subsequent corporate governance codes reinforced auditors’ role in safeguarding stakeholder interests. The introduction of audit exemptions for small companies in 1995 (Northern Ireland) and 1999 (Ireland), while reducing compliance burdens, reshaped the audit market and prompted smaller practices to diversify into advisory services. The 21st century has seen auditing become increasingly regulated and internationally harmonised. IAASA now serves as Ireland’s competent authority for public-interest entity audits, with powers to inspect, sanction, and enforce compliance. EU Directives have introduced mandatory audit firm rotation and restrictions on non-audit services, while global convergence around International Standards on Auditing (ISAs) has enhanced comparability. Yet some post-Brexit divergences between UK and Irish ISAs illustrate the persistent tension between harmonisation and national autonomy. Audit reporting has also expanded dramatically. Contemporary audit reports for listed companies routinely exceed eight pages, incorporating key audit matters and disclosures on sustainability, governance, and risk. The advent of the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) signals a future where auditors will assure not only financial statements but also environmental and social metrics, reinforcing their role as guardians of trust in an era of heightened stakeholder scrutiny. Technology: from ledgers to artificial intelligence Technological innovation has been a key transformative force in accountancy. The journey from mechanical calculators to cloud-based platforms illustrates a profession experiencing perpetual change. As an example of early technology use in accounting in Ireland, in the 1930s firms such as Guinness pioneered the use of accounting machines (typewriters with mathematical functions), reducing clerical labour and accelerating ledger preparation. By the 1950s, electromechanical devices and punched-card systems enabled large-scale data processing, exemplified by the Irish Sugar Company’s adoption of the ICT1201 computer to manage complex contra transactions with thousands of farmers. The 1960s was the era of mainframe computing, with organisations such as the ESB and Aer Lingus deploying IBM systems for billing and reservations. These developments demanded new skills from accountants, who were required to understand data structures and machine logic alongside traditional bookkeeping. The 1970s saw the advent of minicomputers and, later, microcomputers, democratising access to computing power and paving the way for personal computers in the 1980s. Software packages such as Sage and TAS Books revolutionised small business accounting, while spreadsheets became ubiquitous tools for analysis and reporting. The 1990s introduced enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, integrating accounting with broader business processes. The proliferation of email and broadband facilitated real-time communication and remote collaboration, while the euro conversion and Y2K compliance projects underscored the profession’s reliance on technology. The 2000s witnessed the rise of cloud computing, enabling scalable, secure, and collaborative accounting solutions. Data analytics emerged as a core competency, allowing accountants to extract insights from vast datasets and support strategic decision-making. Today, artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain represent the frontier of technological change. AI-powered tools perform complex tasks such as anomaly detection, predictive forecasting, and natural language processing, augmenting accountants’ analytical capabilities. Blockchain offers immutable transaction records, reducing reconciliation and enhancing transparency. These innovations are reshaping audit methodologies, enabling continuous auditing and full-population testing. However, they also introduce ethical and governance challenges, requiring accountants to act as ‘sense-checkers’ of algorithmic outputs and custodians of data integrity. Education has evolved in tandem, with professional syllabi now including modules on AI, data analytics, cybersecurity, and sustainability reporting, and continuing professional development emphasising digital fluency and ethical oversight.  Looking to the future Reflecting on over a century of history can help us as a profession plan for the future. While the business environment is volatile and uncertain, and faces challenges – sustainability imperatives, rising costs, rapid technological change and talent challenges – history has shown the Irish profession be to adaptable, resilient and exhibiting trusted leadership. The profession has survived through political and economic shifts, war and conflict and financial crises. This resilience can endure and ensure profession continues to serve the public interest as it has done in the past.  Important Work: A History of Irish Chartered & Certified Public Accountants by Brenda Clerkin, Bríd Murphy and Martin Quinn is published on 19 March, when it will be launched at a special commemorative event at Chartered Accountants House, to which all members are invited.

We’re delighted to invite members to an evening at the renowned Merry Ploughboy pub; the perfect setting to enjoy traditional Irish hospitality, great food, and lively entertainment, while connecting with fellow members. Guests will travel together by coach to the Merry Ploughboy, where the evening will begin with a delicious three‑course dinner, followed by an authentic Irish show featuring live music and traditional dancers. It promises to be a memorable night of culture, conversation, and fun. What to expect Coach transport to and from the city centre Arrival at the Merry Ploughboy at 6:30pm A three‑course meal Live Irish entertainment, including music and dancers Event concludes at approximately 10:00pm, with the coach departing shortly afterwards Date: Thursday 12 March Price: €25 per person (exceptional value - a €65 experience) Whether you’re looking to catch up with colleagues, meet new faces, or simply enjoy a fantastic night out, we’d love you to join us. To book, please email LeinsterSociety@charteredaccountants.ie

In Irish news, Revenue has issued a press release with details of phase one of the implementation of the VAT modernisation programme in Ireland and the Department of Social Protection has provided an update on My Future Fund. In UK news this week, read about HMRC’s plans to recover winter fuel payments, and we outline details of HMRC’s invitation to tax agents and intermediaries to assist in the design and development of HMRC services. In International news, the European Commissioner for taxation acknowledges MEPs frustration over the withdrawal of certain legislative tax files.  Ireland 1. Revenue has published details of the businesses included in phase one of the rollout of the VAT modernisation programme in Ireland. 2. Read an update from the Department of Social Protection on My Future Fund, the Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings System, outlining progress since its introduction on 1 January 2026. UK 3. Read about HMRC’s plans to recover winter fuel payments. 4. This week’s miscellaneous updates, includes information on HMRC’s request for tax agents and intermediaries, who regularly use its systems, to contribute and provide input into the design and development of its services. International 5. The European Parliament has issued a press release following a joint meeting of the ECON and FISC subcommittees, where proposals to withdraw certain legislative tax files were discussed. Keep up to date with all the latest Irish, UK, and international tax developments through Chartered Accountants Ireland’s Tax Newsletter. Subscribe to the Tax News by updating your preferences in MyAccount. You can also read this week’s Cross-border developments and trading corner here.

At last week’s joint ECON and FISC subcommittees meeting, Commissioner Hoekstra acknowledged the committees’ frustrations at the Commission’s stance on the withdrawal of five legislative tax files,  due to the changes in the geo-political and economic climate. This Commission on taxation will prioritise tobacco tax, simplification, the Directive on administrative cooperation, and the energy taxation Directive.

Today is the deadline for you to share your thoughts and feed into our response to the Call for Evidence on tax supports for entrepreneurs which was launched at the 2025 Autumn Budget and is open until 28 February 2026. This call for evidence is focused on how UK tax policy can better support investment in innovative high growth companies. Contact us by email before close of business today  Monday 16 February 2026. According to the Call for Evidence, a shortfall in domestic scale-up capital is causing some of the UK’s most innovative companies and founders to move abroad. To address the issue, views are sought on:  how effective existing tax supports are, any gaps in the tax system for founders and scaling companies, and options and ideas to improve, rebalance, and better target current supports that would allow the Government to fill these gaps where needed.  A number of changes were made to several of the UK’s tax advantaged venture capital schemes in the 2025 Autumn Budget which aim to enable larger and more established companies to continue to qualify to use the schemes. However, the Call for Evidence notes that these changes “take the existing schemes as far as possible within their current design”. As a result, the Government is keen to consider how it could provide more targeted and effective support which also represents good value for money for the taxpayer.   

HMRC has sent information on how winter fuel payments (or pension age winter heating payments in Scotland) will be recovered for taxpayers from 2025/26 onwards.  Recovery of 2025 winter fuel payments  If a taxpayer’s total individual income for 2025/26 is more than £35,000, HMRC recover their 2025 winter fuel payment. If the taxpayer lives in a household with someone else who has also received a payment, HMRC will examine each person’s individual income separately. For example, if person A has total income of £36,000 and person B’s is £22,000, HMRC will claw back the payment from person A, but person B will keep their payment.   HMRC has also provided a calculator to help taxpayers work out if their total income is over £35,000. The calculator also explains how the payment will be recovered if it is. Recovery for PAYE taxpayers  HMRC will automatically collect the payment through a change to the taxpayer’s tax code from April 2026 unless they already file a SA tax return. As a result HMRC will change the taxpayer’s tax code to deduct approximately £17 per month.  These taxpayers do not need to do anything or call HMRC.  In February 2026 taxpayers may receive a notification of their tax code for 2026/2027 which will not yet include the adjustment for their winter payment. They do not need to take any action or call HMRC and should receive an updated tax code, which reflects recovery of their winter fuel payment, in early April 2026.   Recovery for SA taxpayers  HMRC will collect their payment through their 2025/26 SA return. For online filers, where possible HMRC will prepopulate their online SA return which is due by 31 January 2027 with the 2025 payment. Taxpayers should check that their winter fuel payment has been included and if it has not been included they must add it themselves. Anyone filing on paper by 31 October 2026 will need to include it themselves. Opting out of future payments  Anyone who expects their total individual income from their private pension, state pension, and any other sources to be over £35,000 can opt out of future payments. Taxpayers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland will be able to opt out of receiving future winter payments via  an online form on GOV.UK which will be available from April 2026. Anyone in Scotland should contact Social Security Scotland by phone if they want to opt out for future years.  In-year collection from 2027/28 HMRC will begin collecting the payment in the tax year starting from 2027/28. This means that the 2026 winter fuel payment will not be collected until 2027/28. As a result in 2027/28, two amounts of winter fuel payment will be collected (the payments for 2026 and 2027) therefore PAYE taxpayers who receive winter fuel payments will see approximately £33 per month deducted, up from £17 a month.  From 2028/2029, the PAYE system will collect the winter fuel payment for winter 2028 during the tax year it is paid in, which means this will return to a monthly deduction of approximately £17.  HMRC has included this information in guidance and will also incorporate this in communications activity ahead of 2027/28.  Information and guidance An explainer video outlining how payments will be recovered is available on HMRC’s YouTube channel. Further information on HMRC’s recovery approach can also be found on GOV.UK.  General information is also available at the following links: www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment, and www.mygov.scot/pension-age-winter-heating-payment. 

Revenue has reported that ongoing difficulties with the Relevant Contract Tax screens on ROS have been occurring since 8 December 2025, necessitating customers to clear their browser cache in order to access services. The Information & Communications Technology and Logistics Division within Revenue are currently investigating the issue.