Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I agree that for large companies, that element of public accountability is needed. We have had virtual and hybrid meetings in effect for almost four years, since the start of the pandemic. We have had very few significant issues in that space and we have been watching for them. There is regulation making power in section 176A (9) which will allow the Minister to make regulations around: the convening and conduct of the meetings; attendance at the meetings; and access to, and participation, including voting, in the meetings. This includes saying that people have the right to vote at meetings. I will continue to ask the corporate enforcement agency, CEA, to watch this space and if any companies are using the provision to avoid responsibility or prevent the participation of shareholders, the Minister of the day will have the power to intervene.