Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)

I move:

That leave be granted to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to regulate the use of the title "accountant", to establish criteria for recognition, and to provide for offences and penalties for misuse of the title, and to provide for related matters.

I am happy to be here today to introduce the Companies (Protection of Title: Accountant) Bill 2025. This Bill is about protecting consumers. At present, anybody can describe himself or herself as an accountant. Indeed in the morning, the Ceann Comhairle and the Government Chief Whip could set up an accountancy practice called "Murphy and Butler Accountants" and there would be nothing to stop them from doing so. Unfortunately, this has happened. Unqualified people have set up as accountants and defrauded members of the public. Individuals with no formal training or education who have no association with professional bodies can use this title freely. This means that there is a lack of protection. It misleads consumers and damages the credibility of the accountancy profession.

We know that the titles of a lot of professions are protected, for example, solicitors, doctors, teachers, architects and electricians. When it comes to somebody trusting their finances to an accountant, it is critical that he or she is guaranteed that what he or she sees is somebody who is qualified and experienced in doing this. I am familiar with a number of cases of people who have gone to people who presented themselves as accountants and who then lost out. When trouble arises because these people are not members of a professional body, there is very little recourse for affected individuals.

It is critically important that this is not seen as protecting vested interests. That is certainly not the case. It is of note that all of the professional bodies representing accountants want to see this legislation introduced. At present, the Companies Act, which this Bill seeks to amend, does provide for protection of the title of auditor so it is not possible for anybody to call himself or herself an auditor. All we are seeking with this legislation is that similar protection would be provided to the title of accountant so that somebody who has studied, worked hard and attained the professional qualifications would be recognised. As it is within the remit of the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, who is an accountant, I hope he will progress this matter and this legislation will be accepted or incorporated into Government legislation.

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