IFAC members and associates have provided self-assessment information about the regulatory and standard-setting framework in their countries (Part 1) and their organizations' activities in addressing IFAC's membership requirements (Part 2) as described in the Statements of Membership Obligations. Based on an analysis of this information, they are developing SMO Action Plans for continuous development and improvement.

Some organizations have qualified to submit SMO Action Plans on a biennial basis by meeting eligibility criteria. These organizations are indicated with an asterisk (*).

In the interest of transparency and providing information to the profession, regulators, and other stakeholders, all responses and SMO Action Plans are accessible below.

The Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Ireland

Introduction

The information below has been submitted as part of the IFAC Member Body Compliance program. The Program has two components:

Part 1:	Assessment of the Regulatory and Standard-Setting Framework (provides information about regulatory requirements and standard-setting processes in member body countries); and
Part 2:	Assessment of Compliance (provides information on compliance by member bodies with the Statements of Membership Obligations). Part 2 of the Compliance Program will begin later this year, and the results will also be posted to the website.

The responses to Part 1 are provided below. IFAC staff has reviewed the responses and, where necessary, validated them with external knowledgeable parties. A list of key terms is available to assist readers in understanding the responses.

The purpose of this Part 1 Assessment is to collect information on the roles of IFAC member bodies and other organizations (including government, regulatory or other appointed authorities) with respect to:

Setting auditing, accounting, ethics, public sector and education standards; and
Regulating the accountancy profession.

Sections 1 and 2 of Part 1 contain an introduction and instructions for member body respondents. For this reason, they are not included here, and the responses begin with Section 3.

Questions or comments may be sent to complianceassessment@ifac.org.

Section 3 -- Member Body General Information

1. Country:

Ireland

2. Name of member body:

The Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Ireland

Or please specify name:

3. Individual responsible for preparation:

Eamonn Siggins, Chief Executive

4. Date member body became a member of IFAC:

Note: Please enter a numeric date (e.g., 12/2001, Month/Year)

10 / 1977

Questions 5 - 22 are for internal use only

Section 3G -- Affiliations

23. Please list those regional organizations to which your organization belongs (e.g., FEE, CAPA, ECSAFA, IAA, etc.):

FEE

Section 4 -- Statutory Framework

Responses to this section will provide a description of the legal framework governing the commercial aspects of auditing and financial reporting in your country.

Section 4A -- The Companies Act or Commercial Code

The following questions concern the Companies Act (the Act) or Commercial Code (the Code) or similar Legal authority in your country. If no Legal authority exists, or the Legal authority does not address particular questions, please indicate "N/A" for Not Applicable.

24. What is the full name of:

a). the Act or the Code:		Companies Acts 1963 - 2003
b). the Enacting body:		Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment
c). date the Act or Code came into force:		/

25. How can IFAC obtain a copy of the Act or Code?

www.entemp.ie or www.irishstatute.ie

26. Is the Act or Code available in English?

Yes

27. What are the types of entities covered by the Act or the Code?

Please check all that apply.

	Listed entities					Other (please specify):
	Private companies					Other (please specify):
	Governmental					Other (please specify):
	Not-for-profit					Other (please specify):

28. Is there a requirement for the following entities to prepare annual statutory financial statements? If YES, please describe the financial reporting requirements including the accounting standards to be followed.

Please check all that apply.

	No	Yes	(If YES, please describe)
Listed entities			UK Accounting Standards
Private companies			UK Accounting Standards
Governmental
Not-for-profit			UK Accounting Standards
Other (please describe)
Other (please describe)

29. Is there a statutory requirement for the following entities to be audited? If YES, describe the requirement including the auditing standards to be followed:

Please check all that apply.

	No	Yes	(If YES, please describe)
Listed entities			UK Auditing Standards issues by the UK APB
Private companies			as above
Governmental
Not-for-profit			as above
Other (please describe)
Other (please describe)

30. Are the auditors ("statutory auditors") that are appointed for audits required by the Act or Code ("statutory audits") appointed for a specific period?

Yes

If YES, please indicate the term of appointment:

Year(s)

31. Who appoints the statutory auditors?

Please check all that apply.

	Shareholders					Management
	Board of directors					Other (please specify):
	Audit committee					Other (please specify):
	Government agency					Other (please specify):

32. Does the Act or Code require joint auditors for the statutory audit?

Yes

If yes, please describe the requirement:

33. Does the Act or Code require the rotation of the auditors or audit firms performing statutory audits?

Yes

If yes, please describe the requirement:

Section 4B -- Securities Market Regulations

Responses to this section will provide a description of the financial reporting and auditing requirements for listed entities in your country.

34. What are (a) the major items of Legal authority for such requirements, (b) the Enacting body(ies) and (c) the latest amendment date? Please identify the specific articles or sections that pertain to auditing and financial reporting:

the major items of Legal authority for such requirements

Companies Acts 1963-2003
In particular - Auditing - Companies Act 1990
Financial Reporting - Companies (Amendment) Act 1986.
The Lisiting Rules of the Irish Stock Exchange
the Enacting body(ies)

Department of Enterprise Trade & Employment

The Irish Stock Exchange
the latest amendment date?

December 23rd 2004 - Companies (Auditing and Accounting) Act 2003.

35. How can IFAC obtain a copy of the Legal authority?

www.entemp.ie

The Listing Rules are available at www.ise.ie

36. Is the Legal authority available in English?

Yes

37. Are there any additional or alternative financial statement reporting requirements for listed entities that are not described in your answer to Question 28?

Yes

If YES, please describe the requirement:

Half-yearly interim reporting

38. Are there any additional auditing requirements that apply to listed entities other than those described in your answer to Question 29 (e.g., additional GAAS requirements, additional independence requirements, requirements to report to those charged with governance, etc.)?

Yes

If YES, please describe the requirement:

Reporting on corporate governance disclosures

39. Who appoints the statutory auditors of listed entities?

Please check all that apply.

	Shareholders			Management
	Board of directors			Other (please specify):
	Audit committee			Other (please specify):
	Government agency			Other (please specify):

40. Are auditors who perform audits of listed entities appointed for a specified period?

Yes

If YES, please indicate the term of appointment:

Year(s)

41. Are joint auditors required for audits of listed entities?

Yes

If YES, please describe the requirement:

42. Is rotation of the auditor or audit firm for audits of listed entities required?

Yes

If YES, please describe the requirement:

Irish recommended practice is that individual audit engagement partners of listed company audit clients are rotated at least every 5 years. Other key audit parties at group level on listed entities should rotate at least every 7 years.

Section 5 -- Auditing Standards

Responses to this section will provide a description of the legal and professional framework governing audit and other assurance standards in your country. The section focuses on the establishment of such standards. Please indicate the role your organization plays within this framework.

Section 5A -- Statutory Framework

43. Please provide the name of the Legal authority and/or self-regulatory rules that establish audit and other assurance standards in your country, the date of the last amendment of such authority or rules and the name of body responsible for setting audit and other assurance standards. If the standards are different for different entities (e.g., listed entities, private companies, governmental bodies, not-for-profit organizations, etc.), please specify the details that apply to each:

Type of entity	Name of applicable legal authority	Date of last amendment (e.g. MM/YYYY 06/2001)	Name of body responsible for setting audit and other assurance standards
Listed entity	Companies Act 1963-2003 (See Note 1)	2003	Auditing Practices Board (APB)
Other (please describe) (above also applies for private and not-for-profit entities)
Other (please describe)
Other (please describe)

www.apb.co.uk

Note 1 - Irish company legislation has been amended on an ongoing basis since 1963 to date. No consolidated Act exists although the Irish Company Law Review Group is currently working on such a consolidation.

Yes

Section 5B -- Standard-Setting (Auditing Practices Board (APB))

44. For Auditing Practices Board (APB), please indicate the nature of the body (i.e., whether it is part of a government ministry or department, an agency appointed by government, a private organization established by the profession, or other [please describe]) and the name of the standards.

Private Company limited by guarantee.

Part of UKs Financial Reporting Council

Statement of aAuditing Standards (SASs)

45. How many voting members does the standard-setting body have?

46. Are the members of the standard-setting body involved on a voluntary basis or employed by the standard-setting body?

	Voluntary
	Employed
	Both - Please describe:		All members of the Auditing Practices Board are involved on a voluntary basis except for the Executive Director who is an employee.

47. What are the criteria considered in selecting members of the standard-setting body (e.g., best person for the job, sector of the profession, private and public members, academic, geographical representation, etc.)?

40% of Auditing Practices Board members are required to be Responsible Individuals, i.e. eligible for appointment as company auditors under companies legislation. Any of the balance of 60% who are accountants may not be office holders of any accountancy body, nor involved in the governance of any accountancy body, nor partners in firms authorised to conduct audits. Representatives of the Accountancy Foundation, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Trade and Enterprise in the Republic of Ireland, and the Financial Services Authority are entitled to attend and speak at meetings but not to vote.

48. Who appoints these members (e.g., member body, government, user, regulator, etc.)?

The Nomination Committee of the Financial Reporting Council leads the appointment of members of the Auditing Practices Board following best practice.

49. What is the term of appointment for members?

3 Year(s)

50. For how many years has the standard-setting body been in existence?

13 Year(s)

51. Please indicate the budget in US$ of the standard-setting body for the last fiscal year:

Note: Please enter a whole number using commas (e.g., 4,000,000)

$1,788,034

Please enter the exchange rate used to calculate this number.

Note: Please enter a decimal amount (e.g., 4.0027)

0.559273 from UK Sterling

52. To what entity is the standard-setting body accountable?

53. Describe the due process followed by the standard-setting body. Please include explanations of the following:

public exposure of standards

The Financial Reporting Council
accessibility of meetings (i.e., public or private)

Before publishing or amending a SAS or any other standard, the Auditing Practices Board publishes an exposure draft on its web-site, ensures that a hard copy of the document is circulated to the accountancy bodies and to other interested parties and allows at least three months, unless circumstances require a shorter period, for representations to be made on it. Where publications cause changes to be made to other previously issued publications, any such consequential changes are exposed for comments.
approval process for final standards (i.e., majority required to approve final standards)

Decisions to establish, publish, amend or withdraw a SAS or an exposure draft thereof requires a majority of the votes of all the members of the Auditing Practices Board (whether present at a meeting or not).

Decisions to establish, publish, amend or withdraw non-mandatory notes, guidance and other material relevant to auditing requires a simple majority of the votes of the members of the Auditing Practices Board who are at a meeting where a quorum is present and at which the matter is decided upon.

Any other questions are decided by a majority of votes actually case at a meeting. In case of an equality of votes, the chairman of the meeting has a second or casting vote.
other relevant due process activities

The Auditing Practices Board has established a Technical Advisory Group and publishes an review of its activities annually. For further details please see www.frc.org.uk/documents/pdf/apbstandingordersextractsforwebsite.pdf.

54. Approximately how many days per year does the standard-setting body meet in full session (including teleconferences)?

10 Day(s)

Section 6 -- Ethics

Responses to questions in this section will provide a description of the legal and professional framework governing ethics standards for accountants in your country. This section focuses on the establishment of such standards. Please indicate the role your organization plays within this framework.

Section 6A -- Statutory Framework

55. For each of the following types of professionals, please indicate the name of the Legal authority and/or self-regulatory rules establishing ethics standards for accountants and auditors in your country, the date of the last amendment of such authority or rules and the name of body responsible for setting the ethics standards.

Type of professional covered	Name of applicable legal authority	Date of last amendment (e.g. MM/YYYY 06/2001)	Name of body responsible for setting ethics standards
Professional Accountants in Public Practice	Auditor Independence - Companies Act 1990		APB
Professional Accountants in Business	None	The ethics codes of the accountancy bodies are amended annually	ICPAI (for all members)
Professional Accountants in the Public Sector	None	The ethics codes of the accountancy bodies are amended annually
Other (please describe)

ICPAI at www.cpaireland.ie

All of the Institute's Guidance Documents on Ethics are based on the IFAC Code

Yes

Section 6B -- Standard-Setting (APB)

56. For APB, please indicate the nature of the body (i.e., whether it is part of a government ministry or department, an agency appointed by government, a private organization established by the profession, or other [please describe]) and the name of the standards.

All answers in the next Questions 56-66 are related to the APB, a company limited by guarantee.

Independent regulator: part of the Financial Reporting Council (FRC)

Ethical standards for Auditors

57. How many voting members does the standard-setting body have?

The APB, a subsidiary of the FRC, has a different structure. The constitution permits 15 members. There are currently 13 .

58. Are the members of the standard-setting body involved on a voluntary basis or employed by the standard-setting body?

	Voluntary
	Employed
	Both - Please describe:		All members of the Auditing Practices Board are involved on a voluntary basis except for the Executive Director who is an employee.

59. What are the criteria considered in selecting members of the standard-setting body (e.g., best person for the job, sector of the profession, private and public members, academic, geographical representation, etc.)?

The members are appointed by the FRC to represent a wide range of stakeholders: auditors may be included, but no more than 40% of the total number. (See question 47).

60. Who appoints these members (e.g., member body, government, user, regulator, etc.)?

See Question 48

61. What is the term of appointment for members?

4 Year(s)

62. For how many years has the standard-setting body been in existence?

12 Year(s)

63. Please indicate the budget in US$ of the standard-setting body for the last fiscal year:

Note: Please enter a whole number using commas (e.g., 4,000,000)

$8,451,407.41

Please enter the exchange rate used to calculate this number.

Note: Please enter a decimal amount (e.g., 4.0027)

$1.791= £1

64. To what entity is the standard-setting body accountable?

The standard setting function of the APB is not directly accountable, other than to its board (see above). However, in the UK the POBA is charged with ensuring that the other FRC boards (including the APB) are functioning in accordance with their general remit, and an annual report is produced. In Ireland when commenced the Companies (Auditing and Accounting) Act 2003 will empower the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority to liaise with others including the APB and professional bodies in the development of auditing standards.

65. Describe the due process followed by the standard-setting body. Please include explanations of the following:

public exposure of standards

The APB has undertaken publicly that it will issue any draft standard for public consultation
accessibility of meetings (i.e., public or private)

The APB does not hold public meetings.

The APB publishes agendas and minutes for its board meetings.
approval process for final standards (i.e., majority required to approve final standards)

Majority voting applies.
other relevant due process activities

66. Approximately how many days per year does the standard-setting body meet in full session (including teleconferences)?

4 Day(s)

Section 6B -- Standard-Setting (ICPAI (for all members))

56. For ICPAI (for all members), please indicate the nature of the body (i.e., whether it is part of a government ministry or department, an agency appointed by government, a private organization established by the profession, or other [please describe]) and the name of the standards.

All answers in the next Questions 56-66 are related to the ICPAI.

Member owned accoutancy body.

Guide to Professional Ethics

57. How many voting members does the standard-setting body have?

ICPAI- An elected Council (Board) of 19 voting members. Three of these are office bearers.

58. Are the members of the standard-setting body involved on a voluntary basis or employed by the standard-setting body?

	Voluntary
	Employed
	Both - Please describe:

Any member of the Institute who has served for at least two years on any Committee of the Institute is eligible for election to the Council. Election is by postal ballot and there are no geographic or sectoral constituencies

60. Who appoints these members (e.g., member body, government, user, regulator, etc.)?

See Question 57.

61. What is the term of appointment for members?

5 Year(s)

62. For how many years has the standard-setting body been in existence?

61 Year(s)

63. Please indicate the budget in US$ of the standard-setting body for the last fiscal year:

Note: Please enter a whole number using commas (e.g., 4,000,000)

Please enter the exchange rate used to calculate this number.

Note: Please enter a decimal amount (e.g., 4.0027)

64. To what entity is the standard-setting body accountable?

The ethical standard setting functions of the accountancy bodies are subject to oversight by the Public Oversight Board for Accountancy (POBA) in the UK and by the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority in Ireland when the relevant sections of the Companies (Auditing and Accounting) Act 2003 are commenced, to ensure they are in the public interest.

65. Describe the due process followed by the standard-setting body. Please include explanations of the following:

public exposure of standards

The accountancy bodies are not required to issue their ethical standards for public consultation but generally do where there are significant policy issues.
accessibility of meetings (i.e., public or private)

Private
approval process for final standards (i.e., majority required to approve final standards)

Majority voting applies
other relevant due process activities

The accountancy bodies that register statutory auditors submit an annual report to the government which considers, inter-alia, any relevant ethical developments.

66. Approximately how many days per year does the standard-setting body meet in full session (including teleconferences)?

5 Day(s)

Section 7 -- Education

Responses to questions in this section will provide a description of how education requirements for the profession are established. Please indicate the role your organization plays within this process.

Section 7A -- Education Requirements

67. Please describe in general terms the education system in your country including the different stages of education from early childhood education through to tertiary level study. Please indicate which aspects / levels are compulsory as part of the national education system:

The early school years (age 5-12) are broken into two stages: 1 - National School (age 5-7), Primary School (Ages 8-12),Scond Level Education then covers the period from ages 13-18. Students graduate with "A Leaving Certificate". Many then progress to third level i.e University or College.

68. Is there a legal authority or regulation that specifies the requirements for an individual to operate as an accountant or auditor in your country?

Yes

There is no legal protection for the term "accountant"

Section 187 of 1990 Irish Companies Act defines requirements. Currently monitored by the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment. Will in future be monitored by IAASA - Irish Accounting and Auditing Supervisory Authority which provided for in the Irish 2003 Companies Act, but has not yet commenced.

69. Please select from below all the relevant key levels of requirements to obtain certification from your member body (i.e. to qualify as a certified or chartered accountant) and provide a general description of the requirement.

	Academic requirements Three routes to student membership - holder of a recognised Degree, Diploma, Certificate or Professional Qualification.
	Professional examinations All CPA students must pass the Institute's examinations. However exemptions may be granted on a subject for subject basis where a student has passed other equivalent accredited examinations.
	Practical experience In addition to passing the professional examinations students must have at least three years' relevant supervised experience in the application of the appropriate theoretical knowledge and skills. If a member wishes to apply for a "practising certificate" then additional two year post qualification training in public practice is required.
	Final qualifying examination Must be passed, practical experience as outlined above is also essential. Further details available on website www. cpaireland.ie
	Other (please describe) Interview to assess candidates technical competence and experience.

70. Which of the following arrangements best describes who establishes the education requirements for the accounting profession in your country? Please select one option.

	A government ministry, department or agency establishes education requirements for the accounting profession with no additional requirements set by the member body(ies).
	A government ministry, department or agency establishes minimum education requirements for the accounting profession, and member body(ies) supplement these requirements.
	Member body(ies) establishes the education requirements for the accounting profession.
	Other (please describe)

71. Please provide the name(s) of the relevant body in the government ministry, department, agency and / or member body who establishes the education requirements.

A general description of the role of the relevant body(ies) including how it operates and its due process in establishing the education requirements.
The ICAI and the ICPAI are professional bodies of accountants based in Ireland (although it should be noted that ICAI is also statutorily established in the UK).

Each body is governed by a Council and a number of committees made up of members and non members. The Council and committees are supported by a full time executive staff.

Each body runs programmes to educate and train members before and after entry and both grant a qualification recognized in the State.

Both bodies are recognized under Irish legislation to grant licences to member and or member firms to provide certain reserved services e.g. audit and investment business.

Both bodies are self regulating bodies operating quality assurance programmes subject to external supervision by an independent oversight board.
How many voting members does the relevant body(ies) have
The IACPA Council with 19 voting members establishes education requirements for CPAs.
Are the members of the relevant body(ies) involved on a voluntary basis or employed by the standard-setting body?

Voluntary

Employed

Both - Please describe: For answer d = 63 years
For how many years has the body been in existence?

Year(s)

72. How would you describe the authority that the education requirements have?

	Requirements are legally-based
	Requirements are set in the constitution, by-laws or other rules of the relevant body(ies).
	Requirements are set in member body(ies) policy document(s).
	Other (please describe)

72 a. How can IFAC obtain copies of these documents?

ICPAI- www.cpaireland.ie

72 b. Are these documents available in English?

Yes

73. Are the education requirements for accountants and auditors the same throughout your country, or do they differ among regions, provinces or states?

Same

Different

If different, please briefly describe the main differences:

74. Please indicate the scenario that best describes who delivers the education and examination process for members of the profession. Please only select one option.

	The education program and final examination are delivered by the member body.
	The education program and final examination are delivered by the member body and other education institutions (e.g., universities, colleges, and others).
	The education program and final examination are delivered by education institutions (e.g., universities, colleges, and others).
	Other (please explain)

75. Once qualified as a member of your professional body, can members offer their services directly to the public?

Yes

Section 7B -- Licensing

76. Are there licensing requirements for auditors in your country?

Yes (continue with Question 77)

No (proceed to Section 8)

77. Who sets the requirements to obtain a license?

Set by individual Accountancy Bodies

78. What are the requirements to obtain a license (please select all relevant requirements.)?

	Academic study specific for obtaining a license
	Practical experience
	Licensing examination
	Final qualifying examination
	Other (please describe)

79. Are there ongoing requirements to retain a license?

Yes

	Continuing professional development
	Re-examination
	Other (please specify):

80. What entity grants the license?

ICPAI

81. Describe any additional licensing requirements for auditors of listed entities (e.g., additional education requirements, registration, etc.).

Not Applicable.

Section 8 -- Public Sector Accounting Standards

Responses to this section will provide a description of the legal and professional framework governing public sector accounting standards in your country. The section focuses on the establishment of such standards. Please indicate, where appropriate, the role of your organization within this framework.

Section 8A -- Statutory Framework

82. Please provide the name of the Legal authority and/or self-regulatory rules establishing public sector accounting standards in your country, the date of last amendment and the name of the body responsible for setting public sector accounting standards. If the standards are different for different entities (e.g., whole of government, ministry/department, statutory authority/agency, profit entity owned by government, state governments, local governments, other [please specify]), please specify the details that apply to each.

Type of entity	Name of legal authority	Date of last amendment (e.g. MM/YYYY 06/2001)	Name of body responsible for setting public sector accounting standards
Whole of government	See ICAI/ICPAI Attachment for response to Section 8
Ministry/department
Statutory authority/agency
Profit entity owned by government
State governments
Local governments
Other (please describe)
Other (please describe)

Yes

Section 9 -- Private Sector Accounting Standards

Responses to the questions in this section will provide a description of the legal, statutory and professional framework governing private-sector accounting standards in your country. The section focuses on the establishment of such standards. Please indicate what role your organization plays within this framework.

Section 9A -- Statutory Framework

94. Please provide the name of the Legal authority and/or self-regulatory rules that establish private-sector accounting standards in your country, the date of last amendment, and the name of the body responsible for setting private sector accounting standards. If the standards are different for different entities (for example, listed entities, private companies, governmental organization, not for profit organizations, etc.), please specify the requirements that apply to each.

Type of entity	Name of legal authority or applicable rules	Date of last amendment (e.g. MM/YYYY 06/2001)	Name of body responsible for setting private sector accounting standards
Listed entity	Please see note 1 below	Various	UK Accounting Standards Board
Other (please describe)
Other (please describe) [please list?]
Other (please describe)
Other (please describe)

www.asb.org.uk

Note 1 to Question 94 - There is no legal authority in the Ireland that requires compliance with accounting standards. However, with effect from August 1990 UK companies, other than small and medium sized companies, have been required by the Companies Act 1985 to state whether their accounts have been prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards and to give particulars of any material departure from those standards and the reasons for it. Section 41 of the Companies (Auditing and Accounting) Act 2003 when the relevant sections are commenced will require companies other than those defined as small or medium companies to state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed.

With effect from January 2005, group accounts for listed companies will be required to comply with standards prepared by the International Accounting Standards Board, when they have been approved by the European Commission. The Government currently intends that individual companies, and other groups, will be able to choose to comply with IASB standards.

Yes

Section 9B -- Standard-Setting (UK Accounting Standards Board)

95. For UK Accounting Standards Board, please indicate the nature of the body (i.e., whether it is part of a government ministry or department, an agency appointed by government, a private organization established by the profession, or other [please describe]) and the name of the standards.

Part of the UKs Financial Reporting Council

Financial Reporting Standards
Statements of Standards Accounting Practice.

96. How many voting members does the standard-setting body have?

97. Are the members of the standard-setting body involved on a voluntary basis or employed by the standard-setting body?

	Voluntary
	Employed
	Both - Please describe:		10 Board Members - two are full time (Chairman & Technical Director) and the remainder are part time

98. What are the criteria considered in selecting members of the standard-setting body (e.g., best person for the job, sector of the profession, private and public members, academic, geographical representation, etc.)?

Balanced representation sought from business, investor professional & other communities interested in corporate reporting & governance.

99. Who appoints these members (e.g., member body, government, user, regulator, etc.)?

See UK body responses for Q's 99 to 105

100. What is the term of appointment for members?

Year(s)

101. For how many years has the standard-setting body been in existence?

Year(s)

102. Please indicate the budget in US$ of the standard-setting body for the last fiscal year:

Note: Please enter a whole number using commas (e.g., 4,000,000)

Please enter the exchange rate used to calculate this number.

Note: Please enter a decimal amount (e.g., 4.0027)

103. To what entity is the standard-setting body accountable?

104. Describe the due process followed by the standard-setting body. Please include explanations of the following:

public exposure of standards
accessibility of meetings (i.e., public or private)
approval process for final standards (i.e., majority required to approve final standards)
other relevant due process activities

105. Approximately how many days per year does the standard-setting body meet in full session (including teleconferences)?

Day(s)

Section 10 -- Monitoring (Quality Assurance) and Enforcement

Responses to the questions in this section will provide a description of the legal and professional framework governing regulation of the profession in your country. Please indicate what role your organization plays within this framework.

Section 10A -- Securities Market Regulatory Authority

106. Name the authority that regulates the securities market:

Irish Stock Exchange
Irish Financial Services Reporting Authority.

107. What responsibilities does this organization have for monitoring and enforcing compliance with accounting, reporting or auditing requirements? Please identify the Legal authority that establishes that responsibility:

The responsibility will pass to the Irish Auditing and Accounting Superviosry Authority shortly.

108. Briefly describe the role of the regulatory authority as it relates to the following:

regulation of the audit profession

The precise role fo the New Irish Regulator (IAASA) is currently under discussion.
accounting and auditing standard-setting
review of financial statements prepared by listed entities, and monitoring of their compliance with the accounting and disclosure requirements

None, other than through their enforcement of the Listing Rules. This enforcement role is mainly concerned with pre-approval of information supplied with prospectuses or where shareholder approval is required

Section 10B -- Stock Exchange

109. Name the four largest stock exchangers (by market capitalization) and whether it is organized as a profit or not-for-profit organization:

Profit	Not for profit	Stock Exchange
		Irish Stock Exchange

Section 10B -- Stock Exchange
Irish Stock Exchange Details

110. For Irish Stock Exchange, is there a mechanism at the stock exchange(s) for monitoring and enforcing financial reporting, accounting and auditing of listed entities?

Yes

If YES, please describe the following:

How the monitoring and enforcement of financial reporting, accounting and auditing is conducted.
The consequences of non-compliance with the financial reporting, accounting or auditing requirements.
How enforcement actions are administered.

Section 10C -- Regulatory Oversight of the Accounting Profession

111. Has an audit profession oversight body been established (e.g., to oversee the external quality assurance review process, etc.)?

Yes

If NO, proceed to the next section.

If YES, please describe :

What are the name and duties of the oversight body?

The Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority. Duties include:

� to supervise how the recognised accountancy bodies regulate and monitor their members;
� to promote adherence to high professional standards in the auditing and accountancy profession;
� to monitor whether the accounts of certain classes of companies and other undertakings comply with the Companies Acts, and
� to act as a specialist source of advice to the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment on auditing and accounting matters.
The number of members on the oversight body

Under the Companies (Auditing and Accounting) Act 2003, the Board of Directors of IAASA shall consist of not more than 15 directors including the Chief Executive Officer. Excluding the Chief Executive, not more than 4 of the directors may be a member of a recognised accountancy body.
Its powers

� To supervise the investigation and disciplinary procedures of each recognised accountancy body, including by requiring access to its records and by requiring explanations about the performance of its regulatory and monitoring duties,
� to undertake investigations into possible breaches by a member of the standards of the recognised body to which it belongs;
� to co-operate with the recognised accountancy bodies and other interested parties in developing standards relating to the independence of auditors and to monitor the effectiveness of those standards;
� to monitor the effectiveness of provisions of the Companies Acts relating to the independence of auditors,
� to co operate with the recognised accountancy bodies and other interested parties in developing auditing and accounting standards and practice notes.
How the oversight body conducts or oversees a program of inspections to assess the degree of compliance of each audit firm/auditor with applicable auditing standards and regulations

The oversight of the regulatory work of the recognised accountancy bodies is undertaken by a public company � the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA) � established pursuant to statute (the Companies (Auditing and Accounting) Act 2003). The relevant sections formally establishing the IAASA will be commenced later in 2004. After this date the IAASA will have the authority to oversee the regulatory activities of the recognised accountancy bodies.
The sanctions the oversight body may impose in the event of non-compliance

The regulatory bodies for audit firms/auditors remain the RABs. Once the new legislation is enacted the IAASA will have the authority to seek a decision in the courts to levy a penalty of the accountancy bodies. In circumstances where the IAASA conducts an investigation into the conduct of a member firm the IAASA will have all the sanctioning powers available to the accountancy bodies.
How the oversight body is accountable to any public institution or body

IAASA will be accountable to the Irish Government

Section 10D -- Banks Regulatory Authority

112. Name the authority that regulates the banks and similar financial institutions. Discuss how this authority differentiates between accounting requirements for regulatory reporting and general purpose external financial reporting:

Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority www.ifsra.ie

113. Discuss briefly the legal requirements with respect to monitoring and enforcement by the regulatory authority of accounting and auditing standards that apply to the banks and similar financial institutions:

The IFSRA monitors and enforces regulatory reporting requirements. It has no role in monitoring or enforcing financial reporting or auditing standards. The mechanisms for this in Ireland are set out elsewhere in this response.

114. Briefly describe the role of the regulatory authority as it relates to the following:

regulation of the audit profession

None
accounting and auditing standard-setting

None
review of financial statements prepared by listed entities

The IFSRA may review audited financial statements of regulated bodies as part of its overall supervision of banks. The purpose of this review would be to assess compliance with IFSRA rules, rather than monitoring of compliance with accounting standards.
enforcement of accounting, reporting and auditing requirements

IFSRA responsibility is limited to regulatory reporting. It has a range of enforcement tools available against regulated financial services businesses and individuals within those businesses. These include fines, suspension of licenses and criminal prosecution.

Section 10E -- Non-Banking Financial Institutions Regulatory Authority

115. Name the regulatory authority(ies) responsible for monitoring compliance with and enforcing accounting, reporting and auditing requirements imposed on non-banking institutions.

Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority See Section 10D for responsibilities.

116. What is the source of Legal authority of the regulatory authority(ies)?

Part III A, Central Bank Act 1942 updated by the Central Bank Financial Services Authority of Ireland Act 2003

117. Briefly describe the role of the regulatory authority(ies) as it relates to the following:

regulation of the audit profession

None
accounting and auditing standard-setting
review of financial statements prepared by listed entities
enforcement of accounting, reporting and auditing requirements

Section 10F -- Insurance Companies Regulatory Authority

118. Name the regulatory authority responsible for monitoring compliance with and enforcing accounting, reporting and auditing requirements imposed on insurance companies.

Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority

119. What is the source of Legal authority of the regulatory authority(ies)?

See Q 116.

120. Briefly describe the role of the regulatory authority(ies) as it relates to the following

regulation of the audit profession

None.
accounting and auditing standard-setting

None.
review of financial statements prepared by listed listed entities
enforcement of accounting, reporting and auditing requirements

Section 10G -- Other Regulatory Authority

121. Name any other regulatory authority(ies) responsible for monitoring compliance with and enforcing accounting, reporting and auditing requirements.

122. What is the source of Legal authority of each regulatory authority?

123. Briefly describe the role of the regulatory authority(ies) as it relates to the following

regulation of the audit profession
accounting and auditing standard-setting
review of financial statements prepared by listed listed entities
enforcement of accounting, reporting and auditing requirements

Section 10H -- Quality Assurance

124. Does any organization of professional accountants/auditors organize a program of quality assurance review to monitor compliance with accounting, reporting and auditing requirements?

Yes

If NO, proceed to next Section.

If YES, briefly describe the monitoring and enforcement mechanism.

Auditors selected for monitoring on both a risk and random basis. Auditors will be selected at least once in a five year cycle.

125. Under what authority does the organization conduct the program of quality assurance review?

CPA Institute Bye-Laws.

126. Who performs the review (e.g., one firm reviewing another firm, staff from the national professional organization, contractors, or a combination of these)?

Staff from the national professional organisation.

Section 10 I -- Investigation and Discipline

127. Is there a process for investigating and disciplining the accounting profession in your country?

Yes

If NO, proceed to the Certification of Chief Executive

128. Which of the following best describes the responsibility for the investigatory and disciplinary function in your country?

	Government or other agencies are solely responsible for this function.
	Government or other agencies have this responsibility, but the member body or bodies participate in the process.
	Government formally delegates this function to the member body or bodies, to exercise on its behalf.
	Member body or bodies have separate and independent processes that operate alongside processes of legal authorities.
	Other (please explain)

129. Please indicate the name of the body or bodies responsible for investigation and discipline.

CPA Institute

Responses to the remaining questions in this Section are required if your organization has responsibility for investigation and disciplinary actions.

130. How many voting members does the body have?

N/A

131. Are the members of the body involved on a voluntary basis or employed by the standard-setting body?

	Voluntary
	Employed
	Both - Please describe:		Lay members are remunerated CPAs are volunteers

132. What are the criteria considered in selecting members of the body (e.g., best person for the job, sector of the profession, private and public members, academic, geographical representation, etc.)?

Two Lawyers on each
Majority non-members (5 of 9)
Best people for the job.

133. Who appoints these members (e.g., member body, government, user, regulator, etc.)?

Council of CPA

134. What is the term of appointment for members?

Year(s)

135. For how many years has the body been in existence?

Year(s)

136. Please indicate the budget in US$ of the body for the last fiscal year.

Note: Please enter a whole number using commas (e.g., 4,000,000)

Please enter the exchange rate used to calculate this number.

Note: Please enter a decimal amount (e.g., 4.0027)

(specify currency)

137. To what entity is the body accountable?

IAASA

138. Approximately how many days per year does the body meet in full session (including teleconferences)?

4 Day(s)

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