Virtual Annual General Meetings still allowed in 2023

The Companies (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Covid-19) Act came into being during the Pandemic when restrictions on travel within Ireland, flights into Ireland and inability to attend public gatherings led to fairly substantial practical problems for many companies. The implementation of the Act resolved some of those problems not least being the ability for a company to convene its Annual General Meeting virtually.

In December 2022 the Government announced the extension of some parts of the Act to the end of this year (31.12.2023). In particular, certain company meetings (including Annual General Meetings) can still be held virtually. This will be welcome news to many companies who prefer this format although there is nothing to stop a company holding a physical meeting if they wish to do so.

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Virtual AGM’s still allowed in 2023

The Companies (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Covid-19) Act came into being during the Pandemic when restrictions on travel within Ireland, flights into Ireland and inability to attend public gatherings led to fairly substantial practical problems for many companies. The implementation of the Act resolved some of those problems not least being the ability for a company to convene its Annual General Meeting virtually.

In December 2022 the Government announced the extension of some parts of the Act to the end of this year (31.12.2023). In particular, certain company meetings (including Annual General Meetings) can still be held virtually. This will be welcome news to many companies who prefer this format although there is nothing to stop a company holding a physical meeting if they wish to do so.

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Companies can continue to convene meetings virtually

The impact of the Companies (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Covid-19) Act 2020 has simplified some corporate activities for company directors and company secretaries.   Extending the terms of the Act to 31.12.2021 means that companies can continue to convene general meetings virtually. The extension is welcome both as a practical and as a pragmatic solution for all concerned.

Practically trying to organise a General Meeting when working from home is a bit of nightmare. When the virtual option was originally introduced Ireland was in lockdown, venues were closed, and company directors and employees were working from home. Convening a General Meeting virtually meant that everyone could take part safely from their own home provided they had access to broadband.

Extending the ability to convene a General Meeting virtually to year end is a pragmatic response to the current reality. Wonderfully lockdowns have stopped, restrictions eased, and vaccinations are well in hand. However, the ability to access indoor venues and enable people to safely attend in person whilst remaining within the terms of Government public health advice is not possible.

The only problem remaining is my personal antipathy to technology, a problem that is beyond any Government intervention!

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