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Number 33 of 1990
COMPANIES ACT, 1990
ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS
Preliminary
Section | |
Investigations
Transactions Involving Directors
Preliminary
Particular transactions involving conflict of interest
Prohibition of loans, etc. to directors and connected persons. | |
Disclosure of transactions involving directors and others
Supplemental
Disclosure of Interests in Shares
Share Dealings by Directors, Secretaries and their Families
Individual and Group Acquisitions
Disclosure Orders: Companies other than Public Limited Companies
General provisions about share registers etc.
Insider Dealing
Duty of recognised stock exchange in relation to unlawful dealing. | |
Winding Up and Related Matters
Registration of Charges
Winding Up by the Court
Declaration of Solvency
Statutory declaration of solvency in case of proposal to wind up voluntarily. |
Provisions applicable to a Members' Voluntary Winding Up
Provisions applicable to a Creditors' Voluntary Winding Up
Provisions applicable to every Voluntary Winding Up
Consent to appointment as liquidator and notification of appointment. |
Provisions applicable to every Winding Up
Supplementary Provisions
Disclosure of interest by creditors etc. at creditors' meetings. | |
Extension of power of court to assess damages against directors. |
Disqualifications and Restrictions: Directors and other Officers
Restriction on Directors of Insolvent Companies
Requirements as to shares allotted by a company to which section 155 applies. | |
Disqualification Generally
Disqualification of certain persons from acting as directors or auditors of or managing companies. |
Enforcement
Receivers
Companies under Court Protection
Accounts and Audit
Acquisition of Own Shares and Shares in Holding Company
General
Investment Companies
Default of investment company or failure in performance of its investments. | |
Provisions Substituted for Ninth Schedule to Principal Act.
Acts Referred to | |
1989, No. 17 | |
1975, No. 20 | |
1971, No. 24 | |
1961, No. 17 | |
1963, No. 33 | |
1977, No. 31 | |
1982, No. 10 | |
1983, No. 13 | |
1986, No. 25 | |
1990, No. 27 | |
1936, No. 48 | |
1972, No. 27 | |
Exchange Control Acts, 1954 to 1986 | |
1973, No. 19 | |
1977, No. 18 | |
Friendly Societies Acts, 1896 to 1977 | |
1967, No. 6 | |
Industrial and Provident Societies Acts, 1893 to 1978 | |
Insurance Acts, 1909 to 1990 | |
Petty Sessions (Ireland) Act, 1851 | 14 & 15 Vict., c. 93 |
Post Office Savings Bank Acts, 1861 to 1958 | |
1965, No. 27 | |
Trustee Savings Banks Acts, 1863 to 1979 | |
1972, No. 17 | |
Number 33 of 1990
COMPANIES ACT, 1990
PART I
Preliminary
Short title, collective citation and construction.
1.—(1) This Act may be cited as the Companies Act, 1990.
(2) This Act and the Companies Acts, 1963 to 1986, may be cited together as the Companies Acts, 1963 to 1990.
(3) The Companies Acts, 1963 to 1986, and this Act shall be construed together as one Act.
Commencement.
2.—This Act shall come into operation on such day or days as may be fixed therefor by order or orders of the Minister, either generally or with reference to a particular purpose or provision, and different days may be so fixed for different purposes and different provisions of this Act.
Interpretation.
3.—(1) In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires—
“books and documents” and “books or documents” include accounts, deeds, writings and records made in any other manner;
“child” includes a step-child and an adopted child and “son”, “daughter” and “parent” shall be construed accordingly;
“the Companies Acts” means the Companies Act, 1963, and every enactment (including this Act) which is to be construed as one with that Act;
“connected person” has the meaning assigned to it by section 26;
“contravention” includes failure to comply;
“daily default fine” has the meaning assigned to it by section 240 (6);
“the Minister” means the Minister for Industry and Commerce;
“prescribe” means prescribe by regulations;
“the Principal Act” means the Companies Act, 1963;
“recognised stock exchange” has the meaning assigned to it by subsection (2);
“related company” has the meaning assigned to it by section 140;
“shadow director” has the meaning assigned to it by section 27.
(2) (a) A recognised stock exchange for the purposes of any provision of the Companies Acts is an exchange prescribed by the Minister for the purposes of that section.
(b) The definition of “recognised stock exchange” in paragraph (a) is in substitution for the definition in section 2 (1) of the Principal Act.
(3) The Minister may make regulations in relation to any matter referred to in this Act as prescribed or to be prescribed.
(4) In this Act—
(a) a reference to a Part or section is to a Part or section of this Act unless it is indicated that a reference to some other enactment is intended;
(b) a reference to a subsection, paragraph or subparagraph is to the subsection, paragraph or subparagraph of the provision in which the reference occurs, unless it is indicated that reference to some other provision is intended; and
(c) a reference to any other enactment shall, unless the context otherwise requires, be construed as a reference to that enactment as amended by or under any other enactment, including this Act.
Periods of time.
4.—(1) Where the time limited by any provision of this Act for the doing of anything expires on a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday, the time so limited shall extend to and the thing may be done on the first following day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday.
(2) Where in this Act anything is required or allowed to be done within a number of days not exceeding six a day that is a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday shall not be reckoned in computing that number.
Orders.
5.—The Minister may by order revoke or amend an order made by him under any provision of this Act, other than section 2.
Repeals.
6.—(1) The following provisions of the Principal Act are hereby repealed — sections 147, 162 (inserted by section 6 of the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1982), 163, 165 to 173, 184, 294, 296, 380 and 385, and the Seventh and Tenth Schedules.
(2) The following provisions are also hereby repealed—
(a) Regulation 8 of the European Communities (Companies) Regulations, 1973,
(b) section 6 of the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1977, and
(c) section 21 of the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1986.
PART II
Investigations
Investigation of company's affairs.
7.—(1) The court may appoint one or more competent inspectors to investigate the affairs of a company in order to enquire into matters specified by the court and to report thereon in such manner as the court directs—
(a) in the case of a company having a share capital, on the application either of not less than 100 members or of a member or members holding not less than one-tenth of the paid up share capital of the company;
(b) in the case of a company not having a share capital, on the application of not less than one-fifth in number of the persons on the company's register of members;
(c) in any case, on the application of the company;
(d) in any case, on the application of a director of the company;
(e) in any case, on the application of a creditor of the company.
(2) The application shall be supported by such evidence as the court may require, including such evidence as may be prescribed.
(3) Where an application is made under this section, the court may require the applicant or applicants to give security, to an amount not less than £500 and not exceeding £100,000, for payment of the costs of the investigation.
(4) Where the court appoints an inspector under this section or section 8, it may, from time to time, give such directions as it thinks fit, whether to the inspector or otherwise, with a view to ensuring that the investigation is carried out as quickly and as inexpensively as possible.
Investigation of company's affairs on application of Minister.
8.—(1) Without prejudice to its powers under section 7, the court may on the application of the Minister appoint one or more competent inspectors to investigate the affairs of a company and to report thereon in such manner as the court shall direct, if the court is satisfied that there are circumstances suggesting—
(a) that its affairs are being or have been conducted with intent to defraud its creditors or the creditors of any other person or otherwise for a fraudulent or unlawful purpose or in an unlawful manner or in a manner which is unfairly prejudicial to some part of its members, or that any actual or proposed act or omission of the company (including an act or omission on its behalf) is or would be so prejudicial, or that it was formed for any fraudulent or unlawful purpose; or
(b) that persons connected with its formation or the management of its affairs have in connection therewith been guilty of fraud, misfeasance or other misconduct towards it or towards its members; or
(c) that its members have not been given all the information relating to its affairs which they might reasonably expect.
(2) (a) The power conferred by section 7 or this section shall be exercisable with respect to a body corporate notwithstanding that it is in course of being wound up.
(b) The reference in subsection (1) (a) to the members of a company shall have effect as if it included a reference to any person who is not a member but to whom shares in the company have been transferred or transmitted by operation of law.
Power of inspectors to extend investigation into affairs of related companies.
9.—If an inspector appointed under section 7 or 8 to investigate the affairs of a company thinks it necessary for the purposes of his investigation to investigate also the affairs of any other body corporate which is related to such company, he shall, with the approval of the court, have power so to do, and shall report on the affairs of the other body corporate so far as he thinks the results of his investigation thereof are relevant to the investigation of the affairs of the first-mentioned company.
Production of documents and evidence on investigation.
10.—(1) It shall be the duty of all officers and agents of the company and of all officers and agents of any other body corporate whose affairs are investigated by virtue of section 9 to produce to the inspectors all books and documents of or relating to the company, or, as the case may be, the other body corporate which are in their custody or power, to attend before the inspectors when required so to do and otherwise to give to the inspectors all assistance in connection with the investigation which they are reasonably able to give.
(2) If the inspectors consider that a person other than an officer or agent of the company or other body corporate is or may be in possession of any information concerning its affairs, they may require that person to produce to them any books or documents in his custody or power relating to the company or other body corporate, to attend before them and otherwise to give them all assistance in connection with the investigation which he is reasonably able to give; and it shall be the duty of that person to comply with the requirement.
(3) If an inspector has reasonable grounds for believing that a director of the company or other body corporate whose affairs the inspector is investigating maintains or has maintained a bank account of any description, whether alone or jointly with another person and whether in the State or elsewhere, into or out of which there has been paid—
(a) any money which has resulted from or been used in the financing of any transaction, arrangement or agreement—
(i) particulars of which have not been disclosed in a note to the accounts of any company for any financial year as required by section 41; or
(ii) in respect of which any amount outstanding was not included in the aggregate amounts outstanding in respect of certain transactions, arrangements or agreements as required by section 43 to be disclosed in a note to the accounts of any company for any financial year; or
(iii) particulars of which were not included in any register of certain transactions, arrangements and agreements as required by section 44; or
(b) any money which has been in any way connected with any act or omission, or series of acts or omissions, which on the part of that director constituted misconduct (whether fraudulent or not) towards that company or body corporate or its members;
the inspector may require the director to produce to him all documents in the director's possession, or under his control, relating to that bank account; and in this subsection “bank account” includes an account with any person exempt by virtue of section 7 (4) of the Central Bank Act, 1971, from the requirement of holding a licence under section 9 of that Act, and “director” includes any present or past director or any person connected, within the meaning of section 26, with such director, and any present or past shadow director.
(4) An inspector may examine on oath, either by word of mouth or on written interrogatories, the officers and agents of the company or other body corporate and such person as is mentioned in subsection (2) in relation to its affairs and may—
(a) administer an oath accordingly,
(b) reduce the answers of such person to writing and require him to sign them.
(5) If any officer or agent of the company or other body corporate or any such person as is mentioned in subsection (2) refuses to produce to the inspectors any book or document which it is his duty under this section so to produce, refuses to attend before the inspectors when required so to do or refuses to answer any question which is put to him by the inspectors with respect to the affairs of the company or other body corporate as the case may be, the inspectors may certify the refusal under their hand to the court, and the court may thereupon enquire into the case and, after hearing any witnesses who may be produced against or on behalf of the alleged offender and any statement which may be offered in defence, punish the offender in like manner as if he had been guilty of contempt of court.
(6) Without prejudice to its power under subsection (5), the court may, after a hearing under that subsection, make any order or direction it thinks fit, including a direction to the person concerned to attend or re-attend before the inspector or produce particular books or documents or answer particular questions put to him by the inspector, or a direction that the person concerned need not produce a particular book or document or answer a particular question put to him by the inspector.
(7) In this section, any reference to officers or to agents shall include past, as well as present, officers or agents, as the case may be, and “agents”, in relation to a company or other body corporate, shall include the bankers and solicitors of the company or other body corporate and any persons employed by the company or other body corporate as auditors, whether those persons are or are not officers of the company or other body corporate.
Inspectors' reports.
11.—(1) Inspectors appointed under section 7 or 8 may, and if so directed by the court shall, make interim reports to the court and on the conclusion of the investigation, shall make a final report to the court.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in subsection (1), an inspector appointed under section 7 or 8 may at any time in the course of his investigation, without the necessity of making an interim report, inform the court of matters coming to his knowledge as a result of the investigation tending to show that an offence has been committed.
(3) Where inspectors were appointed under section 7 or 8, the court shall furnish a copy of every report of theirs to the Minister and the court may, if it thinks fit—
(a) forward a copy of any report made by the inspectors to the company's registered office,
(b) furnish a copy on request and payment of the prescribed fee to—
(i) any member of the company or other body corporate which is the subject of the report;
(ii) any person whose conduct is referred to in the report;
(iii) the auditors of that company or body corporate;
(iv) the applicants for the investigation;
(v) any other person (including an employee) whose financial interests appear to the court to be affected by the matters dealt with in the report whether as a creditor of the company or body corporate or otherwise;
(vi) the Central Bank, in any case in which the report of the inspectors relates, wholly or partly, to the affairs of the holder of a licence under section 9 of the Central Bank Act, 1971; and
(c) cause any such report to be printed and published.
(4) Where the court so thinks proper it may direct that a particular part of a report made by virtue of this section be omitted from a copy forwarded or furnished under subsection (3) (a) or (b), or from the report as printed and published under subsection (3) (c).
Proceedings on inspectors' report.
12.—(1) Having considered a report made under section 11, the court may make such order as it deems fit in relation to matters arising from that report including—
(a) an order of its own motion for the winding up of a body corporate, or
(b) an order for the purpose of remedying any disability suffered by any person whose interests were adversely affected by the conduct of the affairs of the company, provided that, in making any such order, the court shall have regard to the interests of any other person who may be adversely affected by the order.
(2) If, in the case of any body corporate liable to be wound up under the Companies Acts, it appears to the Minister from—
(a) any report made under section 11 as a result of an application by the Minister under section 8, or
(b) any report made by inspectors appointed by the Minister under this Act, or
(c) any information or document obtained by the Minister under this Part,
that a petition should be presented for the winding up of the body, the Minister may, unless the body is already being wound up by the court, present a petition for it to be so wound up if the court thinks it just and equitable for it to be so wound up.
Expenses of investigation of company's affairs.
13.—(1) The expenses of and incidental to an investigation by an inspector appointed by the court under the foregoing provisions of this Act shall be defrayed in the first instance by the Minister for Justice but the court may direct that any person being—
(a) a body corporate dealt with in the report, or
(b) the applicant or applicants for the investigation,
shall be liable, to such extent as the court may direct, to repay the Minister for Justice, provided that no such liability on the part of the applicant or applicants shall exceed in the aggregate £100,000.
(2) Without prejudice to subsection (1), any person who is—
(a) convicted on indictment of an offence on a prosecution instituted as a result of an investigation,
(b) ordered to pay damages or restore any property in proceedings brought as a result of an investigation, or
(c) awarded damages or to whom property is restored in proceedings brought as a result of an investigation,
may, in the same proceedings, be ordered to repay all or part of the expenses referred to in subsection (1) to the Minister for Justice or to any person on whom liability has been imposed by the court under that subsection, provided that, in the case of a person to whom paragraph (c) relates, the court shall not order payment in excess of one-tenth of the amount of the damages awarded or of the value of the property restored, as the case may be, and any such order shall not be executed until the person concerned has received his damages or the property has been restored, as the case may be.
(3) The report of an inspector may, if he thinks fit, and shall, if the court so directs, include a recommendation as to the directions (if any) which he thinks appropriate, in the light of his investigation, to be given under subsection (1).
Appointment and powers of inspectors to investigate ownership of company.
14.—(1) The Minister may, subject to subsection (2), appoint one or more competent inspectors to investigate and report on the membership of any company and otherwise with respect to the company for the purpose of determining the true persons who are or have been financially interested in the success or failure (real or apparent) of the company or able to control or materially to influence the policy of the company.
(2) An appointment may be made by the Minister if he is of the opinion that there are circumstances suggesting that it is necessary—
(a) for the effective administration of the law relating to companies;
(b) for the effective discharge by the Minister of his functions under any enactment; or
(c) in the public interest.
(3) The appointment of an inspector under this section may define the scope of his investigation, whether as respects the matters or the period to which it is to extend or otherwise, and in particular may limit the investigation to matters connected with particular shares or debentures.
(4) Subject to the terms of an inspector's appointment his powers shall extend to the investigation of any circumstances suggesting the existence of an arrangement or understanding which, though not legally binding, is or was observed or likely to be observed in practice and which is relevant to the purposes of his investigation.
(5) For the purposes of any investigation under this section, sections 9 to 11, except section 10 (3), shall apply with the necessary modifications of references to the affairs of the company or to those of any other body corporate, so, however, that—
(a) the said sections shall apply in relation to all persons who are or have been, or whom the inspector has reasonable cause to believe to be or have been, financially interested in the success or failure or the apparent success or failure of the company or any other body corporate whose membership is investigated with that of the company, or able to control or materially to influence the policy thereof, including persons concerned only on behalf of others and to any other person whom the inspector has reasonable cause to believe possesses information relevant to the investigation, as they apply in relation to officers and agents of the company or of the other body corporate, as the case may be;
(b) if the Minister is of opinion that there is good reason for not divulging any part of a report made by virtue of this section he may disclose the report with the omission of that part; and may cause to be kept by the registrar of companies a copy of the report with that part omitted or, in the case of any other such report, a copy of the whole report; and
(c) for references to the court (except in section 10 (5) and (6)), there shall be substituted references to the Minister.
Power to require information as to persons interested in shares or debentures.
15.—(1) Where it appears to the Minister that it is necessary—
(a) for the effective administration of the law relating to companies;
(b) for the effective discharge by the Minister of his functions under any enactment; or
(c) in the public interest;
to investigate the ownership of any shares in or debentures of a company and that it is unnecessary to appoint an inspector for the purpose, he may require any person whom he has reasonable cause to believe to have or to be able to obtain any information as to the present and past interests in those shares or debentures and the names and addresses of the persons interested and of any persons who act or have acted on their behalf in relation to the shares or debentures to give any such information to the Minister.
(2) For the purposes of this section a person shall be deemed to have an interest in a share or debenture if he has any right to acquire or dispose of the share or debenture or any interest therein or to vote in respect thereof or if his consent is necessary for the exercise of any of the rights of other persons interested therein or if the other persons interested therein can be required or are accustomed to exercise their rights in accordance with his instructions.
(3) Any person who fails to give any information required of him under this section or who in giving any such information makes any statement which he knows to be false in a material particular, or recklessly makes any statement which is false in a material particular, shall be guilty of an offence.
Power to impose restrictions on shares or debentures.
16.—(1) Where in connection with an investigation or enquiry under section 14 or 15 it appears to the Minister that there is difficulty in finding out the relevant facts about any shares (whether issued or to be issued), the Minister may by notice in writing direct that the shares shall until further notice be subject to the restrictions imposed by this section.
(2) So long as a direction under subsection (1) in respect of any shares is in force—
(a) any transfer of those shares, or in the case of unissued shares any transfer of the right to be issued therewith and any issue thereof, shall be void;
(b) no voting rights shall be exercisable in respect of those shares;
(c) no further shares shall be issued in right of those shares or in pursuance of any offer made to the holder thereof; and
(d) except in a liquidation, no payment shall be made of any sums due from the company on those shares, whether in respect of capital or otherwise.
(3) Where shares are subject to the restrictions imposed by subsection (2) (a) any agreement to transfer the shares or in the case of unissued shares the right to be issued with the shares shall be void except an agreement to sell the shares pursuant to subsection (6) (b).
(4) Where shares are subject to the restrictions imposed by subsection (2) (c) or (2) (d) any agreement to transfer any right to be issued with other shares in right of those shares or to receive any payment on those shares (otherwise than in a liquidation) shall be void except an agreement to transfer any such right on the sale of the shares pursuant to subsection (6) (b).
(5) Where the Minister directs that shares shall be subject to the said restrictions, or refuses to direct that shares shall cease to be subject thereto, any person aggrieved thereby may apply to the court for an order that the shares shall cease to be subject thereto.
(6) Subject to subsections (7) and (13), an order of the court or a direction of the Minister that shares shall cease to be subject to the restrictions imposed by this section may be made only if—
(a) the court or, as the case may be, the Minister is satisfied that the relevant facts about the shares have been disclosed to the company and no unfair advantage had accrued to any person as a result of the earlier failure to make that disclosure; or
(b) the shares are to be sold and the court or the Minister approves the sale.
(7) Where any shares in a company are subject to the restrictions imposed by this section, the court may on the application of the Minister or the company order the shares to be sold, subject to the approval of the court as to the sale, and may also direct that the shares shall cease to be subject to those restrictions.
(8) Where an order has been made under subsection (7) then, on application of the Minister, the company, the person appointed by or in pursuance of the order to effect the sale or any person interested in the shares, the court may make such further order relating to the sale or to the transfer of the shares as it thinks fit.
(9) Where any shares are sold in pursuance of an order made under subsection (7), the proceeds of sale, less the costs of the sale, shall be paid into court for the benefit of the persons who are beneficially interested in the shares; and any such person may apply to the court for the whole or part of those proceeds to be paid to him.
(10) On an application under subsection (9) the court shall, subject to subsection (11), order the payment to the applicant of the whole of the proceeds of sale together with any interest thereon or, if any other person had a beneficial interest in the shares at the time of their sale, such proportion of those proceeds and interest as is equal to the proportion which the value of the applicant's interest in the shares bears to the total value of the shares.
(11) On granting an application for an order under subsection (7) or (8), the court may order that the costs of the applicant shall be paid out of the proceeds of sale; and, where an order under this subsection is made, the applicant shall be entitled to payment of his costs out of the proceeds of sale before any person interested in the shares in question receives any part of those proceeds.
(12) Any order or direction that shares shall cease to be subject to the said restrictions which is expressed to be made or given with a view to permitting a transfer of those shares or which is made under subsection (7) may continue the restrictions mentioned in subsection (2) (c) and (2) (d) in whole or in part, so far as they relate to any right acquired or offer made before the transfer.
(13) Subsection (6) shall not apply in relation to any order of the court or of the Minister directing that shares shall cease to be subject to any restrictions which have been continued in force in relation to those shares by virtue of subsection (12).
(14) Any person who—
(a) exercises or purports to exercise any right to dispose of any shares which, to his knowledge, are for the time being subject to the said restrictions or of any right to be issued with any such shares; or
(b) votes in respect of any such shares, whether as holder or proxy, or appoints a proxy to vote in respect thereof; or
(c) being the holder of any such shares, fails to notify of their being subject to the said restrictions any person whom he does not know to be aware of that fact but does know to be entitled, apart from the said restrictions, to vote in respect of those shares whether as holder or proxy; or
(d) being the holder of any such shares, or being entitled to any such right as is mentioned in subsection (4) enters into an agreement which is void by virtue of subsection (3) or (4);
shall be guilty of an offence.
(15) Where shares in any company are issued in contravention of the said restrictions, the company and every officer of the company who is in default shall be guilty of an offence.
(16) Summary proceedings shall not be instituted under this section except by or with the consent of the Minister.
(17) This section shall apply in relation to debentures as it applies in relation to shares.
(18) The Minister shall cause notice of any direction given by him under this section—
(a) to be sent to the company concerned at its registered office, and
(b) to be delivered to the registrar of companies,
(c) to be published in Iris Oifigiúil and in at least two daily newspapers,
as soon as may be after the direction is given.
Extension of powers of investigation to certain bodies incorporated outside the State.
17.—Sections 8 to 11, 13, 18 and 22 shall apply to all bodies corporate incorporated outside the State which are carrying on business in the State or have at any time carried on business therein as if they were companies registered under the Principal Act, subject to any necessary modifications.
Admissibility in evidence of certain matters.
18.—An answer given by a person to a question put to him in exercise of powers conferred by—
(a) section 10;
(b) section 10 as applied by sections 14 and 17; or
(c) rules made in respect of the winding-up of companies whether by the court or voluntarily under section 68 of the Courts of Justice Act, 1936, as extended by section 312 of the Principal Act;
may be used in evidence against him, and a statement required by section 224 of the Principal Act may be used in evidence against any person making or concurring in making it.
Power of Minister to require production of documents.
19.—(1) The Minister may, subject to subsection (2), give directions to any body being—
(a) a company formed and registered under the Companies Acts;
(b) an existing company within the meaning of those Acts;
(c) a company to which the Principal Act applies by virtue of section 325 thereof or which is registered under that Act by virtue of Part IX thereof;
(d) a body corporate incorporated in, and having a principal place of business in, the State, being a body to which any of the provisions of the said Act with respect to prospectuses and allotments apply by virtue of section 377 of that Act;
(e) a body corporate incorporated outside the State which is carrying on business in the State or has at any time carried on business therein;
(f) any other body, whether incorporated or not, which is, or appears to the Minister to be, an insurance undertaking to which the Insurance Acts, 1909 to 1990, or regulations on insurance made under the European Communities Act, 1972, would apply,
requiring the body, at such time and place as may be specified in the directions, to produce such books or documents as may be so specified, or may at any time, if he thinks there is good reason so to do, authorise any officer of his, on producing (if required so to do) evidence of his authority, to require any such body as aforesaid to produce to him forthwith any books or documents which the officer may specify.
(2) Directions may be given by the Minister if he is of the opinion that there are circumstances suggesting that—
(a) it is necessary to examine the books and documents of the body with a view to determining whether an inspector should be appointed to conduct an investigation of the body under the Companies Acts; or
(b) that the affairs of the body are being or have been conducted with intent to defraud—
(i) its creditors,
(ii) the creditors of any other person, or
(iii) its members; or
(c) that the affairs of the body are being or have been conducted for a fraudulent purpose other than described in paragraph (b); or
(d) that the affairs of the body are being or have been conducted in a manner which is unfairly prejudicial to some part of its members; or
(e) that any actual or proposed act or omission or series of acts or omissions of the body or on behalf of the body are or would be unfairly prejudicial to some part of its members; or
(f) that any actual or proposed act or omission or series of acts or omissions of the body or on behalf of the body are or are likely to be unlawful; or
(g) that the body was formed for any fraudulent purpose; or
(h) that the body was formed for any unlawful purpose.
(3) Where by virtue of subsection (1) the Minister or an officer authorised by the Minister has power to require the production of any books or documents from any body, the Minister or officer shall have the like power to require production of those books or documents from any person who appears to the Minister or officer to be in possession of them; but where any such person claims a lien on books or documents produced by him, the production shall be without prejudice to the lien.
(4) Any power conferred by or by virtue of this section to require a body or other person to produce books or documents shall include power—
(a) if the books or documents are produced—
(i) to take copies of them or extracts from them; and
(ii) to require that person, or any other person who is a present or past officer of, or is or was at any time employed by, the body in question, to provide an explanation of any of them;
(b) if the books or documents are not produced, to require the person who was required to produce them to state, to the best of his knowledge and belief, where they are.
(5) If a requirement to produce books or documents or provide an explanation or make a statement which is imposed by virtue of this section is not complied with, the body or other person on whom the requirement was so imposed shall be guilty of an offence; but where a person is charged with an offence under this subsection in respect of a requirement to produce any books or documents, it shall be a defence to prove that they were not in his possession or under his control and that it was not reasonably practicable for him to comply with the requirement.
(6) A statement made by a person in compliance with a requirement imposed by virtue of this section may be used in evidence against him.
(7) Nothing in this section shall prevent the Minister from authorising a person other than an officer of his to exercise the functions which an officer of his may exercise under this section and, where the Minister so authorises, such person shall have the same rights, duties and obligations as if he were such officer.
Entry and search of premises.
20.—(1) If a District Justice is satisfied on information on oath laid by an officer authorised by the Minister or laid under the authority of the Minister that there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that there are on any premises any books or documents of which production has been required under section 14, 15 or 19, and which have not been produced in compliance with that requirement, the Justice may issue a warrant authorising any member of the Garda Síochána together with any other persons named in the warrant and any other members of the Garda Síochána to enter the premises specified in the information (using such force as is reasonably necessary for the purpose) and to search the premises and take possession of any books or documents appearing to be such books or documents as aforesaid, or to take, in relation to any books or documents so appearing, any other steps which may appear necessary for preserving them and preventing interference with them.
(2) Every warrant issued under this section shall continue in force until the end of the period of one month after the date on which it is issued.
(3) Any books or documents of which possession is taken under this section may be retained for a period of three months or, if within that period there are commenced any such criminal proceedings as are mentioned in section 21 (1) (a) or (1) (b) (being proceedings to which the books or documents are relevant), until the conclusion of those proceedings.
(4) A person who obstructs the exercise of a right of entry or search conferred by virtue of a warrant issued under this section or who obstructs the exercise of a right so conferred to take possession of any books or documents, shall be guilty of an offence.
Provision for security of information.
21.—(1) No information, book or document relating to a body which has been obtained under section 19 or 20 shall, without the previous consent in writing of that body, be published or disclosed, except to a competent authority, unless the publication or disclosure is required—
(a) with a view to the institution of, or otherwise for the purposes of, any criminal proceedings pursuant to, or arising out of the Companies Acts or any criminal proceedings for an offence entailing misconduct in connection with the management of the body's affairs or misapplication or wrongful retainer of its property;
(b) with a view to the institution of, or otherwise for the purposes of, any criminal proceedings pursuant to or arising out of the Exchange Control Acts, 1954 to 1986, or the Insurance Acts, 1909 to 1990, or regulations on insurance made under the European Communities Act, 1972;
(c) for the purpose of complying with any requirement, or exercising any power, imposed or conferred by this Part with respect to reports made by inspectors appointed thereunder by the court or the Minister;
(d) with a view to the institution by the Minister of proceedings for the winding-up under the Principal Act of the body or otherwise for the purposes of proceedings instituted by him for that purpose;
(e) for the purposes of proceedings under section 20.
(2) A person who publishes or discloses any information, book or document in contravention of this section shall be guilty of an offence.
(3) For the purposes of this section “competent authority” includes—
(a) the Minister,
(b) a person authorised by the Minister,
(c) an inspector appointed under this Act,
(d) the Minister for Finance,
(e) an officer authorised by the Minister for Finance,
(f) any court of competent jurisdiction,
(g) a supervisory authority within the meaning of regulations relating to insurance made under the European Communities Act, 1972, and
(h) the Central Bank.
Inspectors' reports to be evidence.
22.—A document purporting to be a copy of a report of an inspector appointed under the provisions of this Part shall be admissible in any civil proceedings as evidence—
(a) of the facts set out therein without further proof unless the contrary is shown, and
(b) of the opinion of the inspector in relation to any matter contained in the report.
Saving for privileged information.
23.—(1) Nothing in this Part shall compel the disclosure by any person of any information which he would, in the opinion of the court, be entitled to refuse to produce on the grounds of legal professional privilege or authorise the taking of possession of any document containing such information which is in his possession.
(2) The Minister shall not, under section 19, require, or authorise an officer of his to require, the production by a person carrying on the business of banking of a document relating to the affairs of a customer of his unless either it appears to the Minister that it is necessary so to do for the purpose of investigating the affairs of the first-mentioned person or the customer is a person on whom a requirement has been imposed by virtue of that section.
(3) The publication, in pursuance of any provision of this Part, of any report, information, book or document shall be privileged.
Power to make supplementary regulations.
24.—(1) If, in any respect, any difficulty arises in bringing any provision of this Part into operation or in relation to the operation of any such provision, the Minister may by regulations do anything which appears to him to be necessary or expedient for removing that difficulty, for bringing the provision into operation, or for securing or facilitating its operation, and any such regulations may modify any provision of this Part so far as may be necessary or expedient for carrying such provision into effect for the purposes aforesaid.
(2) Every regulation made by the Minister under this section shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas as soon as may be after it is made and, if a resolution annulling the regulation is passed by either House within the next 21 days on which that House has sat after the regulation is laid before it, the regulation shall be annulled accordingly, but without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done thereunder.
PART III
Transactions Involving Directors
Preliminary
Interpretation of Part III.
25.—(1) In this Part, unless the context otherwise requires—
“credit transactions” has the meaning assigned to it by subsection (3);
“guarantee” includes indemnity;
“quasi-loan” has the meaning assigned to it by subsection (2);
“licensed bank” means the holder of a licence under section 9 of the Central Bank Act, 1971.
(2) For the purposes of this Part—
(a) a quasi-loan is a transaction under which one party (“the creditor”) agrees to pay, or pays otherwise than in pursuance of an agreement, a sum for another (“the borrower”) or agrees to reimburse, or reimburses otherwise than in pursuance of an agreement, expenditure incurred by another party for another (“the borrower”)—
(i) on terms that the borrower (or a person on his behalf) will reimburse the creditor; or
(ii) in circumstances giving rise to a liability on the borrower to reimburse the creditor;
(b) any reference to the person to whom a quasi-loan is made is a reference to the borrower; and
(c) the liabilities of a borrower under a quasi-loan include the liabilities of any person who has agreed to reimburse the creditor on behalf of the borrower.
(3) For the purposes of this Part a credit transaction is a transaction under which one party (“the creditor”)—
(a) supplies any goods or sells any land under a hire-purchase agreement or conditional sale agreement;
(b) leases or licenses the use of land or hires goods in return for periodical payments;
(c) otherwise disposes of land or supplies goods or services on the understanding that payment (whether in a lump-sum or instalments or by way of periodical payments or otherwise) is to be deferred.
(4) For the purposes of this Part the value of a transaction or arrangement is—
(a) in the case of a loan, the principal of the loan;
(b) in the case of a quasi-loan, the amount, or maximum amount, which the person to whom the quasi-loan is made is liable to reimburse the creditor;
(c) in the case of a transaction or arrangement, other than a loan or quasi-loan or a transaction or arrangement within paragraph (d) or (e), the price which it is reasonable to expect could be obtained for the goods, land or services to which the transaction or arrangement relates if they had been supplied at the time the transaction or arrangement is entered into in the ordinary course of business and on the same terms (apart from price) as they have been supplied or are to be supplied under the transaction or arrangement in question;
(d) in the case of a guarantee or security, the amount guaranteed or secured;
(e) in the case of an arrangement to which section 31 (2) or 31 (3) applies the value of the transaction to which the arrangement relates less any amount by which the liabilities under the arrangement or transaction of the person for whom the transaction was made have been reduced.
(5) For the purposes of subsection (4), the value of a transaction or arrangement which is not capable of being expressed as a specific sum of money (because the amount of any liability arising under the transaction is unascertainable, or for any other reason) shall, whether or not any liability under the transaction has been reduced, be deemed to exceed £50,000.
(6) For the purposes of this Part, a transaction or arrangement is made for a person if—
(a) in the case of a loan or quasi-loan, it is made to him;
(b) in the case of a credit transaction, he is the person to whom goods or services are supplied, or land is sold or otherwise disposed of, under the transaction;
(c) in the case of a guarantee or security, it is entered into or provided in connection with a loan or quasi-loan made to him or a credit transaction made for him;
(d) in the case of an arrangement to which section 31 (2) or 31 (3) applies, the transaction to which the arrangement relates was made for him; and
(e) in the case of any other transaction or arrangement for the supply or transfer of goods, land or services (or any interest therein), he is the person to whom the goods, land or services (or the interest) are supplied or transferred.
(7) This Part, except sections 41, 43 and 44, does not apply to arrangements or transactions entered into before the commencement of this section but, for the purposes of determining whether an arrangement is one to which section 31 (2) or 31 (3) applies the transaction to which the arrangement relates shall, if it was entered into before the said commencement, be deemed to have been entered into thereafter.
(8) This Part shall have effect in relation to an arrangement or transaction whether governed by the law of the State or of another country.
Connected persons.
26.—(1) For the purposes of this Part, a person is connected with a director of a company if, but only if, he is—
(a) that director's spouse, parent, brother, sister or child;
(b) a person acting in his capacity as the trustee of any trust, the principal beneficiaries of which are the director, his spouse or any of his children or any body corporate which he controls; or
(c) a partner of that director;
unless that person is also a director of the company.
(2) A body corporate shall also be deemed to be connected with a director of a company if it is controlled by that director.
(3) For the purposes of this section, a director of a company shall be deemed to control a body corporate if, but only if, he is, alone or together with any of the persons referred to in paragraph (a), (b) or (c) of subsection (1), interested in more than one-half of the equity share capital of that body or entitled to exercise or control the exercise of more than one-half of the voting power at any general meeting of that body.
(4) In subsection (3)—
(a) “equity share capital” has the same meaning as in section 155 of the Principal Act; and
(b) references to voting power exercised by a director shall include references to voting power exercised by another body corporate which that director controls.
(5) The provisions of section 54 shall have effect for the purposes of subsection (3) with the substitution of the words “more than half” for the words “one-third or more” in subsections (5) and (6) of that section.
Shadow directors.
27.—(1) Subject to subsection (2), a person in accordance with whose directions or instructions the directors of a company are accustomed to act (in this Act referred to as “a shadow director”) shall be treated for the purposes of this Part as a director of the company unless the directors are accustomed so to act by reason only that they do so on advice given by him in a professional capacity.
(2) A shadow director shall not be guilty of an offence under section 44 (8) by virtue only of subsection (1).
(3) Section 194 of the Principal Act shall apply in relation to a shadow director of a company as it applies in relation to a director of a company, except that the shadow director shall declare his interest, not at a meeting of the directors, but by a notice in writing to the directors which is either—
(a) a specific notice given before the date of the meeting at which, if he had been a director, the declaration would be required by subsection (2) of that section to be made; or
(b) a notice which under subsection (3) of that section falls to be treated as a sufficient declaration of that interest or would fall to be so treated apart from the proviso;
and section 145 of that Act shall have effect as if the declaration had been made at the meeting in question and had accordingly formed part of the proceedings at that meeting.
Particular transactions involving conflict of interest
Contracts of employment of directors.
28.—(1) Subject to subsection (6), a company shall not incorporate in any agreement a term to which this section applies unless the term is first approved by a resolution of the company in general meeting and, in the case of a director of a holding company, by a resolution of that company in general meeting.
(2) This section applies to any term by which a director's employment with the company of which he is the director or, where he is the director of a holding company, his employment within the group is to continue, or may be continued, otherwise than at the instance of the company (whether under the original agreement or under a new agreement entered into in pursuance of the original agreement), for a period exceeding five years during which the employment—
(a) cannot be terminated by the company by notice; or
(b) can be so terminated only in specified circumstances.
(3) In any case where—
(a) a person is or is to be employed with a company under an agreement which cannot be terminated by the company by notice or can be so terminated only in specified circumstances; and
(b) more than six months before the expiration of the period for which he is or is to be so employed, the company enters into a further agreement (otherwise than in pursuance of a right conferred by or by virtue of the original agreement on the other party thereto) under which he is to be employed with the company or, where he is a director of a holding company, within the group,
subsection (2) shall apply as if to the period for which he is to be employed under that further agreement there were added a further period equal to the unexpired period of the original agreement.
(4) A resolution of a company approving a term to which this section applies shall not be passed at a general meeting of the company unless a written memorandum setting out the proposed agreement incorporating the term is available for inspection by members of the company both—
(a) at the registered office of the company for not less than the period of 15 days ending with the date of the meeting; and
(b) at the meeting itself.
(5) A term incorporated in an agreement in contravention of this section shall to the extent that it contravenes this section be void; and that agreement and, in a case where subsection (3) applies, the original agreement shall be deemed to contain a term entitling the company to terminate it at any time by the giving of reasonable notice.
(6) No approval is required to be given under this section by any body corporate unless it is a company within the meaning of the Principal Act or registered under Part IX of that Act or if it is, for the purposes of section 150 of that Act, a wholly owned subsidiary of any body corporate, wherever incorporated.
(7) In this section—
(a) “employment” includes employment under a contract for services; and
(b) “group”, in relation to a director of a holding company, means the group which consists of that company and its subsidiaries.
Substantial property transactions involving directors, etc.
29.—(1) Subject to subsections (6), (7) and (8), a company shall not enter into an arrangement—
(a) whereby a director of the company or its holding company or a person connected with such a director acquires or is to acquire one or more non-cash assets of the requisite value from the company; or
(b) whereby the company acquires or is to acquire one or more non-cash assets of the requisite value from such a director or a person so connected;
unless the arrangement is first approved by a resolution of the company in general meeting and, if the director or connected person is a director of its holding company or a person connected with such a director, by a resolution in general meeting of the holding company.
(2) For the purposes of this section a non-cash asset is of the requisite value if at the time the arrangement in question is entered into its value is not less than £1,000 but, subject to that, exceeds £50,000 or ten per cent of the amount of the company's relevant assets, and for those purposes the amount of a company's relevant assets is—
(a) except in a case falling within paragraph (b), the value of its net assets determined by reference to the accounts prepared and laid in accordance with the requirements of section 148 of the Principal Act in respect of the last preceding financial year in respect of which such accounts were so laid;
(b) where no accounts have been prepared and laid under that section before that time, the amount of its called-up share capital.
(3) An arrangement entered into by a company in contravention of this section and any transaction entered into in pursuance of the arrangement (whether by the company or any other person) shall be voidable at the instance of the company unless—
(a) restitution of any money or any other asset which is the subject-matter of the arrangement or transaction is no longer possible or the company has been indemnified in pursuance of subsection (4) (b) by any other person for the loss or damage suffered by it; or
(b) any rights acquired bona fide for value and without actual notice of the contravention by any person who is not a party to the arrangement or transaction would be affected by its avoidance; or
(c) the arrangement is, within a reasonable period, affirmed by the company in general meeting and, if it is an arrangement for the transfer of an asset to or by a director of its holding company or a person who is connected with such a director, is so affirmed with the approval of the holding company given by a resolution in general meeting.
(4) Without prejudice to any liability imposed otherwise than by this subsection, but subject to subsection (5), where an arrangement is entered into with a company by a director of the company or its holding company or a person connected with him in contravention of this section, that director and the person so connected, and any other director of the company who authorised the arrangement or any transaction entered into in pursuance of such an arrangement, shall (whether or not it has been avoided in pursuance of subsection (3)) be liable—
(a) to account to the company for any gain which he had made directly or indirectly by the arrangement or transaction; and
(b) (jointly and severally with any other person liable under this subsection) to indemnify the company for any loss or damage resulting from the arrangement or transaction.
(5) Where an arrangement is entered into by a company and a person connected with a director of the company or its holding company in contravention of this section, that director shall not be liable under subsection (4) if he shows that he took all reasonable steps to secure the company's compliance with this section and, in any case, a person so connected and any such other director as is mentioned in that subsection shall not be so liable if he shows that, at the time the arrangement was entered into, he did not know the relevant circumstances constituting the contravention.
(6) No approval is required to be given under this section by any body corporate unless it is a company within the meaning of the Principal Act or registered under Part IX of that Act or, if it is, for the purposes of section 150 of that Act, a wholly owned subsidiary of any body corporate, wherever incorporated.
(7) Subsection (1) shall not apply in relation to any arrangement for the acquisition of a non-cash asset—
(a) if the non-cash asset in question is or is to be acquired by a holding company from any of its wholly owned subsidiaries or from a holding company by any of its wholly owned subsidiaries or by one wholly owned subsidiary of a holding company from another wholly owned subsidiary of that same holding company; or
(b) if the arrangement is entered into by a company which is being wound up unless the winding up is a members' voluntary winding up.
(8) Subsection (1) (a) shall not apply in relation to any arrangement whereby a person acquires or is to acquire an asset from a company of which he is a member if the arrangement is made with that person in his character as such member.
(9) In this section—
(a) “non-cash asset” means any property or interest in property other than cash, and for this purpose “cash” includes foreign currency;
(b) any reference to the acquisition of a non-cash asset includes a reference to the creation or extinction of an estate or interest in, or a right over, any property and also a reference to the discharge of any person's liability other than a liability for a liquidated sum; and
(c) “net assets”, in relation to a company, means the aggregate of the company's assets less the aggregate of its liabilities, and for this purpose “liabilities” includes any provision for liabilities or charges within paragraph 70 of the Schedule to the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1986.
Penalisation of dealing by director of a company in options to buy or sell certain shares in, or debentures of, the company or associated companies.
30.—(1) A director of a company who buys—
(a) a right to call for delivery at a specified price and within a specified time of a specified number of relevant shares or a specified amount of relevant debentures; or
(b) a right to make delivery at a specified price and within a specified time of a specified number of relevant shares or a specified amount of relevant debentures; or
(c) a right (as he may elect) to call for delivery at a specified price and within a specified time or to make delivery at a specified price and within a specified time of a specified number of relevant shares or a specified amount of relevant debentures;
shall be guilty of an offence.
(2) In subsection (1)—
(a) “relevant shares”, in relation to a director of a company, means shares in the company or in any other body corporate, being the company's subsidiary or holding company or a subsidiary of the company's holding company, being shares for which dealing facilities are provided by a stock exchange (whether within the State or elsewhere); and
(b) “relevant debentures”, in relation to a director of a company, means debentures of the company or of any other body corporate, being the company's subsidiary or holding company or a subsidiary of the company's holding company, being debentures as respects which there has been granted such dealing facilities as aforesaid.
(3) Nothing in this section shall be taken to penalise a person who buys a right to subscribe for shares in, or debentures of, a body corporate or buys debentures of a body corporate that confer upon the holder thereof a right to subscribe for, or to convert the debentures (in whole or in part) into, shares of the body.
(4) For the purposes of this section any reference, however expressed, to any price paid, given or received in respect of any interest in shares or debentures shall be construed as including a reference to any consideration other than money given or received in respect of any such interest, and any reference to a specified price includes a reference to a specified price range.
(5) This section shall also apply to any person (not being a director of the company) who—
(a) buys a right referred to in subsection (1), and
(b) does so on behalf or at the instigation of a director of the company.
Prohibition of loans, etc. to directors and connected persons.
31.—(1) Except as provided by sections 32 to 37, a company shall not—
(a) make a loan or a quasi-loan to a director of the company or of its holding company or to a person connected with such a director;
(b) enter into a credit transaction as creditor for such a director or a person so connected;
(c) enter into a guarantee or provide any security in connection with a loan, quasi-loan or credit transaction made by any other person for such a director or a person so connected.
(2) A company shall not arrange for the assignment to it or the assumption by it of any rights, obligations or liabilities under a transaction which, if it had been entered into by the company, would have contravened subsection (1); but for the purposes of this Part the transaction shall be treated as having been entered into on the date of the arrangement.
(3) A company shall not take part in any arrangement whereby—
(a) another person enters into a transaction which, if it had been entered into by the company, would have contravened subsection (1) or (2); and
(b) that other person, in pursuance of the arrangement, has obtained or is to obtain any benefit from the company or its holding company or a subsidiary of the company or its holding company.
Arrangements of certain value.
32.—(1) Section 31 shall not prohibit a company from entering into an arrangement with a director or a person connected with a director if—
(a) the value of the arrangement, and
(b) the total amount outstanding under any other arrangements entered into by the company with any director of the company, or any person connected with a director,
together, is less than ten per cent of the company's relevant assets.
(2) For the purposes of this section—
(a) a company enters an arrangement with a person if it makes a loan or quasi-loan to, or enters into a credit transaction as creditor for, that person, and
(b) the amount of a company's relevant assets shall be determined in accordance with section 29 (2).
Reduction in amount of company's relevant assets.
33.—(1) This section applies to a company in respect of which the total amount outstanding under any arrangements referred to in section 32 comes to exceed 10 per cent of the company's relevant assets for any reason, but in particular because the value of those assets has fallen.
(2) Where the directors of a company become aware, or ought reasonably to become aware, that there exists a situation referred to in subsection (1), it shall be the duty of the company, its directors and any persons for whom the arrangements referred to in that subsection were made, to amend, within two months, the terms of the arrangements concerned so that the total amount outstanding under the arrangements again falls within the percentage limit referred to in that subsection.
Inter-company loans in same group.
34.—Where a company is a member of a group of companies, consisting of a holding company and its subsidiaries, section 31 shall not prohibit that company from—
(a) making a loan or quasi-loan to another member of that group; or
(b) entering into a guarantee or providing any security in connection with a loan or quasi-loan made by any person to another member of the group;
by reason only that a director of one member of the group is connected with another.
Transactions with holding company.
35.—Section 31 shall not prohibit a company from—
(a) making a loan or quasi-loan to its holding company or entering into a guarantee or providing any security in connection with a loan or quasi-loan made by any person to its holding company;
(b) entering into a credit transaction as creditor for its holding company or entering into a guarantee or providing any security in connection with any credit transaction made by any other person for its holding company.
Directors' expenses.
36.—(1) Section 31 shall not prohibit a company from doing anything to provide any of its directors with funds to meet vouched expenditure properly incurred or to be incurred by him for the purposes of the company or the purpose of enabling him properly to perform his duties as an officer of the company or doing anything to enable any of its directors to avoid incurring such expenditure.
(2) Where a company enters into any transaction pursuant to subsection (1), any liability falling on any person arising from any such transaction shall be discharged by him within six months from the date on which it was incurred.
(3) A person who contravenes subsection (2) shall be guilty of an offence.
Business transactions.
37.—Section 31 shall not prohibit a company from making any loan or quasi-loan or entering into any credit transaction as creditor for any person if—
(a) the company enters into the transaction concerned in the ordinary course of its business; and
(b) the value of the transaction is not greater, and the terms on which it is entered into are no more favourable, in respect of the person for whom the transaction is made, than that or those which—
(i) the company ordinarily offers, or
(ii) it is reasonable to expect the company to have offered,
to or in respect of a person of the same financial standing as that person but unconnected with the company.
Civil remedies for breach of section 31.
38.—(1) Where a company enters into a transaction or arrangement in contravention of section 31 the transaction or arrangement shall be voidable at the instance of the company unless—
(a) restitution of any money or any other asset which is the subject matter of the arrangement or transaction is no longer possible, or the company has been indemnified in pursuance of subsection (2) (b) for the loss or damage suffered by it; or
(b) any rights acquired bona fide for value and without actual notice of the contravention by any person other than the person for whom the transaction or arrangement was made would be affected by its avoidance.
(2) Without prejudice to any liability imposed otherwise than by this subsection but subject to subsection (3), where an arrangement or transaction is made by a company for a director of the company or its holding company or person connected with such a director in contravention of section 31, that director and the person so connected and any other director of the company who authorised the transaction or arrangement shall (whether or not it has been avoided in pursuance of subsection (1)) be liable—
(a) to account to the company for any gain which he has made directly or indirectly by the arrangement or transaction; and
(b) (jointly and severally with any other person liable under this subsection) to indemnify the company for any loss or damage resulting from the arrangement or transaction.
(3) Where an arrangement or transaction is entered into by a company and a person connected with a director of the company or its holding company in contravention of section 31 that director shall not be liable under subsection (2) if he shows that he took all reasonable steps to secure the company's compliance with that section and, in any case, a person so connected and any such other director as is mentioned in the said subsection (2) shall not be so liable if he shows that, at the time the arrangement or transaction was entered into, he did not know the relevant circumstances constituting the contravention.
Personal liability for company debts in certain cases.
39.—(1) If a company is being wound up and is unable to pay its debts, and the court considers that any arrangement of a kind described in section 32 has contributed materially to the company's inability to pay its debts or has substantially impeded the orderly winding up thereof, the court, on the application of the liquidator or any creditor or contributory of the company, may, if it thinks it proper to do so, declare that any person for whose benefit the arrangement was made shall be personally liable, without any limitation of liability, for all, or such part as may be specified by the court, of the debts and other liabilities of the company.
(2) In deciding whether to make a declaration under subsection (1), the court shall have particular regard to whether, and to what extent, any outstanding liabilities arising under any arrangement referred to in that subsection were discharged before the commencement of the winding up.
(3) In deciding the extent of any personal liability under this section, the court shall have particular regard to the extent to which the arrangement in question contributed materially to the company's inability to pay its debts or substantially impeded the orderly winding up of the company.
Criminal penalties for breach of section 31.
40.—(1) An officer of a company who authorises or permits the company to enter into a transaction or arrangement knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that the company was thereby contravening section 31 shall be guilty of an offence.
(2) A person who procures a company to enter into a transaction or arrangement knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that the company was thereby contravening section 31 shall be guilty of an offence.
Disclosure of transactions involving directors and others
Substantial contracts, etc., with directors and others to be disclosed in accounts.
41.—(1) Subject to subsections (5) and (6) and to section 45, group accounts prepared by a holding company in accordance with the requirements of section 150 of the Principal Act in respect of the relevant period shall contain the particulars specified in section 42 of—
(a) any transaction or arrangement of a kind described in section 31 entered into by the company or by a subsidiary of the company for a person who at any time during the relevant period was a director of the company or its holding company or was connected with such a director;
(b) any agreement by the company or by a subsidiary of the company to enter into any such transaction or arrangement for a person who at any time during the relevant period was a director of the company or its holding company or was connected with such a director;
(c) any other transaction or arrangement with the company or with a subsidiary of the company in which a person who at any time during the relevant period was a director of the company or its holding company had, directly or indirectly, a material interest.
(2) Subject as aforesaid, accounts prepared by any company other than a holding company in respect of the relevant period shall contain the particulars specified in section 42 of—
(a) any transaction or arrangement of a kind described in section 31 entered into by the company for a person who at any time during the relevant period was a director of the company or of its holding company or was connected with such a director;
(b) any agreement by the company to enter into any such transaction or arrangement for a person who at any time during the relevant period was a director of the company or of its holding company or was connected with such a director;
(c) any other transaction or arrangement with the company in which a person who at any time during the relevant period was a director of the company or of its holding company had, directly or indirectly, a material interest.
(3) Particulars which are required by subsection (1) or (2) to be contained in any accounts shall be given by way of notes to those accounts.
(4) Where by virtue of sections 150 (2) and 154 of the Principal Act a company does not produce group accounts in relation to any financial year, subsection (1) shall have effect in relation to the company and that financial year as if the word “group” were omitted.
(5) For the purposes of subsections (1) (c) and (2) (c)—
(a) a transaction or arrangement between a company and a director of the company or of its holding company or a person connected with such a director shall (if it would not otherwise be so treated) be treated as a transaction, arrangement or agreement in which that director is interested; and
(b) an interest in such a transaction or arrangement is not material if in the opinion of the majority of the directors (other than that director) of the company which is preparing the accounts in question it is not material (but without prejudice to the question whether or not such an interest is material in any case where those directors have not considered the matter).
(6) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply, for the purposes of any accounts prepared by any company which is, or is the holding company of, a licensed bank, in relation to a transaction or arrangement of a kind described in section 31, or an agreement to enter into such a transaction or arrangement, to which that licensed bank is a party.
(7) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply in relation to the following transactions, arrangements and agreements—
(a) a transaction, arrangement or agreement between one company and another in which a director of the first company or of its subsidiary or holding company is interested only by virtue of his being a director of the other;
(b) a contract of service between a company and one of its directors or a director of its holding company or between a director of a company and any of that company's subsidiaries;
(c) a transaction, arrangement or agreement which was not entered into during the relevant period for the accounts in question and which did not subsist at any time during that period; and
(d) a transaction, arrangement or agreement which was made before the commencement of this section and which does not subsist thereafter.
(8) Subsections (1) and (2) apply whether or not—
(a) the transaction or arrangement was prohibited by section 31;
(b) the person for whom it was made was a director of the company or was connected with a director of the company at the time it was made;
(c) in the case of a transaction or arrangement made by a company which at any time during a relevant period is a subsidiary of another company, it was a subsidiary of that other company at the time the transaction or arrangement was made.
(9) In this section and in sections 43 and 45, “relevant period”, in relation to a company, means a financial year of the company ending not earlier than 6 months after the commencement of the section concerned.
Particulars required to be included in accounts by section 41.
42.—The particulars of a transaction, arrangement or agreement which are required by section 41 to be included in the annual accounts prepared by a company are particulars of the principal terms of the transaction, arrangement or agreement and (without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing provision)—
(a) a statement of the fact either that the transaction, arrangement or agreement was made or subsisted, as the case may be, during the financial year in respect of which those accounts are made up;
(b) the name of the person for whom it was made, and, where that person is or was connected with a director of the company or of its holding company, the name of that director;
(c) in any case where subsection (1) (c) or (2) (c) of section 41 applies, the name of the director with the material interest and the nature of that interest;
(d) in the case of a loan or an agreement for a loan or an arrangement within section 31 (2) or 31 (3) relating to a loan—
(i) the amount of the liability of the person to whom the loan was or was agreed to be made, in respect of principal and interest, at the beginning and at the end of that period;
(ii) the maximum amount of that liability during that period;
(iii) the amount of any interest which, having fallen due, has not been paid; and
(iv) the amount of any provision (within the meaning of the Sixth Schedule to the Principal Act or the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1986) made in respect of any failure or anticipated failure by the borrower to repay the whole or part of the loan or to pay the whole or part of any interest thereon;
(e) in the case of a guarantee or security or an arrangement within section 31 (2) relating to a guarantee or security—
(i) the amount for which the company (or its subsidiary) was liable under the guarantee or in respect of the security both at the beginning and at the end of the financial year in question;
(ii) the maximum amount for which the company (or its subsidiary) may become so liable; and
(iii) any amount paid and any liability incurred by the company (or its subsidiary) for the purpose of fulfilling the guarantee or discharging the security (including any loss incurred by reason of the enforcement of the guarantee or security); and
(f) in the case of any transaction, arrangement or agreement, other than those mentioned in paragraphs (d) and (e) the value of the transaction or arrangement or, as the case may be, the value of the transaction or arrangement to which the agreement relates; and
(g) in the case of arrangements to which section 32 relates, the aggregate value of such arrangements at the end of the financial year concerned, in relation to any persons specified in that section, expressed as a percentage of the company's relevant assets at that time; and
(h) any amendment of the terms of any such arrangement in accordance with section 33.
Particulars of amounts outstanding to be included in accounts.
43.—(1) This section applies in relation to the following classes of transactions, arrangements and agreements—
(a) loans, guarantees and securities relating to loans, arrangements of a kind described in section 31 (2) or 31 (3) relating to loans, and agreements to enter into any of the foregoing transactions and arrangements;
(b) quasi-loans, guarantees and securities relating to quasi-loans, arrangements of a kind described in those subsections relating to quasi-loans and agreements to enter into any of the foregoing transactions and arrangements;
(c) credit transactions, guarantees and securities relating to credit transactions and arrangements of a kind described in those subsections relating to credit transactions and agreements to enter into any of the foregoing transactions and arrangements.
(2) The group accounts of a holding company prepared in accordance with the requirements of section 150 of the Principal Act and the accounts of any other company prepared in accordance with the requirements of section 148 of the Principal Act in respect of the relevant period shall contain a statement in relation to transactions, arrangements and agreements made by the company and, in the case of a holding company, by a subsidiary of the company for persons who at any time during the relevant period were officers of the company (but not directors) of the aggregate amounts outstanding at the end of the relevant period under transactions, arrangements and agreements within any paragraph of subsection (1) and the number of officers for whom the transactions, arrangements and agreements falling within each of those paragraphs were made.
(3) Subsection (2) shall not apply, in relation to the accounts prepared by any company in respect of any relevant period, to transactions, arrangements and agreements made by the company or any of its subsidiaries for any officer of the company if the aggregate amount outstanding at the end of that period under the transactions, arrangements and agreements so made for that officer does not exceed £2,500.
(4) Subsection (2) shall not apply in relation to any transaction, arrangement or agreement made by a licensed bank for any of its officers or for any of the officers of its holding company.
(5) The group accounts of a company which is, or is the holding company of, a licensed bank prepared in accordance with the requirements of section 150 of the Principal Act, and the accounts of any other company which is a licensed bank, prepared in accordance with the requirements of section 148 of the Principal Act in respect of the relevant period shall contain a statement in relation to transactions, arrangements or agreements made by the company preparing the accounts, if it is a licensed bank, and (in the case of a holding company) by any of its subsidiaries which is a licensed bank, for persons who at any time during the relevant period were directors of the company, of the aggregate amounts outstanding at the end of the relevant period under transactions, arrangements and agreements within any paragraph of subsection (1) and the number of persons for whom the transactions, arrangements and agreements falling within each of those paragraphs were made.
(6) (a) The statement referred to in subsection (5) shall also separately contain the like information as is referred to in that subsection in relation to transactions, arrangements or agreements made for persons who at any time during the relevant period were connected with a director of the company.
(b) A transaction, arrangement or agreement to which paragraph (a) applies need not be included in the statement if—
(i) it is entered into by the company concerned in the ordinary course of its business, and
(ii) its value is not greater, and its terms no more favourable, in respect of the person for whom it is made, than that or those which—
(I) the company ordinarily offers, or
(II) it is reasonable to expect the company to have offered,
to or in respect of a person of the same financial standing but unconnected with the company.
(7) Particulars which are required by subsection (2), (5) or (6) to be contained in any accounts shall be given by way of notes to those accounts.
(8) Where by virtue of sections 150 (2) and 154 of the Principal Act, a company does not produce group accounts in relation to any financial year, subsections (2), (5) and (6) shall have effect in relation to the company and that financial year as if the word “group” were omitted.
(9) Subsections (2), (5) and (6) do not apply in relation to a transaction, arrangement or agreement which was made before the commencement of this section and which does not subsist thereafter.
(10) For the purposes of this section, “amount outstanding” means the amount of the outstanding liabilities of the person for whom the transaction, arrangement or agreement in question was made, or, in the case of a guarantee or security, the amount guaranteed or secured.
Further provisions relating to licensed banks.
44.—(1) Subject to section 45, a company which is, or is the holding company of, a licensed bank, shall maintain a register containing a copy of every transaction, arrangement or agreement of which particulars would, but for section 41 (6), be required by subsection (1) or (2) of that section to be disclosed in the company's accounts or group accounts for the current financial year and for each of the preceding ten financial years (but excluding any financial year ending prior to the passing of this Act) or, if such a transaction, arrangement or agreement is not in writing, a written memorandum setting out its terms.
(2) Subsection (1) shall not require a company to keep in its register a copy of any transaction, arrangement or agreement made for a connected person if—
(a) it is entered into in the ordinary course of the company's business, and
(b) its value is not greater, and its terms no more favourable, in respect of the person for whom it is made, than that or those which—
(i) the company ordinarily offers, or
(ii) it is reasonable to expect the company to have offered,
to or in respect of a person of the same financial standing but unconnected with the company.
(3) Subject to section 45, a company which is, or is the holding company of, a licensed bank shall before its annual general meeting make available, at the registered office of the company for not less than the period of 15 days ending with the date of the meeting, for inspection by members of the company a statement containing the particulars of transactions, arrangements and agreements which the company would, but for section 41 (6), be required by subsection (1) or (2) of that section to disclose in its accounts or group accounts for the last complete financial year preceding that meeting and such a statement shall also be made available for inspection by the members at the annual general meeting.
(4) Subsection (3) shall not require the inclusion in the statement of particulars of any transaction, arrangement or agreement if—
(a) it is entered into in the ordinary course of the company's business, and
(b) its value is not greater, and its terms no more favourable, in respect of the person for whom it is made, than that or those which—
(i) the company ordinarily offers, or
(ii) it is reasonable to expect the company to have offered,
to or in respect of a person of the same financial standing but unconnected with the company.
(5) It shall be the duty of the auditors of the company to examine any such statement before it is made available to the members of the company in accordance with subsection (3) and to make a report to the members on that statement; and the report shall be annexed to the statement before it is made so available.
(6) A report under subsection (5) shall state whether in the opinion of the auditors the statement contains the particulars required by subsection (3) and, where their opinion is that it does not, they shall include in the report, so far as they are reasonably able to do so, a statement giving the required particulars.
(7) Subsection (3) shall not apply in relation to a licensed bank which is for the purposes of section 150 of the Principal Act the wholly owned subsidiary of a company incorporated in the State.
(8) Where a company fails to comply with subsection (1) or (3), the company and every person who at the time of that failure is a director of the company shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine.
(9) It shall be a defence in proceedings for an offence under subsection (8) for the defendant to prove that he took all reasonable steps for securing compliance with subsection (1) or (3), as the case may be.
Arrangements excluded from sections 41 and 44.
45.—(1) Section 41 (1) and (2) and section 44 do not apply to arrangements of the kind mentioned in section 32 (2) entered into by a company or by a subsidiary of the company for a person who at any time during the relevant period was a director of the company or of its holding company or was connected with such a director, if the aggregate of the values of each arrangement so made for that director or any person connected with him, less the amount (if any) by which the liabilities of the person for whom the arrangement was made has been reduced, did not at any time during the relevant period exceed £2,500.
(2) Subsections (1) (c) and (2) (c) of section 41 do not apply, in relation to any accounts prepared by a company in respect of any relevant period, to any transaction or arrangement with a company or any of its subsidiaries in which a director of the company or of its holding company had, directly or indirectly, a material interest if—
(a) the value of each transaction or arrangement within subsection (1) (c) or (2) (c), as the case may be, in which that director had, directly or indirectly, a material interest and which was made after the commencement of that relevant period with the company or any of its subsidiaries; and
(b) the value of each such transaction or arrangement which was made before the commencement of that period less the amount (if any) by which the liabilities of the person for whom the transaction or arrangement was made have been reduced;
did not at any time during the relevant period exceed in the aggregate £1,000 or, if more, did not exceed £5,000 or one per cent of the value of the net assets of the company preparing the accounts in question as at the end of the relevant period for those accounts, whichever is the less and for this purpose, “net assets” has the same meaning as in section 29 (9).
Duty of auditors of company in breach of section 41 or 43.
46.—If in the case of any group or other accounts of a company the requirements of section 41 or 43 are not complied with, it shall be the duty of the auditors of the company by whom the accounts are examined to include in their report on the balance sheet of the company, so far as they are reasonably able to do so, a statement giving the required particulars.
Disclosure by directors of interests in contracts, etc.
47.—(1) Any reference in section 194 of the Principal Act to a contract shall be construed as including a reference to any transaction or arrangement (whether or not constituting a contract) made or entered into on or after the commencement of this section.
(2) For the purposes of the said section 194, a transaction or arrangement of a kind described in section 31 made by a company for a director of the company or a person connected with such a director shall, if it would not otherwise be so treated (and whether or not prohibited by that section), be treated as a transaction or arrangement in which that director is interested.
(3) The following shall be substituted for subsection (3) of the said section 194—
“(3) Subject to subsection (4), for the purposes of this section, a general notice given to the directors of a company by a director to the effect that—
(a) he is a member of a specified company or firm and is to be regarded as interested in any contract which may, after the date of the notice, be made with that company or firm; or
(b) he is to be regarded as interested in any contract which may after the date of the notice be made with a specified person who is connected with him (within the meaning of section 26 of the Companies Act, 1990),
shall be deemed to be a sufficient declaration of interest in relation to any such contract.”.
Supplemental
Power to alter financial limits under Part III.
48.—(1) The Minister may, by order, alter any of the financial limits specified in this Part.
(2) Every order made under this section shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas as soon as may be after it is made and if a resolution annulling the order is passed by either House within the next 21 days on which that House has sat after the order is laid before it, the order shall be annulled accordingly but without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done thereunder.
Cessation of section 192 of Principal Act.
49.—Section 192 of the Principal Act shall cease to have effect except—
(a) in relation to accounts and directors' reports prepared in respect of any financial year ending before the commencement of this section; and
(b) in relation to accounts and directors' reports prepared in respect of the first financial year ending after the commencement of this section but only in relation to loans and contracts entered into before the commencement of this section which do not subsist on or after that day.
Inspection of directors' service contracts.
50.—(1) Subject to the provisions of this section every company shall keep at an appropriate place—
(a) in the case of each director whose contract of service with the company is in writing, a copy of that contract;
(b) in the case of each director whose contract of service with the company is not in writing, a written memorandum setting out the terms of that contract;
(c) in the case of each director who is employed under a contract of service with a subsidiary of the company, a copy of that contract or, if it is not in writing, a written memorandum setting out the terms of that contract;
(d) a copy or written memorandum, as the case may be, of any variation of any contract of service referred to in paragraph (a), (b) or (c);
and all copies and memoranda kept by a company in pursuance of this subsection shall be kept at the same place.
(2) Where a contract of service is only partially in writing, paragraphs (a), (b), (c) and (d), as appropriate, of subsection (1), and subsections (4) and (5), shall also apply to such a contract.
(3) The following shall, as regards a company, be appropriate places for the purposes of subsection (1), namely—
(a) its registered office;
(b) the place where its register of members is kept if other than its registered office;
(c) its principal place of business.
(4) Every company shall send notice in the prescribed form to the registrar of companies of the place where copies and memoranda required by subsection (1) to be kept by it are kept and of any change in that place, save in a case in which they have at all times been kept at its registered office.
(5) Subsection (1) shall not apply in relation to a director's contract of service with the company or with a subsidiary of the company if that contract required him to work wholly or mainly outside the State, but the company shall keep a memorandum—
(a) in the case of a contract of service with the company, setting out the name of the director and the provisions of the contract relating to its duration;
(b) in the case of a contract of service with a subsidiary of the company setting out the name of the director, the name and place of incorporation of the subsidiary and the provisions of the contract relating to its duration,
at the same place as copies and the memoranda are kept by the company in pursuance of subsection (1).
(6) Every copy and memorandum required to be kept by subsections (1) and (5) shall, during business hours (subject to such reasonable restrictions as the company may in general meeting impose, so that not less than two hours in each day be allowed for inspection), be open to the inspection of any member of the company without charge.
(7) If default is made in complying with subsection (1) or (5) or if an inspection required under subsection (6) is refused, the company and every officer of the company who is in default shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £1,000, and, for continued contravention, to a daily default fine not exceeding £50 and, if default is made for 14 days in complying with subsection (4), the company and every officer of the company who is in default shall be liable to a fine not exceeding £1,000 and, for continued contravention, to a daily default fine not exceeding £50.
(8) In the case of a refusal of an inspection required under subsection (6) of a copy or memorandum the court may by order compel an immediate inspection thereof.
(9) This section shall not require to be kept a copy of, or memorandum setting out the terms of, a contract or a copy of, or memorandum setting out the terms of a variation of, a contract at a time at which the unexpired portion of the term for which the contract is to be in force is less than three years or at a time at which the contract can, within the next ensuing three years, be terminated by the company without payment of compensation.
Register of directors and secretaries.
51.—The Principal Act is hereby amended by the substitution for section 195 of the following section—
“195.— (1) Every company shall keep at its registered office a register of its directors and secretaries.
(2) Subject to subsection (3), the said register shall contain the following particulars relating to each director—
(a) his present forename and surname and any former forename and surname; and
(b) his date of birth; and
(c) his usual residential address; and
(d) his nationality; and
(e) his business occupation, if any; and
(f) particulars of any other directorships of bodies corporate, whether incorporated in the State or elsewhere, held by him or which have been held by him.
(3) It shall not be necessary for the said register to contain on any day particulars of any directorship—
(a) which has not been held by a director at any time during the ten years preceding that day;
(b) which is held or was held by a director in bodies corporate of which the company is or was the wholly owned subsidiary or which are or were the wholly owned subsidiaries either of the company or of another body corporate of which the company is or was the wholly owned subsidiary;
and for the purposes of this subsection a body corporate shall be deemed to be the wholly owned subsidiary of another if it has no members except that other and that other's wholly owned subsidiaries and its or their nominees.
(4) Subject to subsection (5), the said register shall contain the following particulars relating to the secretary or, where there are joint secretaries, in relation to each of them—
(a) in the case of an individual, his present forename and surname, any former forename and surname and his usual residential address; and
(b) in the case of a body corporate, the corporate name and registered office.
(5) Where all the partners in a firm are joint secretaries of a company, the name and principal office of the firm may be stated instead of the said particulars.
(6) The company shall, within the period of 14 days from the happening of—
(a) any change among its directors or in its secretary, or
(b) any change in any of the particulars contained in the register,
send to the registrar of companies a notification in the prescribed form of the change and of the date on which it occurred.
(7) A notification sent to the registrar of companies pursuant to subsection (6) of the appointment of a person as a director, secretary or joint secretary of a company shall be accompanied by a consent signed by that person to act as director, secretary or joint secretary, as the case may be.
(8) Without prejudice to subsection (6), a person who has ceased to be a director or secretary of a company may send to the registrar of companies a notification in the prescribed form of such cessation, and of the date on which it occurred.
(9) Subsection (6) shall not apply to any change in the particulars contained in a company's register of directors and secretaries made solely by reason of the coming into force of section 51 of the Companies Act, 1990 but if after any such change has occurred and before the company makes its next annual return, any other change in those particulars occurs, the company shall send to the registrar of companies a notification in the prescribed form of any such earlier changes and the date on which they occurred at the same time as it notifies the registrar of the later changes in accordance with this section.
(10) The register to be kept under this section shall, during business hours (subject to such reasonable restrictions as the company may by its articles or in general meeting impose, so that not less than 2 hours in each day be allowed for inspection) be open to the inspection of any member of the company without charge, and of any other person, on payment of one pound or such less sum as the company may prescribe, for each inspection.
(11) It shall be the duty of each director and secretary of a company to give information in writing to the company as soon as may be of such matters as may be necessary to enable the company to comply with this section.
(12) If any inspection required under this section is refused or if default is made in complying with subsection (1), (2), (4), (6) or (7), the company and every officer of the company who is in default shall be liable to a fine not exceeding £1,000 and, for continued contravention, to a daily default fine not exceeding £50.
(13) In the case of any such refusal, the court may by order compel an immediate inspection of the register.
(14) A person who fails to comply with subsection (11) shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine.
(15) For the purposes of this section—
(a) in the case of a person usually known by a title different from his surname, the expression ‘surname’ means that title;
(b) references to a ‘former forename’ or ‘surname’ do not include—
(i) in the case of a person usually known by a title different from his surname, the name by which he was known previous to the adoption of or succession to the title; or
(ii) in the case of any person, a former forename or surname where that name or surname was changed or disused before the person bearing the name attained the age of 18 years or has been changed or disused for a period of not less than 20 years; or
(iii) in the case of a married woman, the name or surname by which she was known previous to the marriage.”.
Directors to have regard to interests of employees.
52.—(1) The matters to which the directors of a company are to have regard in the performance of their functions shall include the interests of the company's employees in general, as well as the interests of its members.
(2) Accordingly, the duty imposed by this section on the directors shall be owed by them to the company (and the company alone) and shall be enforceable in the same way as any other fiduciary duty owed to a company by its directors.
PART IV
Disclosure of Interests in Shares
Chapter 1
Share Dealings by Directors, Secretaries and their Families
Obligation of director or secretary to notify interests in shares or debentures of company.
53.—(1) Subject to the provisions of this section a person who, at the commencement of this section is a director or secretary of a company and is then interested in shares in, or debentures of, the company or any other body corporate, being the company's subsidiary or holding company or a subsidiary of the company's holding company or thereafter becomes a director or secretary of a company and, at the time when he becomes a director or secretary of a company, is so interested, shall notify the company in writing—
(a) of the subsistence of his interests at that time, and
(b) of the number of shares of each class in, and the amount of debentures of each class of, the company or any such other body corporate as aforesaid in which each interest of his subsists at that time.
(2) A director or secretary of a company shall notify the company in writing of the occurrence, while he is a director or secretary, of any of the following events and the date on which it occurred—
(a) any event in consequence of whose occurrence he becomes, or ceases to be, interested in shares in, or debentures of, the company or any other body corporate, being the company's subsidiary or holding company or a subsidiary of the company's holding company;
(b) the entering into by him of a contract to sell any such shares or debentures;
(c) the assignment by him of a right granted to him by the company to subscribe for shares in, or debentures of, the company; and
(d) the grant to him by another body corporate, being the company's subsidiary or holding company or a subsidiary of the company's holding company, of a right to subscribe for shares in, or debentures of, that other body corporate, the exercise of such a right granted to him and the assignment by him of such a right so granted;
stating the number or amount, and class, of shares or debentures involved.
(3) The provisions of section 54 shall have effect for the interpretation of, and otherwise in relation to, subsections (1) and (2).
(4) Section 56 shall have effect with respect to the periods within which obligations imposed by subsections (1) and (2) on persons must be fulfilled by them.
(5) Section 57 shall have effect with respect to certain circumstances in which obligations imposed by subsections (1) and (2) are to be treated as not discharged.
(6) In the case of a person who is a director or secretary of a company at the time when this section comes into operation subsection (2) shall not require the notification by him of the occurrence of an event before that time; and that subsection shall not require the notification by a person of the occurrence of an event whose occurrence comes to his knowledge after he has ceased to be a director or secretary.
(7) A person who fails to fulfil, within the proper period, an obligation to which he is subject by virtue of subsection (1) or (2) shall be guilty of an offence.
(8) An obligation imposed by this section shall be treated as not being fulfilled unless the notice by means of which it purports to be fulfilled is expressed to be given in fulfilment of that obligation.
(9) This section applies to shadow directors as to directors, but the making of a notification by a person under this section shall not, in itself, be proof that the person making the notification is a shadow director.
(10) Nothing in this section shall operate so as to impose an obligation with respect to shares in a body corporate which is the wholly owned subsidiary of another body corporate; and for this purpose a body corporate shall be deemed to be the wholly owned subsidiary of another if it has no members but that other and that other's wholly owned subsidiaries and its or their nominees.
(11) This section and sections 54, 56, 57 and 59 shall have effect in place of section 190 of the Principal Act and of so much of section 193 of that Act as relates to section 190, and that section and so much of section 193 as relates thereto shall, accordingly, cease to have effect.
Nature of an interest within section 53.
54.—(1) The provisions of this section shall apply in determining for the purposes of section 53 whether a person has an interest in shares or debentures.
(2) Any reference to an interest in shares or debentures shall be read as including a reference to any interest of any kind whatsoever in shares or debentures; and accordingly there shall be disregarded any restraints or restrictions to which the exercise of any right attached to the interest is or may be subject.
(3) Where any property is held on trust and any interest in shares or debentures is comprised in that property, any beneficiary of that trust who, apart from this subsection, does not have an interest in the shares or debentures shall be taken to have such an interest; but this subsection is without prejudice to the following provisions of this section.
(4) A person shall be taken to have an interest in shares or debentures if—
(a) he enters into a contract for their purchase by him (whether for cash or other consideration); or
(b) not being the registered holder, he is entitled to exercise any right conferred by the holding of those shares or debentures or is entitled to control the exercise of any such right.
(5) A person shall be taken to be interested in shares or debentures if a body corporate is interested in them and—
(a) that body corporate or its directors are accustomed to act in accordance with his directions or instructions; or
(b) he is entitled to exercise or control the exercise of one-third or more of the voting power at general meetings of that body corporate.
(6) Where a person is entitled to exercise or control the exercise of one-third or more of the voting power at general meetings of a body corporate and that body corporate is entitled to exercise or control the exercise of any of the voting power at general meetings of another body corporate (the “relevant voting power”), then, for the purposes of subsection (5) (b), the relevant voting power shall be taken to be exercisable by that person.
(7) A person shall be taken to have an interest in shares or debentures if, otherwise than by virtue of having an interest under a trust—
(a) he has a right to call for delivery of the shares or debentures to himself or to his order; or
(b) he has a right to acquire an interest in shares or debentures or is under an obligation to take an interest in shares or debentures;
whether in any case the right or obligation is conditional or absolute.
(8) For the purposes of subsection (4) (b) a person shall be taken to be entitled to exercise or control the exercise of any right conferred by the holding of shares or debentures if he has a right (whether subject to conditions or not) the exercise of which would make him so entitled or is under an obligation (whether so subject or not) the fulfilment of which would make him so entitled.
(9) A person shall not by virtue of subsection (4) (b) be taken to be interested in any shares or debentures by reason only that he has been appointed a proxy to vote at a specified meeting of a company or of any class of its members and at any adjournment of that meeting or has been appointed by a body corporate to act as its representative at any meeting of a company or of any class of its members.
(10) Without prejudice to subsection (2), rights or obligations to subscribe for any shares or debentures shall not be taken for the purposes of subsection (7) to be rights to acquire, or obligations to take, any interest in shares or debentures.
(11) Where persons have a joint interest each of them shall be deemed to have that interest.
(12) It is immaterial that shares or debentures in which a person has an interest are unidentifiable.
(13) Delivery to a person's order of shares or debentures in fulfilment of a contract for the purchase thereof by him or in satisfaction of a right of his to call for delivery thereof, or failure to deliver shares or debentures in accordance with the terms of such a contract or on which such a right falls to be satisfied, shall be deemed to constitute an event in consequence of the occurrence of which he ceases to be interested in them, and so shall the lapse of a person's right to call for delivery of shares or debentures.
Interests to be disregarded.
55.—(1) The following interests shall be disregarded for the purposes of section 54 and sections 56 to 58—
(a) where property is held on trust and an interest in shares or debentures is comprised in that property, an interest in reversion or remainder or of a bare trustee and any discretionary interest;
(b) an interest of a person subsisting by virtue of—
(i) his holding units in—
(I) a registered unit trust scheme within the meaning of section 3 of the Unit Trusts Act, 1972;
(II) a unit trust to which section 31 of the Capital Gains Tax Act, 1975, as amended by section 34 of the Finance Act, 1977 relates;
(III) an undertaking for collective investment in transferable securities, within the meaning of the European Communities (Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities) Regulations, 1989 (S.I. No. 78 of 1989);
(ii) a scheme made under section 46 of the Charities Act, 1961;
(c) an interest for the life of himself or another of a person under a settlement in the case of which the property comprised in the settlement consists of or includes shares or debentures, and the conditions mentioned in subsection (3) are satisfied;
(d) an interest in shares or debentures held by a member of a recognised stock exchange carrying on business as a stock broker which is held by way of security only for the purposes of a transaction entered into by the person or body concerned in the ordinary course of business of such person or body;
(e) such interests, or interests of such a class, as may be prescribed for the purposes of this paragraph by regulations made by the Minister.
(2) A person shall not by virtue of section 54 (4) (b) be taken to be interested in shares or debentures by reason only that he has been appointed a proxy to vote at a specified meeting of a company or of any class of its members and at any adjournment of that meeting, or has been appointed by a body corporate to act as its representative at any meeting of a company or of any class of its members.
(3) The conditions referred to in subsection (1) (c) are, in relation to a settlement—
(a) that it is irrevocable, and
(b) that the settlor (within the meaning of section 96 of the Income Tax Act, 1967) has no interest in any income arising under, or property comprised in, the settlement.
Periods within which obligations under section 53 must be discharged.
56.—(1) An obligation imposed on a person by section 53 (1) to notify an interest must, if he knows of the existence of the interest on the relevant day (that is to say, in a case in which he is a director or secretary at the beginning of the day on which that section comes into operation, the last previous day, and, in a case in which he thereafter becomes a director or secretary, the day on which he becomes it), be fulfilled before the expiration of the period of five days beginning with the day next following the relevant day; otherwise it must be fulfilled before the expiration of the period of five days beginning with the day next following that on which the existence of the interest comes to his knowledge.
(2) An obligation imposed on a person by section 53 (2) to notify the occurrence of an event must, if at the time at which the event occurs he knows of its occurrence, be fulfilled before the expiration of the period of five days beginning with the day next following that on which it occurs; otherwise, it must be fulfilled before the expiration of the period of five days beginning with the day next following that on which the occurrence of the event comes to his knowledge.
Circumstances in which obligation under section 53 is not discharged.
57.—(1) Where an event of whose occurrence a director or secretary is, by virtue of section 53 (2) (a), under obligation to notify a company consists of his entering into a contract for the purchase by him of shares or debentures, the obligation shall be taken not to be discharged in the absence of inclusion in the notice of a statement of the price to be paid by him under the contract, and an obligation imposed on a director or secretary by virtue of section 53 (2) (b) shall be taken not to be discharged in the absence of inclusion in the notice of the price to be received by him under the contract.
(2) An obligation imposed on a director or secretary by virtue of section 53 (2) (c) to notify a company shall be taken not to be discharged in the absence of inclusion in the notice of a statement of the consideration for the assignment (or, if it be the case that there is no consideration, that fact), and where an event of whose occurrence a director is, by virtue of section 53 (2) (d), under obligation to notify a company consists in his assigning a right, the obligation shall be taken not to be discharged in the absence of inclusion in the notice of a similar statement.
(3) Where an event of whose occurrence a director or secretary is, by virtue of section 53 (2) (d), under obligation to notify a company consists in the grant to him of a right to subscribe for shares or debentures, the obligation shall not be taken to be discharged in the absence of inclusion in the notice of a statement of—
(a) the date on which the right was granted,
(b) the period during which or time at which the right is exercisable,
(c) the consideration for the grant (or, if it be the case that there is no consideration, that fact), and
(d) the price to be paid for the shares or debentures.
(4) Where an event of whose occurrence a director or secretary is, by virtue of section 53 (2) (d), under obligation to notify a company consists in the exercise of a right granted to him to subscribe for shares or debentures, the obligation shall be taken not to be discharged in the absence of inclusion in the notice of a statement of—
(a) the number of shares or amount of debentures in respect of which the right was exercised, and
(b) if it be the case that they were registered in his name, that fact, and, if not, the name or names of the person or persons in whose name or names they were registered,
together (if they were registered in the names of two persons or more) with the number or amount thereof registered in the name of each of them.
(5) For the purposes of this section any reference, however expressed, to any price paid, given or received in respect of any interest in shares or debentures shall be construed as including a reference to any consideration other than money given or received in respect of any such interest.
Other provisions relating to notification.
58.—(1) Where a person authorises any other person (“the agent”) to acquire or dispose of, on his behalf, interests in shares in, or debentures of, a company, he shall secure that the agent notifies him immediately of acquisitions or disposals of interests in such shares or debentures effected by the agent which will or may give rise to any obligation on his part to make a notification under this Chapter with respect to his interest in those shares or debentures.
(2) An obligation to make any notification imposed on any person by this Chapter shall be treated as not being fulfilled unless the notice by means of which it purports to be fulfilled identifies him and gives his address.
(3) Where a person fails to fulfil, within the proper period, an obligation to which he is subject by virtue of section 53, no right or interest of any kind whatsoever in respect of the shares or debentures concerned shall be enforceable by him, whether directly or indirectly, by action or legal proceeding.
(4) Where any right or interest is restricted under subsection (3), any person in default under that subsection or any other person affected by such restriction may apply to the court for relief against a disability imposed by or arising out of subsection (3) and the court on being satisfied that the default was accidental, or due to inadvertence, or some other sufficient cause, or that on other grounds it is just and equitable to grant relief, may grant such relief either generally, or as respects any particular right or interest on such terms and conditions as it sees fit.
(5) Where an applicant for relief under subsection (4) is a person referred to in subsection (3), the court may not grant such relief if it appears that the default has arisen as a result of any deliberate act or omission on the part of the applicant.
(6) Subsection (3) shall not apply to an obligation relating to a person ceasing to be interested in shares in, or debentures of, a company.
(7) A person who fails without reasonable excuse to comply with subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence.
Register of interests.
59.—(1) Every company shall keep a register for the purposes of section 53.
(2) Whenever the company receives information from a director or secretary in consequence of the fulfilment of an obligation imposed on him by that section, the company shall enter in the register, against the name of that person, that information and the date of the entry.
(3) Every company shall, whenever it grants to a director or secretary a right to subscribe for shares in, or debentures of, the company, enter in the register against his name—
(a) the date on which the right is granted,
(b) the period during which or time at which it is exercisable,
(c) the consideration for the grant (or, if it be the case that there is no consideration, that fact), and
(d) the description of shares or debentures involved and the number or amount thereof, and the price to be paid therefor.
(4) Whenever such a right as is mentioned in subsection (3) is exercised by a director or secretary, the company shall enter in the said register against his name that fact (identifying the right), the number or amount of shares or debentures in respect of which it is exercised and, if it be the case that they were registered in his name, that fact, and, if not, the name or names of the person or persons in whose name or names they were registered, together (if they were registered in the names of two persons or more) with the number or amount thereof registered in the name of each of them.
(5) This section applies to shadow directors as to directors.
Provisions relating to register.
60.—(1) The register to be kept under section 59 shall be so made up that the entries therein against the several names inscribed therein appear in chronological order.
(2) An obligation imposed by section 59 (2) to (4) shall be fulfilled before the expiration of the period of 3 days beginning with the day next following that on which it arises.
(3) The nature and extent of an interest recorded in the said register of a director or secretary in any shares or debentures shall, if he so requires, be recorded in the said register.
(4) The company shall not, by virtue of anything done for the purposes of this section, be affected with notice of, or put upon inquiry as to, the rights of any person in relation to any shares or debentures.
(5) The said register shall—
(a) if the company's register of members is kept at its registered office, be kept there;
(b) if the company's register of members is not so kept, be kept at the company's registered office or at the place where its register of members is kept;
and shall during business hours (subject to such reasonable restrictions as the company in general meeting may impose, so that not less than two hours in each day be allowed for inspection) be open to the inspection of any member of the company without charge and of any other person on payment of 30p or such less sum as the company may prescribe for each inspection.
(6) The company shall send notice to the registrar of companies of the place where the said register is kept and of any change in that place, save in a case in which it has at all times been kept at its registered office.
(7) Unless the said register is in such a form as to constitute in itself an index, the company shall keep an index of the names entered therein which shall—
(a) in respect of each name, contain a sufficient indication to enable the information inscribed against it to be readily found; and
(b) be kept at the same place as the said register;
and the company shall, within 14 days after the date on which a name is entered in the said register, make any necessary alteration in the index.
(8) Any member of the company or other person may require a copy of the said register, or of any part thereof, on payment of 15p or such less sum as the company may prescribe, for every hundred words or fractional part thereof required to be copied.
The company shall cause any copy so required by any person to be sent to that person within the period of 10 days beginning with the day next following that on which the requirement is received by the company.
(9) The said register shall also be and remain open and accessible to any person attending the company's annual general meeting at least one quarter hour before the appointed time for the commencement of the meeting and during the continuance of the meeting.
(10) If default is made in compliance with subsection (9), the company and every officer of the company who is in default shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable to a fine not exceeding £1,000; and if default is made for 14 days in complying with subsection (6) the company and every officer of the company who is in default shall be liable to a fine not exceeding £1,000; and if default is made in complying with section 59 or with subsection (1), (2) or (7) of this section or if an inspection required under this section is refused or any copy required thereunder is not sent within the proper period the company and every officer of the company who is in default shall be liable to a fine not exceeding £1,000.
(11) In the case of a refusal of an inspection required under this section of the said register, the court may by order compel an immediate inspection thereof; and in the case of a failure to send within the proper period a copy required under this section, the court may by order direct that the copy required shall be sent to the person requiring it.
Removal of entries from register.
61.—(1) A company may remove an entry against a person's name from the register of interests in shares and debentures kept under section 59 if more than 6 years has elapsed since the date of the entry being made, and either—
(a) that entry recorded the fact that the person in question has ceased to have an interest notifiable under this Chapter in shares in, or debentures of, the company, or
(b) it has been superseded by a later entry made under the said section 59 against the same person's name;
and in a case within paragraph (a) the company may also remove that person's name from the register.
(2) Where a name is removed from a company's register of interests in shares or debentures in pursuance of subsection (1), the company shall within 14 days of the date of that removal make any necessary alterations in any associated index.
(3) If default is made in complying with subsection (2), the company and every officer of it who is in default shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine.
Entries, when not to be removed.
62.—(1) Entries in a company's register of interests in shares and debentures under this Chapter shall not be deleted except in accordance with section 61.
(2) If an entry is deleted from a company's register of interests in shares in contravention of subsection (1), the company shall restore that entry to the register as soon as is reasonable and practicable.
(3) If default is made in complying with subsection (1) or (2), the company and every officer of it who is in default shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine.
Disclosure of interests in directors' report.
63.—(1) Subject to subsection (2), the directors' report or the notes to the company's accounts in respect of a financial year shall, as respects each person who, at the end of that year, was a director of the company, state—
(a) whether or not he was, at the end of that year, interested in shares in, or debentures of, the company or any other body corporate being the company's subsidiary or holding company or a subsidiary of the company's holding company;
(b) if he was so interested—
(i) the number and amount of shares in, and debentures of, each body (specifying it) in which he was then interested,
(ii) whether or not he was, at the beginning of that year (or, if he was not then a director, when he became a director), interested in shares in, or debentures of, the company or any other such body corporate, and,
(iii) if he was, the number and amount of shares in, and debentures of, each body (specifying it) in which he was interested at the beginning of that year or, as the case may be, when he became a director.
(2) The reference in subsection (1) to the directors' report and the notes to the company's accounts are references to the report and notes respectively which are required by virtue of the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1986 to be annexed to the Annual Return and where a company does not annex the report of the directors, as permitted by section 10 (2) of the aforementioned Act, the information required in subsection (1) shall be contained in the notes to the company's accounts.
(3) The references in subsection (1) to the time when a person became a director shall, in the case of a person who became a director on more than one occasion, be construed as referring to the time when he first became a director.
(4) For the purposes of this section “the directors' report” means the report by the directors of a company which, by section 158 (1) of the Principal Act, is required to be attached to every balance sheet of the company.
(5) The information required by subsection (1) to be given in respect of the directors of the company shall also be given in respect of the person who was the secretary of the company at the end of the financial year concerned.
Extension of section 53 to spouses and children.
64.—(1) For the purposes of section 53—
(a) an interest of the spouse of a director or secretary of a company (not being himself or herself a director or secretary thereof) in shares or debentures shall be treated as being the director's or secretary's interest, and
(b) the same applies to an interest of a minor child of a director or secretary of a company (not being himself or herself a director or secretary thereof) in shares or debentures.
(2) For those purposes—
(a) a contract, assignment or right of subscription entered into, exercised or made by, or grant made to, the spouse of a director or secretary of a company (not being himself or herself a director or secretary thereof) shall be treated as having been entered into, exercised or made by, or, as the case may be, as having been made to, the director or secretary, and
(b) the same applies to a contract, assignment or right of subscription entered into, exercised or made by, or grant made to, a minor child of a director or secretary of a company (not being himself or herself a director or secretary thereof).
(3) A director or secretary of a company shall be under obligation to notify the company in writing of the occurrence, while he or she is director or secretary, of either of the following events, namely—
(a) the grant to his or her spouse or minor child by the company, of a right to subscribe for shares in, or debentures of, the company; and
(b) the exercise by the spouse or minor child of such a right as aforesaid granted by the company to the spouse or child.
(4) In a notice given to the company under subsection (3) there shall be stated—
(a) in the case of the grant of a right, the like information as is required by section 53 to be stated by the director or secretary on the grant to him by another body corporate of a right to subscribe for shares in, or debentures of, that other body corporate, and
(b) in the case of the exercise of a right, the like information as is required by that section to be stated by the director or secretary on the exercise of a right granted to him by another body corporate to subscribe for shares in, or debentures of, that other body corporate.
(5) An obligation imposed by subsection (3) on a director or secretary must be fulfilled by him before the expiration of the period of 5 days beginning with the day next following that on which the occurrence of the event that gives rise to it comes to his knowledge.
(6) A person who fails to fulfil, within the proper period, an obligation to which he is subject under subsection (3) shall be guilty of an offence.
(7) The provisions set out in sections 54 and 55 shall have effect for the interpretation of, and otherwise in relation to, subsections (1) and (2), and subsections (8) and (9) of section 53 shall, with any requisite modification, have effect for the purposes of this section as they have effect for the purposes of that section.
(8) For the purposes of section 59 an obligation imposed on a director or secretary by this section shall be treated as if imposed by section 53.
Duty of company to notify stock exchange.
65.—(1) Whenever a company in the case of whose shares or debentures dealing facilities are provided by a recognised stock exchange is notified of any matter by a director or secretary in consequence of the fulfilment of an obligation imposed on him by section 53 or 64, and that matter relates to shares or debentures for which such dealing facilities are provided, the company shall be under an obligation to notify that stock exchange of that matter; and the stock exchange may publish, in such manner as it may determine, any information received by it under this subsection.
(2) An obligation imposed by subsection (1) must be fulfilled before the end of the day next following that on which it arises.
(3) If default is made in complying with this section, the company and every officer of the company who is in default shall be guilty of an offence.
Investigation of share dealing.
66.—(1) If it appears to the Minister that there are circumstances suggesting that contraventions may have occurred, in relation to shares in, or debentures of, a company, of section 30, 53 or 64 (3) to (5) he may appoint one or more competent inspectors to carry out such investigations as are requisite to establish whether or not contraventions have occurred as aforesaid and to report the result of their investigations to the Minister.
(2) The appointment under this section of an inspector may limit the period to which his investigation is to extend or confine it to shares or debentures of a particular class or both.
(3) For the purposes of any investigation under this section, section 10 shall apply—
(a) with the substitution, for references to any other body corporate whose affairs are investigated by virtue of section 9, of a reference to any other body corporate which is, or has at any relevant time been, the company's subsidiary or holding company, and
(b) with the necessary modification of the reference, in section 10 (5), to the affairs of the company or other body corporate, so, however, that it shall apply to members of a recognised stock exchange who are individuals and to officers (past as well as present) of members of such an exchange who are bodies corporate as it applies to officers of the company or of the other body corporate.
(4) The inspectors may, and, if so directed by the Minister, shall, make interim reports to the Minister, and, on the conclusion of the investigation, shall make a final report to the Minister.
(5) Any such report shall be written or printed, as the Minister may direct, and the Minister may cause it to be published.
(6) Sections 9, 16 to 18, 22, 23 (1) and 23 (3) shall, with any necessary modifications, apply for the purposes of this section.
(7) The expenses of an investigation under this section shall be defrayed by the Minister.
(8) Where a person is convicted of an offence on a prosecution instituted as a result of the investigation the High Court may, on the application of the Minister, order that person to pay the said expenses to such extent as the court may direct.
Chapter 2
Individual and Group Acquisitions
Obligation of disclosure and the cases in which it may arise.
67.—(1) Where a person either—
(a) to his knowledge acquires an interest in shares comprised in a public limited company's relevant share capital, or ceases to be interested in shares so comprised (whether or not retaining an interest in other shares so comprised), or
(b) becomes aware that he has acquired an interest in shares so comprised or that he has ceased to be interested in shares so comprised in which he was previously interested,
then, subject to the provisions of sections 68 to 79, he shall be under an obligation (“the obligation of disclosure”) to make notification to the company of the interests which he has, or had, in its shares.
(2) In relation to a public limited company, “relevant share capital” means the company's issued share capital of a class carrying rights to vote in all circumstances at general meetings of the company and it is hereby declared for the avoidance of doubt that—
(a) where a company's relevant share capital is divided into different classes of shares, references in this Chapter to a percentage of the nominal value of its relevant share capital are to a percentage of the nominal value of the issued shares comprised in each of the classes taken separately, and
(b) the temporary suspension of voting rights in respect of shares comprised in issued share capital of a company of any such class does not affect the application of this Chapter in relation to interests in those or any other shares comprised in that class.
(3) Where, otherwise than in circumstances within subsection (1), a person—
(a) is aware at the time when it occurs of any change of circumstances affecting facts relevant to the application of the next following section to an existing interest of his in shares comprised in a company's share capital of any description, or
(b) otherwise becomes aware of any such facts (whether or not arising from any such change of circumstances),
then, subject to the provisions of sections 68 to 79, he shall be under the obligation of disclosure.
(4) The acquisition by any person of an interest in shares or debentures of a company registered in the State shall be deemed to be a consent by that person to the disclosure by him, his agents or intermediaries of any information required to be disclosed in relation to shares or debentures by the Companies Acts.
Interests to be disclosed.
68.—(1) For the purposes of the obligation of disclosure, the interests to be taken into account are those in relevant share capital of the company concerned.
(2) A person has a notifiable interest at any time when he is interested in shares comprised in that share capital of an aggregate nominal value equal to or more than the percentage of the nominal value of that share capital which is for the time being the notifiable percentage.
(3) All facts relevant to determining whether a person has a notifiable interest at any time (or the percentage level of his interest) are taken to be what he knows the facts to be at that time.
(4) The obligation of disclosure arises under section 67 (1) or (3) where the person has a notifiable interest immediately after the relevant time, but did not have such an interest immediately before that time.
(5) The obligation also arises under section 67 (1) where—
(a) the person had a notifiable interest immediately before the relevant time, but does not have such an interest immediately after it, or
(b) he had a notifiable interest immediately before that time, and has such an interest immediately after it, but the percentage levels of his interest immediately before and immediately after that time are not the same.
(6) For the purposes of this section, “the relevant time” means—
(a) in a case within section 67 (1) (a) or (3) (a), the time of the event or change of circumstances there mentioned, and
(b) in a case within section 67 (1) (b) or (3) (b), the time at which the person became aware of the facts in question.
“Percentage level” in relation to notifiable interests.
69.—(1) Subject to the qualification mentioned below, “percentage level”, in section 68 (5) (b), means the percentage figure found by expressing the aggregate nominal value of all the shares comprised in the share capital concerned in which the person is interested immediately before or (as the case may be) immediately after the relevant time as a percentage of the nominal value of that share capital and rounding that figure down, if it is not a whole number, to the next whole number.
(2) Where the nominal value of the share capital is greater immediately after the relevant time than it was immediately before, the percentage level of the person's interest immediately before (as well as immediately after) that time is determined by reference to the larger amount.
The notifiable percentage.
70.—(1) The reference in section 68 (2) to the notifiable percentage is to 5 per cent, or such other percentage as may be prescribed by the Minister under this section.
(2) The Minister may prescribe the percentage to apply in determining whether a person's interest in a company's shares is notifiable under section 67; and different percentages may be prescribed in relation to companies of different classes or descriptions.
(3) Where in consequence of a reduction prescribed under this section in the percentage made by such order a person's interest in a company's shares becomes notifiable, he shall then come under the obligation of disclosure in respect of it; and the obligation must be performed within the period of 10 days next following the day on which it arises.
Particulars to be contained in notification.
71.—(1) Subject to section 70 (3) a person's obligation to make a notification under section 67 must be performed within the period of 5 days next following the day on which the obligation arises; and the notification must be in writing to the company.
(2) The notification must specify the share capital to which it relates, and must also—
(a) state the number of shares comprised in that share capital in which the person making the notification knows he was interested immediately after the time when the obligation arose, or
(b) in a case where the person no longer has a notifiable interest in shares comprised in that share capital, state that he no longer has that interest.
(3) A notification with respect to a person's interest in a company's relevant share capital (other than one stating that he no longer has a notifiable interest in shares comprised in that share capital) shall include particulars of—
(a) the identity of each registered holder of shares to which the notification relates, and
(b) the number of those shares held by each such registered holder,
so far as known to the person making the notification at the date when the notification is made.
(4) A person who has an interest in shares comprised in a company's relevant share capital, that interest being notifiable, is under obligation to notify the company in writing—
(a) of any particulars in relation to those shares which are specified in subsection (3), and
(b) of any change in those particulars,
of which in either case he becomes aware at any time after any interest notification date and before the first occasion following that date on which he comes under any further obligation of disclosure with respect to his interest in shares comprised in that share capital.
An obligation arising under this section must be performed within the period of 5 days next following the day on which it arises.
(5) The reference in subsection (4) to an interest notification date, in relation to a person's interest in shares comprised in a public limited company's relevant share capital, is to either of the following—
(a) the date of any notification made by him with respect to his interest under this Part, and
(b) where he has failed to make a notification, the date on which the period allowed for making it came to an end.
(6) A person who at any time has an interest in shares which is notifiable is to be regarded under subsection (4) as continuing to have a notifiable interest in them unless and until he comes under obligation to make a notification stating that he no longer has such an interest in those shares.
Notification of family and corporate interests.
72.—(1) For the purposes of sections 67 to 71 a person is taken to be interested in any shares in which his spouse or any minor child of his is interested.
(2) For those purposes, a person is taken to be interested in shares if a body corporate is interested in them and—
(a) that body or its directors are accustomed to act in accordance with his directions or instructions, or
(b) he is entitled to exercise or control the exercise of one-third or more of the voting power at general meetings of that body corporate.
(3) Where a person is entitled to exercise or control the exercise of one-third or more of the voting power at general meetings of a body corporate and that body corporate is entitled to exercise or control the exercise of any of the voting power at general meetings of another body corporate (“the effective voting power”) then, for the purposes of subsection (2) (b), the effective voting power is taken as exercisable by that person.
(4) For the purposes of subsections (2) and (3) a person is entitled to exercise or control the exercise of voting power if—
(a) he has a right (whether subject to conditions or not) the exercise of which would make him so entitled, or
(b) he is under an obligation (whether or not so subject) the fulfilment of which would make him so entitled.
Agreement to acquire interests in a public limited company.
73.—(1) Subject to the following provisions of this section an agreement between two or more persons which includes provision for the acquisition by any one or more of the parties to the agreement of interests in shares comprised in relevant share capital of a particular public limited company (“the target company”) is an agreement to which this section applies if—
(a) it also includes provisions imposing obligations or restrictions on any one or more of the parties to the agreement with respect to their use, retention or disposal of interests in that company's shares acquired in pursuance of the agreement (whether or not together with any other interests of theirs in that company's shares to which the agreement relates); and
(b) any interest in the company's shares is in fact acquired by any of the parties in pursuance of the agreement;
and in relation to such an agreement references in this section, and in sections 74 and 75, to the target company are to the company which is the target company for that agreement in accordance with this section.
(2) The reference in subsection (1) (a) to the use of interests in shares in the target company is to the exercise of any rights or of any control or influence arising from those interests (including the right to enter into any agreement for the exercise, or for control of the exercise, of any of those rights by another person).
(3) Once any interest in shares in the target company has been acquired in pursuance of such an agreement as is mentioned above, this section continues to apply to that agreement irrespective of—
(a) whether or not any further acquisitions of interests in the company's shares take place in pursuance of the agreement, and
(b) any change in the persons who are for the time being parties to it, and
(c) any variation of the agreement,
so long as the agreement continues to include provisions of any description mentioned in subsection (1) (a).
References in this subsection to the agreement include any agreement having effect (whether directly or indirectly) in substitution for the original agreement.
(4) In this section, and also in references elsewhere in this Part to an agreement to which this section applies, “agreement” includes any agreement or arrangement; and references in this section to provisions of an agreement—
(a) accordingly include undertakings, expectations or understandings operative under any arrangement, and
(b) (without prejudice to the above) also include any provisions, whether express or implied and whether absolute or not.
(5) This section does not apply to an agreement which is not legally binding unless it involves mutuality in the undertakings, expectations or understandings of the parties to it; nor does the section apply to an agreement to underwrite or sub-underwrite any offer of shares in a company, provided the agreement is confined to that purpose and any matters incidental to it.
Obligation of disclosure arising under section 73.
74.—(1) In the case of an agreement to which section 73 applies, each party to the agreement shall be taken (for purposes of the obligation of disclosure) to be interested in all shares in the target company in which any other party to it is interested apart from the agreement (whether or not the interest of the other party in question was acquired, or includes any interest which was acquired, in pursuance of the agreement).
(2) For those purposes, and also for those of section 75, an interest of a party to such an agreement in shares in the target company is an interest apart from the agreement if he is interested in those shares otherwise than by virtue of the application of section 73 and this section in relation to the agreement.
(3) Accordingly, any such interest of the person (apart from the agreement) includes for those purposes any interest treated as his under section 72 or by the application of section 73 and this section in relation to any other agreement with respect to shares in the target company to which he is a party.
(4) A notification with respect to his interest in shares in the target company made to that company under this Part by a person who is for the time being a party to an agreement to which section 73 applies shall—
(a) state that the person making the notification is a party to such an agreement,
(b) include the names and (so far as known to him) the addresses of the other parties to the agreement, identifying them as such, and
(c) state whether or not any of the shares to which the notification relates are shares in which he is interested by virtue of section 73 and this section and, if so, the number of those shares.
(5) Where a person makes a notification to a company under this Part in consequence of ceasing to be interested in any shares of that company by virtue of the fact that he or any other person has ceased to be a party to an agreement to which section 73 applies, the notification shall include a statement that he or that other person has ceased to be a party to the agreement (as the case may require) and also (in the latter case) the name and (if known to him) the address of that other.
Obligation of persons acting together to keep each other informed.
75.—(1) A person who is a party to an agreement to which section 73 applies shall be subject to the requirements of this section at any time when—
(a) the target company is a public limited company, and he knows it to be so, and
(b) the shares in that company to which the agreement relates consist of or include shares comprised in relevant share capital of the company, and he knows that to be the case, and
(c) he knows the facts which make the agreement one to which section 73 applies.
(2) Such a person shall be under obligation to notify every other party to the agreement, in writing, of the relevant particulars of his interest (if any) apart from the agreement in shares comprised in relevant share capital of the target company—
(a) on his first becoming subject to the requirements of this section, and
(b) on each occurrence after that time while he is still subject to those requirements of any event or circumstances within section 67 (1) (as it applies to his case otherwise than by reference to interests treated as his under section 74 as applying to that agreement).
(3) The relevant particulars to be notified under subsection (2) are—
(a) the number of shares (if any) comprised in the target company's relevant share capital in which the person giving the notice would be required to state his interest if he were under the obligation of disclosure with respect to that interest (apart from the agreement) immediately after the time when the obligation to give notice under subsection (2) arose, and
(b) the relevant particulars with respect to the registered ownership of those shares, so far as known to him at the date of the notice.
(4) A person who is for the time being subject to the requirements of this section shall be under obligation to notify every other party to the agreement, in writing—
(a) of any relevant particulars with respect to the registered ownership of any shares comprised in relevant share capital of the target company in which he is interested apart from the agreement, and
(b) of any change in those particulars,
of which in either case he becomes aware at any time after any interest notification date and before the first occasion following that date on which he becomes subject to any further obligation to give notice under subsection (2) with respect to his interest in shares comprised in that share capital.
(5) The reference in subsection (4) to an interest notification date, in relation to a person's interest in shares comprised in the target company's relevant share capital, is to either of the following—
(a) the date of any notice given by him with respect to his interest under subsection (2), and
(b) where he has failed to give that notice, the date on which the period allowed by this section for giving the notice came to an end.
(6) A person who is a party to an agreement to which section 73 applies shall be under an obligation to notify each other party to the agreement, in writing, of his current address—
(a) on his first becoming subject to the requirements of this section, and
(b) on any change in his address occurring after that time and while he is still subject to those requirements.
(7) A reference to the relevant particulars with respect to the registered ownership of shares is to such particulars in relation to those shares as are mentioned in section 71 (3) (a) or (b).
(8) A person's obligation to give any notice required by this section to any other person must be performed within the period of 5 days next following the day on which that obligation arose.
Interests in shares by attribution.
76.—(1) Where section 67 or 68 refers to a person acquiring an interest in shares or ceasing to be interested in shares, that reference in certain cases includes his becoming or ceasing to be interested in those shares by virtue of another person's interest.
(2) This section applies where he becomes or ceases to be interested by virtue of section 72 or (as the case may be) section 74 whether—
(a) by virtue of the fact that the person who is interested in the shares becomes or ceases to be a person whose interests (if any) fall by virtue of either section to be treated as his, or
(b) in consequence of the fact that such a person has become or ceased to be interested in the shares, or
(c) in consequence of the fact that he himself becomes or ceases to be a party to an agreement to which section 73 applies to which the person interested in the shares is for the time being a party, or
(d) in consequence of the fact that an agreement to which both he and that person are parties becomes or ceases to be one to which the said section 73 applies.
(3) The person shall be treated under section 67 as knowing he has acquired an interest in the shares or (as the case may be) that he has ceased to be interested in them, if and when he knows both—
(a) the relevant facts with respect to the other person's interest in the shares, and
(b) the relevant facts by virtue of which he himself has become or ceased to be interested in them in accordance with section 72 or 74.
(4) He shall be deemed to know the relevant facts referred to in subsection (3) (a) if he knows (whether contemporaneously or not) either of the subsistence of the other person's interest at any material time or of the fact that the other has become or ceased to be interested in the shares at any such time; and “material time” is any time at which the other's interests (if any) fall or fell to be treated as his under section 72 or 74.
(5) A person is to be regarded as knowing of the subsistence of another's interest in shares or (as the case may be) that another has become or ceased to be interested in shares if he has been notified under section 75 of facts with respect to the other's interest which indicate that he is or has become or ceased to be interested in the shares (whether on his own account or by virtue of a third party's interest in them).
Interests in shares which are to be notified.
77.—(1) This section applies, subject to section 78, in determining for purposes of sections 67 to 71 whether a person has a notifiable interest in shares.
(2) A reference to an interest in shares is to be read as including an interest of any kind whatsoever in the shares. Accordingly there are to be disregarded any restraints or restrictions to which the exercise of any right attached to the interest is or may be subject.
(3) Where property is held on trust and an interest in shares is comprised in the property, a beneficiary of the trust who apart from this subsection does not have an interest in the shares is to be taken as having such an interest; but this subsection is without prejudice to the following provisions of this section.
(4) A person is taken to have an interest in shares if—
(a) he enters into a contract for their purchase by him (whether for cash or other consideration), or
(b) not being the registered holder, he is entitled to exercise any right conferred by the holding of the shares or is entitled to control the exercise of any such right.
(5) For the purposes of subsection (4) (b), a person is entitled to exercise or control the exercise of any right conferred by the holding of shares if he—
(a) has a right (whether subject to conditions or not) the exercise of which would make him so entitled, or
(b) is under an obligation (whether so subject or not) the fulfilment of which would make him so entitled.
(6) A person is taken to have an interest in shares if, otherwise than by virtue of having an interest under a trust—
(a) he has a right to call for delivery of the shares to himself or to his order, or
(b) he has a right to acquire an interest in shares or is under an obligation to take an interest in shares,
whether in any case the right or obligation is conditional or absolute.
(7) Without prejudice to subsection (2), rights or obligations to subscribe for any shares shall not be taken for the purposes of subsection (6) to be rights to acquire, or obligations to take, any interest in shares.
(8) Where persons have a joint interest each of them shall be taken to have that interest.
(9) It is immaterial that shares in which a person has an interest are unidentifiable.
(10) Delivery to a person's order of shares in fulfilment of a contract for the purchase thereof by him or in satisfaction of a right of his to call for delivery thereof, or failure to deliver shares in accordance with the terms of such a contract or on which such a right falls to be satisfied, shall be deemed to constitute an event in consequence of the occurrence of which he ceases to be interested in them, and so shall the lapse of a person's right to call for delivery of shares.
Interests to be disregarded.
78.—(1) The following interests in shares shall be disregarded for the purposes of sections 67 to 71—
(a) where property is held on trust and an interest in shares is comprised in that property, an interest in reversion or remainder or of a bare trustee and any discretionary interest;
(b) an interest of a person subsisting by virtue of—
(i) his holding units in—
(I) a registered unit trust scheme within the meaning of section 3 of the Unit Trusts Act, 1972;
(II) a unit trust to which section 31 of the Capital Gains Tax Act, 1975, as amended by section 34 of the Finance Act, 1977, relates;
(III) an undertaking for collective investment in transferable securities, within the meaning of the European Communities (Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities) Regulations, 1989 (S.I. No. 78 of 1989);
or
(ii) a scheme made under section 46 of the Charities Act, 1961;
(c) an interest for the life of himself or another of a person under a settlement in the case of which the property comprised in the settlement consists of or includes shares, and the conditions mentioned in subsection (3) are satisfied;
(d) an exempt security interest;
(e) an interest of the President of the High Court subsisting by virtue of section 13 of the Succession Act, 1965;
(f) an interest of the Accountant of the High Court in shares held by him in accordance with rules of court;
(g) such interests, or interests of such a class, as may be prescribed for purposes of this paragraph by regulations made by the Minister.
(2) A person shall not by virtue of section 77 (4) (b) be taken to be interested in shares by reason only that he has been appointed a proxy to vote at a specified meeting of a company or of any class of its members and at any adjournment of that meeting, or has been appointed by a body corporate to act as its representative at any meeting of a company or of any class of its members.
(3) The conditions referred to in subsection (1) (c) are, in relation to a settlement—
(a) that it is irrevocable, and
(b) that the settlor (within the meaning of section 96 of the Income Tax Act, 1967) has no interest in any income arising under, or property comprised in, the settlement.
(4) An interest in shares is an exempt security interest for purposes of subsection (1) (d) if—
(a) it is held by—
(i) the holder of a licence under section 9 of the Central Bank Act, 1971, or an insurance company within the meaning of the Insurance Acts, 1909 to 1990,
(ii) a trustee savings bank (within the meaning of the Trustee Savings Banks Acts, 1863 to 1979) or a Post Office Savings Bank within the meaning of the Post Office Savings Bank Acts, 1861 to 1958,
(iii) Agricultural Credit Corporation plc or Industrial Credit Corporation plc,
(iv) a member of a recognised stock exchange carrying on business as a stockbroker, and
(b) it is held by way of security only for the purposes of a transaction entered into by the person or body concerned in the ordinary course of business of such person or body.
Other provisions relating to notification.
79.—(1) Where a person authorises any other person (“the agent”) to acquire or dispose of, on his behalf, interests in shares comprised in relevant share capital of a public limited company, he shall secure that the agent notifies him immediately of acquisitions or disposals of interests in shares so comprised effected by the agent which will or may give rise to any obligation on his part to make a notification under this Chapter with respect to his interest in that share capital.
(2) An obligation to make any notification imposed on any person by this Chapter shall be treated as not being fulfilled unless the notice by means of which it purports to be fulfilled identifies him and gives his address, and in a case where he is a director or secretary of the company, is expressed to be given in fulfilment of that obligation.
(3) Where a person—
(a) fails to fulfil, within the proper period, an obligation to make any notification required by this Chapter; or
(b) in purported fulfilment of any such obligation makes to a company a statement which he knows to be false or recklessly makes to a company a statement which is false; or
(c) fails to fulfil, within the proper period, an obligation to give any other person any notice required by section 75,
no right or interest of any kind whatsoever in respect of any shares in the company concerned, held by him, shall be enforceable by him, whether directly or indirectly, by action or legal proceeding.
(4) Where any right or interest is restricted under subsection (3), any person in default under that subsection or any other person affected by such restriction may apply to the court for relief against a disability imposed by or arising out of subsection (3) and the court on being satisfied that the default was accidental, or due to inadvertence, or some other sufficient cause, or that on other grounds it is just and equitable to grant relief, may grant such relief either generally, or as respects any particular right or interest on such terms and conditions as it sees fit.
(5) Where an applicant for relief under subsection (4) is a person referred to in subsection (3), the court may not grant such relief if it appears that the default has arisen as a result of any deliberate act or omission on the part of the applicant.
(6) Subsection (3) shall not apply to an obligation relating to a person ceasing to be interested in shares in any company.
(7) A person who—
(a) fails to fulfil, within the proper period, an obligation of disclosure imposed on him by this Chapter, or
(b) fails to fulfil, within the proper period, an obligation to give any other person a notice required by section 75, or
(c) fails without reasonable excuse to comply with subsection (1),
shall be guilty of an offence.
(8) It shall be a defence for a person charged with an offence under subsection (7) (b) to prove that it was not possible for him to give the notice to that other person required by section 75 within the proper period, and either—
(a) that it has not since become possible for him to give the notice so required; or
(b) that he gave that notice as soon after the end of that period as it became possible for him to do so.
Register of interests in shares.
80.—(1) Every public limited company shall keep a register for purposes of sections 67 to 71 and whenever the company receives information from a person in consequence of the fulfilment of an obligation imposed on him by any of those sections, it is under obligation to inscribe in the register, against that person's name, that information and the date of the inscription.
(2) Without prejudice to subsection (1), where a company receives a notification under this Part which includes a statement that the person making the notification, or any other person, has ceased to be a party to an agreement to which section 73 applies, the company shall be under obligation to record that information against the name of that person in every place where his name appears in the register as a party to that agreement (including any entry relating to him made against another person's name).
(3) An obligation imposed by subsection (1) or (2) must be fulfilled within the period of 3 days next following the day on which it arises.
(4) The nature and extent of an interest recorded in the said register of a person in any shares shall, if he so requires, be recorded in the said register.
(5) The company shall not, by virtue of anything done for the purposes of this section, be affected with notice of, or put upon enquiry as to, the rights of any person in relation to any shares.
(6) The register must be so made up that the entries against the several names entered in it appear in chronological order.
(7) Unless the register is in such form as to constitute in itself an index, the company shall keep an index of the names entered in the register which shall in respect of each name contain a sufficient indication to enable the information entered against it to be readily found; and the company shall, within 10 days after the date on which a name is entered in the register, make any necessary alteration in the index.
(8) If the company ceases to be a public limited company it shall continue to keep the register and any associated index until the end of the period of 6 years beginning with the day next following that on which it ceases to be such a company.
(9) The register and any associated index—
(a) shall be kept at the place at which the register required to be kept by the company by section 59 (register of directors' and secretaries' interests) is kept, and
(b) shall be available for inspection in accordance with section 88.
(10) If default is made in complying with any of the provisions of this section, the company and every officer of it who is in default shall be liable to a fine not exceeding £1,000, and for continued contravention, to a daily default fine not exceeding £50.
Company investigations.
81.—(1) A public limited company may by notice in writing require a person whom the company knows or has reasonable cause to believe to be or, at any time during the 3 years immediately preceding the date on which the notice is issued (but excluding any time before the commencement of this section), to have been interested in shares comprised in the company's relevant share capital—
(a) to confirm that fact or (as the case may be) to indicate whether or not it is the case, and
(b) where he holds or has during that time held an interest in shares so comprised, to give such further information as may be required in accordance with the following subsection.
(2) A notice under this section may require the person to whom it is addressed—
(a) to give particulars of his own past or present interest in shares comprised in relevant share capital of the company (held by him at any time during the 3 year period mentioned in subsection (1)),
(b) where the interest is a present interest and any other interest in shares subsists or, in any case, where another interest in the shares subsisted during that 3 year period at any time when his own interest subsisted, to give (so far as lies within his knowledge) such particulars with respect to that other interest as may be required by the notice,
(c) where his interest is a past interest, to give (so far as lies within his knowledge) particulars of the identity of the person who held that interest immediately upon his ceasing to hold it.
(3) The particulars referred to in subsection (2) (a) and (2) (b) include particulars of the identity of persons interested in the shares in question and of whether persons interested in the same shares are or were parties to any agreement to which section 73 applies or to any agreement or arrangement relating to the exercise of any rights conferred by the holding of the shares.
(4) A notice under this section shall require any information given in response to the notice to be given in writing within such reasonable time as may be specified in the notice.
(5) Sections 72 to 74 and 77 apply for the purpose of construing references in this section to persons interested in shares and to interests in shares respectively, as they apply in relation to sections 67 to 70 (but with the omission of any reference to section 78).
(6) This section applies in relation to a person who has or previously had, or is or was entitled to acquire, a right to subscribe for shares in a public limited company which would on issue be comprised in relevant share capital of that company as it applies in relation to a person who is or was interested in shares so comprised; and references in this section to an interest in shares so comprised and to shares so comprised are to be read accordingly in any such case as including respectively any such right and shares which would on issue be so comprised.
Registration of interests disclosed under section 81.
82.—(1) Whenever in pursuance of a requirement imposed on a person under section 81 a company receives information to which this section applies relating to shares comprised in its relevant share capital, it is under obligation to enter against the name of the registered holder of those shares, in a separate part of its register of interests in shares—
(a) the fact that the requirement was imposed and the date on which it was imposed, and
(b) any information to which this section applies received in pursuance of the requirement.
(2) This section applies to any information received in pursuance of a requirement imposed by section 81 which relates to the present interests held by any persons in shares comprised in relevant share capital of the company in question.
(3) Subsections (3) to (10) of section 80 apply in relation to any part of the register maintained in accordance with subsection (1) of this section, reading references to subsection (1) of that section to include subsection (1) of this section.
Company investigations on requisition by members.
83.—(1) A company may be required to exercise its powers under section 81 on the requisition of members of the company holding at the date of the deposit of the requisition not less than one-tenth of such of the paid-up capital of the company as carries at that date the right of voting at general meetings of the company.
(2) The requisition must—
(a) state that the requisitionists are requiring the company to exercise its powers under section 81,
(b) specify the manner in which they require those powers to be exercised, and
(c) give reasonable grounds for requiring the company to exercise those powers in the manner specified,
and must be signed by the requisitionists and deposited at the company's registered office.
(3) The requisition may consist of several documents in like form each signed by one or more requisitionists.
(4) On the deposit of a requisition complying with this section the company shall exercise its powers under section 81 in the manner specified in the requisition.
(5) If default is made in complying with subsection (4), the court may, on the application of the requisitionists, or any of them, and on being satisfied that it is reasonable to do so, require the company to exercise its powers under section 81 in a manner specified in the order.
Company report to members.
84.—(1) On the conclusion of an investigation carried out by a company in pursuance of a requisition under section 83 it is the company's duty to cause a report of the information received in pursuance of that investigation to be prepared, and the report shall be made available at the company's registered office within a reasonable period after the conclusion of that investigation.
(2) Where—
(a) a company undertakes an investigation in pursuance of a requisition under section 83, and
(b) the investigation is not concluded before the end of 3 months beginning with the date immediately following the date of the deposit of the requisition,
the company shall cause to be prepared, in respect of that period and each successive period of 3 months ending before the conclusion of the investigation, an interim report of the information received during that period in pursuance of the investigation. Each such report shall be made available at the company's registered office within a reasonable period after the end of the period to which it relates.
(3) The period for making any report prepared under this section available as required by subsection (1) or (2) shall not exceed 15 days.
(4) The company shall, within 3 days of making any report prepared under this section available at its registered office, notify the requisitionists that the report is so available.
(5) An investigation carried out by a company in pursuance of a requisition under section 83 shall be regarded for the purposes of this section as concluded when the company has made all such inquiries as are necessary or expedient for the purposes of the requisition and in the case of each such inquiry, either a response has been received by the company or the time allowed for a response has elapsed.
(6) A report prepared under this section—
(a) shall be kept at the company's registered office from the day on which it is first available there in accordance with subsection (1) or (2) until the expiration of 6 years beginning with the day next following that day, and
(b) shall be available for inspection in accordance with section 88 so long as it is so kept.
(7) If default is made in complying with subsection (1), (2), (3), (4) or (6) (a), the company and every officer of the company who is in default shall be guilty of an offence and be liable to a fine.
Penalty for failure to provide information.
85.—(1) Where notice is served by a company under section 81 on a person who is or was interested in shares of the company and that person fails to give the company any information required by the notice within the time specified in it, the company may apply to the court for an order directing that the shares in question be subject to restrictions under section 16.
(2) Such an order may be made by the court notwithstanding any power contained in the applicant company's memorandum or articles enabling the company itself to impose similar restrictions on the shares in question.
(3) Subject to the following subsections, a person who fails to comply with a notice under section 81 shall be guilty of an offence.
(4) A person shall not be guilty of an offence by virtue of failing to comply with a notice under section 81 if he proves that the requirement to give the information was frivolous or vexatious.
(5) Where an order is made under this section directing that shares shall be subject to restrictions under section 16, the company or any person aggrieved by the order may apply to the court for an order directing that the shares shall cease to be subject thereto.
(6) Subsections (6) to (16) of section 16 shall apply in relation to any shares subject to the restrictions imposed by that section by virtue of an order under this section but with the omission in subsections (6) to (15) of any reference to the Minister.
Removal of entries from register.
86.—(1) A company may remove an entry against a person's name from its register of interests in shares if more than 6 years have elapsed since the date of the entry being made, and either—
(a) that entry recorded the fact that the person in question had ceased to have an interest notifiable under this Chapter in relevant share capital of the company, or
(b) it has been superseded by a later entry made under section 80 against the same person's name;
and in a case within paragraph (a) the company may also remove that person's name from the register.
(2) If a person in pursuance of an obligation imposed on him by any provision of this Chapter gives to a company the name and address of another person as being interested in shares in the company, the company shall, within 15 days of the date on which it was given that information, notify the other person that he has been so named and shall include in that notification—
(a) particulars of any entry relating to him made, in consequence of its being given that information, by the company in its register of interests in shares, and
(b) a statement informing him of his right to apply to have the entry removed in accordance with the following provisions of this section.
(3) A person who has been notified by a company in pursuance of subsection (2) that an entry relating to him has been made in the company's register of interests in shares may apply in writing to the company for the removal of that entry from the register; and the company shall remove the entry if satisfied that the information in pursuance of which the entry was made was incorrect.
(4) If a person who is identified in a company's register of interests in shares as being a party to an agreement to which section 73 applies (whether by an entry against his own name or by an entry relating to him made against another person's name as mentioned in subsection (2) (a)) ceases to be a party to that agreement, he may apply in writing to the company for the inclusion of that information in the register; and if the company is satisfied that he has ceased to be a party to the agreement, it shall record that information (if not already recorded) in every place where his name appears as a party to that agreement in the register.
(5) If an application under subsection (3) or (4) is refused (in a case within subsection (4), otherwise than on the ground that the information has already been recorded) the applicant may apply to the court for an order directing the company to remove the entry in question from the register or (as the case may be) to include the information in question in the register; and the court may, if it thinks fit, make such an order.
(6) Where a name is removed from a company's register of interests in shares in pursuance of subsection (1) or (3) or an order under subsection (5), the company shall within 14 days of the date of that removal make any necessary alteration in any associated index.
(7) If default is made in complying with subsection (2) or (6), the company and every officer of it who is in default shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine.
Entries, when not to be removed.
87.—(1) Entries in a company's register of interests in shares under this Chapter shall not be deleted except in accordance with section 86.
(2) If an entry is deleted from a company's register of interests in shares in contravention of subsection (1), the company shall restore that entry to the register as soon as is reasonably practicable.
(3) If default is made in complying with subsection (1) or (2), the company and every officer of it who is in default shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine.
Inspection of register and reports.
88.—(1) Any register of interests in shares and any report which is required by section 84 (6) to be available for inspection in accordance with this section shall, during business hours (subject to such reasonable restrictions as the company may in general meeting impose, but so that not less than 2 hours in each day are allowed for inspection) be open to the inspection of any member of the company or of any other person without charge.
(2) The register referred to in subsection (1) shall also be and remain open and accessible to any person attending the company's annual general meeting at least one quarter hour before the appointed time for the commencement of the meeting and during the continuance of the meeting.
(3) Any such member or other person may require a copy of any such register or report, or any part of it, on payment of 15 pence or such less sum as the company may prescribe, for every 100 words or fractional part of 100 words required to be copied; and the company shall cause any copy so required by a person to be sent to him before the expiration of the period of 10 days beginning with the day next following that on which the requirement is received by the company.
(4) If an inspection required under this section is refused or a copy so required is not sent within the proper period, the company and every officer of it who is in default shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine.
(5) In the case of a refusal of an inspection required under this section of any register or report, the court may by order compel an immediate inspection of it; and in the case of failure to send a copy required under this section, the court may by order direct that the copy required shall be sent to the person requiring it.
The 1988 Directive.
89.—Sections 90 to 96 are for the purpose of giving effect to Council Directive 88/627/EEC of 12th December, 1988 * (“the 1988 Directive”) on the information to be published when a major holding in a listed company is acquired or disposed of.
Provisions as to interpretation.
90.—(1) In sections 91 to 96—
“the Exchange” means the Committee of the Irish Unit of the International Stock Exchange of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland Limited;
“functions” includes powers and duties and references to the exercise of functions include, as respects powers and duties, references to the exercise of powers and the carrying out of duties.
(2) For the purposes of sections 91 to 96, each of the following shall be a “relevant authority” in relation to the Exchange—
(i) its committee of management,
(ii) its manager, however described.
Obligation to notify certain interests to the Exchange.
91.—(1) This section applies to interests in shares which—
(a) are comprised in relevant share capital of a public limited company, and
(b) are officially listed on the Exchange.
(2) Where a person becomes aware that he has acquired or ceased to have an interest in shares to which this section applies and, following that acquisition or disposal, the percentage level (within the meaning of section 69) of his interest in that share capital exceeds or falls below the percentage levels referred to in subsection (3), he shall, in addition to the obligation of disclosure to which he is subject under section 67, be under an obligation to notify the Exchange of his interest in the shares following the acquisition or cessation, as the case may be.
(3) The percentage levels referred to in subsection (2) are 10 per cent, 25 per cent, 50 per cent and 75 per cent.
(4) The provisions of this Chapter shall apply as regards the interests which are to be notified to the Exchange, and the manner in which they are to be so notified, as they apply to the interests to be notified to a company under this Chapter.
(5) Where the Exchange receives a declaration under this section it shall, subject to subsection (6), publish, in such manner as it shall determine, and within three days of its receipt, the information contained in that declaration.
(6) The Exchange may decide not to publish the information contained in the declaration if, but only if, it is satisfied—
(a) that the disclosure of such information would be contrary to the public interest, or
(b) that such disclosure would be seriously detrimental to the company or companies concerned:
Provided that—
(i) the Exchange shall not decide not to publish the information under paragraph (b) unless it is satisfied that a decision to do so would be unlikely to mislead the public with regard to the facts and circumstances knowledge of which is necessary for the assessment of the interests in question, and
(ii) notwithstanding any decision taken under this subsection, the Exchange may publish the information later than three days after its receipt where it is satisfied that the considerations in paragraph (a) or (b) no longer apply.
Duty of relevant authority to report to Director of Public Prosecutions.
92.—(1) If it appears to a relevant authority of the Exchange that any person has contravened section 91, such authority shall forthwith report the matter to the Director of Public Prosecutions and shall furnish to the Director of Public Prosecutions such information and give to him such access to and facilities for inspecting and taking copies of any documents, being information or documents in the possession or under the control of such authority and relating to the matter in question, as the Director of Public Prosecutions may require.
(2) Where it appears to a member of the Exchange that any person has contravened section 91, he shall report the matter forthwith to a relevant authority of the Exchange, who shall thereupon come under the duty referred to in subsection (1).
(3) If it appears to a court in any proceedings that any person has committed a contravention as aforesaid, and that no report relating to the matter has been made to the Director of Public Prosecutions under subsection (1), that court may, on the application of any person interested in the proceedings concerned or of its own motion, direct a relevant authority of the Exchange to make such a report, and on a report being made accordingly, this section shall have effect as though the report had been made in pursuance of subsection (1).
(4) If, where any matter is reported or referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions under this section, he considers that the case is one in which a prosecution ought to be instituted and institutes proceedings accordingly, it shall be the duty of a relevant authority of the Exchange, and of every officer of the company whose securities are concerned, and of any other person who appears to the Director of Public Prosecutions to have relevant information (other than any defendant in the proceedings) to give all assistance in connection with the prosecution which he or they are reasonably able to give.
(5) A relevant authority shall have the same powers and duties for the purposes of this section as it has under section 117.
(6) Where the Minister considers it necessary or expedient to do so for the proper and effective administration of this section, he may make such regulations as he thinks appropriate in relation to—
(a) the powers of authorised persons, or
(b) the matters in respect of which, or the persons from whom, authorised persons may require information under section 117, as applied by subsection (5).
Application and amendment of the 1984 Regulations.
93.—(1) The annual report required by Regulation 11 of the European Communities (Stock Exchange) Regulations, 1984 (S.I. No. 282 of 1984) (“the 1984 Regulations”) shall include—
(a) the number of written complaints received suggesting possible contraventions of section 91,
(b) the number of reports made under section 92,
(c) the number of instances in which, following the exercise of powers by authorised persons under section 117, as applied by section 92, reports were not so made, and
(d) such other information as may be prescribed.
(2) The First Schedule to the 1984 Regulations is hereby amended by the substitution, for paragraph 5 (c) of Schedule C of the Annex to Council Directive 79/279/EEC of 5 March 1979 * set out in that Schedule, of the following.
“(c) The company must inform the public of any changes in the structure (shareholders and breakdown of holdings) of the major holdings in its capital as compared with information previously published on that subject as soon as such changes come to its notice.
In particular, a company which is not subject to Council Directive 88/627/EEC on the information to be published when a major holding in a listed company is acquired or disposed of must inform the public within nine calendar days whenever it comes to its notice that a person or entity has acquired or disposed of a number of shares such that his or its holding exceeds or falls below one of the thresholds laid down in Article 4 of that Directive.”.
Obligation of professional secrecy.
94.—(1) Information obtained by any of the following persons by virtue of the exercise by the Exchange of its functions under this Part shall not be disclosed except in accordance with law, namely—
(a) a relevant authority of the Exchange,
(b) an authorised person, or
(c) any person employed or formerly employed by the Exchange.
(2) Subsection (1) shall not prevent a relevant authority of the Exchange from disclosing any information to the Minister under this Part or to a similar authority in another Member State of the European Communities pursuant to section 96.
(3) Any person who contravenes subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence.
Immunity from suit.
95.—A relevant authority of the Exchange shall not be liable in damages in respect of anything done or omitted to be done by the authority in connection with the exercise by it of its functions under sections 91 to 96 unless the act or omission complained of was done or omitted to be done in bad faith.
Co-operation between authorities in Member States.
96.—A relevant authority of the Exchange in exercising its functions under sections 91 to 94 shall comply with Article 12 (co-operation between competent authorities in Member States) of the 1988 Directive.
Chapter 3
Disclosure Orders: Companies other than Public Limited Companies
Application of Chapter 3.
97.—(1) The provisions of this Chapter shall apply to all bodies corporate incorporated in the State other than—
(a) a public limited company;
(b) a society registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies Acts, 1893 to 1978;
(c) a society registered under the Building Societies Act, 1989; and
(d) any body corporate which is prohibited by statute or otherwise from making any distribution of its income or property among its members while it is a going concern or when it is in liquidation.
(2) Any reference in this Chapter to a company shall be deemed to be a reference to any body corporate to which, by virtue of subsection (1), this Chapter applies.
(3) Any reference in this Chapter to share capital or relevant share capital shall, in relation to a company, be deemed to be a reference to the issued share capital of a class carrying rights to vote in all circumstances at general meetings of the company, and references to shares shall be construed accordingly.
Disclosure order.
98.—(1) For the purposes of this Chapter, “disclosure order”means an order of the court which obliges—
(a) any person whom the court believes to have or to be able to obtain any information as to—
(i) persons interested at present, or at any time during a period specified in the order, in the shares or debentures of a company,
(ii) the names and addresses of any of those persons,
(iii) the names and address of any person who acts or has acted on behalf of any of those persons in relation to the shares or debentures,
to give such information to the court; or
(b) any person whom the court believes to be, or at any time during a period specified in the order to have been, interested in shares or debentures of a company to confirm that fact or (as the case may be) to indicate whether or not it is the case and, where he holds or has during that period held any interest in such shares or debentures, to give such further information as the court may require; or
(c) any person interested in shares or debentures of a company specified in the order to disclose to the court the information required under subparagraphs (i) and (ii) and (iii) of paragraph (a) and such further information as the court may require.
(2) Any person who has a financial interest in a company may apply to the court for a disclosure order in respect of all or any of the shares of or debentures in the company.
(3) An application under subsection (2) shall be supported by such evidence as the court may require.
(4) The court may, before hearing an application under subsection (2), require the applicant to give security for payment of the costs of hearing the application or any consequential proceedings.
(5) The court may make a disclosure order only if—
(a) it deems it just and equitable to do so; and
(b) it is of the opinion that the financial interest of the applicant is or will be prejudiced by the non-disclosure of any interest in the shares or debentures of the company.
(6) For the purposes of subsection (2) “financial interest” includes any interest as member, contributory, creditor, employee, co-adventurer, examiner, lessor, lessee, licensor, licensee, liquidator or receiver either in relation to the company in respect of whose shares or debentures a disclosure order is sought or a related company.
(7) Where a person authorises any other person (“the agent”) to acquire or dispose of, on his behalf, interests in shares comprised in relevant share capital of a company or in debentures of the company in respect of which a disclosure order is made, he shall, for the duration of that order, ensure that the agent notifies him immediately of acquisitions or disposals of interests in shares or debentures so comprised effected by the agent which will or may give rise to any obligation on his part to provide information in accordance with the terms of the order with respect to his interest in that share capital or those debentures.
Procedure on application for disclosure order.
99.—(1) A person intending to apply for the making of a disclosure order shall give not less than 10 days' notice of his intention to the company in respect of whose shares or debentures the order is sought and to the person to whom the order is intended to be directed.
(2) The applicant shall also serve on any person specified by the court such notice of the applications as the court may direct.
(3) On the hearing of the application every person notified under subsection (1) or (2) may appear and adduce evidence.
Scope of disclosure order.
100.—(1) A disclosure order may require the person to whom it is addressed—
(a) to give particulars of his own past or present interest in shares comprised in relevant share capital of the company or in debentures of the company held by him at any time during the period mentioned in the order;
(b) where the interest is a present interest and any other interest in the shares or debentures subsists or, in any case, where another interest in the shares or debentures subsisted during that period at any time when his own interest subsisted, to give so far as lies within his knowledge such particulars with respect to that other interest as may be required by the order;
(c) where his interest is a past interest, to give so far as lies within his knowledge particulars of the identity of the person who held that interest immediately upon his ceasing to hold it.
(2) A disclosure order shall specify the information to be supplied to the court under the order in respect of any person, shares or debentures to which it refers and any such information shall be given in writing.
(3) Sections 68 to 79 shall apply as appropriate for the purposes of construing references in this Chapter to persons interested in shares and debentures and to interests in shares and debentures respectively as they apply in relation to section 67 (disregarding section 78) and any reference in those sections to a “percentage level” shall be disregarded.
(4) For the purposes of this section any reference in sections 67 to 79 to “shares” shall, where appropriate and unless the contrary is stated, be deemed to include a reference to debentures.
(5) This section shall apply in relation to a person who has or previously had or is or was entitled to acquire a right to subscribe for shares in or debentures of a company which would on issue be comprised in relevant share capital of that company as it applies in relation to a person who is or was interested in shares so comprised or in debentures of the company; and references in the preceding provisions of this section to an interest in shares so comprised or an interest in debentures and to shares so comprised or debentures shall be read accordingly in any such case as including references respectively to any such right and to shares which would on issue be so comprised.
Powers of court.
101.—(1) The court may, on cause shown, rescind or vary a disclosure order.
(2) A disclosure order may specify a person, group or class of persons to which the order applies.
(3) The court may, if it considers—
(a) that it would be just and equitable to do so, and
(b) that the financial interest of the applicant would not be prejudiced thereby,
exempt in whole or in part from the requirements of a disclosure order—
(i) any person or class of persons,
(ii) any interest or class of interest in shares or debentures,
(iii) any share, group or class of shares,
(iv) any debenture, group or class of debentures.
(4) When the court makes a disclosure order it may impose, for a specific period of time, such conditions or restrictions on the rights or obligations attaching to the shares or debentures in respect of which the order is made as it deems fit.
(5) Any person whose interests are affected by any conditions or restrictions imposed on shares or debentures under subsection (4) may apply to the court for relief from all or any of those conditions and the court may, if it considers it just and equitable to do so, grant such relief in whole or in part and on such terms and conditions as it sees fit.
Notice of disclosure order.
102.—(1) The applicant shall cause notice in the prescribed form of the making of a disclosure order together with a copy of the order to be sent by registered post within 7 days of the making of the order to—
(a) the company (at its registered office) in respect of whose shares or debentures the order has been made,
(b) the registrar of companies,
(c) the registered holder of any shares or debentures in respect of which the disclosure order has been made where it appears to the court that—
(i) such holder is not at the date of the making of the order resident in the State, and
(ii) such holder should be notified,
(d) such other person as the court sees fit.
(2) The applicant shall cause notice of the making of a disclosure order to be published, within 7 days of the making of the order, in at least 2 daily newspapers which circulate in the district in which the registered office of the company, in respect of whose shares or debentures the order has been made, is situate.
(3) For the purposes of subsection (1) (a)—
(a) the address of the registered office of the company at the date of the making of the disclosure order shall be deemed to be the address of that office which was last delivered to the registrar of companies or otherwise published, as such case may be (in accordance with and in the manner required by the law relating to the company) prior to the date of making the order; and
(b) if no address of the registered office has ever been duly delivered to the registrar of companies or if the location of the last delivered address has been destroyed, the requirements of subsection (1) (a) shall be deemed to have been complied with by sending the required notice of the order together with a copy thereof to the registrar of companies.
(4) For the purposes of subsection (1) (c)—
(a) the address of a non-resident registered holder of shares or debentures shall be deemed to be the address of that holder which was last delivered to the registrar of companies or otherwise published, as the case may be (in accordance with and in the manner required by the law relating to the company) prior to the date of making of the order; and
(b) if no address of the non-resident registered holder has ever been duly delivered to the registrar of companies the requirements of subsection (1) (c) shall be deemed to have been complied with by sending the required notice of the order together with a copy thereof to the registrar of companies.
(5) Any reference in this section to the registered office of a company shall, in the case of a company not registered under the Companies Acts, be construed as a reference to the principal office of the company.
Information disclosed under order.
103.—(1) An obligation to provide any information imposed on any person by a disclosure order shall be treated as not being fulfilled unless the notice by means of which it purports to be fulfilled identifies him and gives his current address.
(2) Where information is given to the court in compliance with the terms of a disclosure order, a prescribed officer of the court shall, unless the court otherwise directs, cause such information to be furnished (in whole or in part as the court may direct) to the applicant and to the company in respect of whose shares or debentures the order was made.
(3) In reaching its decision under subsection (2), the court shall have regard to whether the requirements of section 102 have been complied with.
(4) Where any information is furnished to the applicant or the company in pursuance of subsection (2), the court may impose such restrictions as it sees fit as to the publication of the information by the person to whom it has been furnished.
Civil consequences of contravention of disclosure order.
104.—(1) Where a person—
(a) fails to fulfil, within the proper period, an obligation to provide information required by a disclosure order, or
(b) in purported fulfilment of any such obligation makes to the court a statement which he knows to be false or recklessly makes to the court a statement which is false,
no right or interest of any kind whatsoever in respect of any shares in or debentures of the company concerned held by him shall be enforceable by him whether directly or indirectly, by action or legal proceeding.
(2) Where any right or interest is restricted under subsection (1), any person in default under that subsection or any other person affected by such restriction may apply to the court for relief against a disability imposed by or arising out of subsection (1) and the court on being satisfied that the default was accidental, or due to inadvertence, or some other sufficient cause, or that on other grounds it is just and equitable to grant relief, may grant such relief either generally, or as respects any particular right or interest on such terms and conditions as it sees fit.
(3) Where an applicant for relief under subsection (2) is a person referred to in subsection (1), the court may not grant such relief if it appears that the default has arisen as a result of any deliberate act or omission on the part of the applicant.
(4) The acquisition by any person of an interest in shares or debentures of a company registered in the State shall be deemed to be a consent by that person to the disclosure by him, his agents or intermediaries of any information required to be disclosed in relation to shares or debentures by the Companies Acts.
Chapter 4
General provisions about share registers etc.
Power to alter maximum inspection etc. charges.
105.—(1) The Minister may, by order, alter any of the charges referred to in—
(a) section 60 (5) of this Act or section 92 (1), 119 (1) or 195 (10) (inserted by section 51 of this Act) of the Principal Act, or
(b) section 60(8) or 88 (3) of this Act, or section 92 (2), 92 (3), 119 (2) or 146 (2) of the Principal Act.
(2) The Minister may also, by order, alter the basis of any of the charges referred to in the provisions specified in subsection (1) (b) from the basis referred to in those provisions to some other basis.
(3) In making any order under this section, the Minister shall take into account the general costs incurred by a company in facilitating the inspection, or providing copies, of the registers or other documents referred to in subsection (1).
(4) Every order made under this section shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas as soon as may be after it is made and if a resolution annulling the order is passed by either House within the next 21 days on which that House has sat after the order is laid before it, the order shall be annulled accordingly but without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done thereunder.
Transitional provisions.
106.—(1) Where on the commencement of this section a person has an interest which, if it was acquired after such commencement, would be subject to a notification requirement under Chapter 1 or 2 he shall be under an obligation to make to the company the notification with respect to his interest required by the Chapter concerned.
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), sections 56 and 71 (1) shall apply as if, for the period of 5 days mentioned in each of those provisions, there were substituted a period of 14 days.
(3) Section 73 shall apply in relation to an agreement notwithstanding that it was made before the commencement of this section or that any such acquisition of shares as is mentioned in subsection (1) (b) of that section took place before such commencement.
PART V
Insider Dealing
Interpretation.
107.—In this Part, except where the context otherwise requires—
“dealing”, in relation to securities, means (whether as principal or agent) acquiring, disposing of, subscribing for or underwriting the securities, or making or offering to make, or inducing or attempting to induce a person to make or to offer to make, an agreement—
(a) for or relating to acquiring, disposing of, subscribing for or underwriting the securities; or
(b) the purpose or purported purpose of which is to secure a profit or gain to a person who acquires, disposes of, subscribes for or underwrites the securities or to any of the parties to the agreement in relation to the securities;
“director” includes a shadow director within the meaning of section 27;
“officer”, in relation to a company, includes—
(a) a director, secretary or employee;
(b) a liquidator;
(c) any person administering a compromise or arrangement made between the company and its creditors;
(d) an examiner;
(e) an auditor; and
(f) a receiver;
“public office” means an office or employment which is remunerated out of the Central Fund or out of moneys provided by the Oireachtas or money raised by local taxation or charges, or an appointment to or employment under any commission, committee, tribunal, board or body established by the Government or any Minister of the Government or by or under any statutory authority;
“recognised stock exchange” includes, in particular, any exchange prescribed by the Minister which provides facilities for the buying and selling of rights or obligations to acquire stock;
“related company”, in relation to a company, means any body corporate which is the company's subsidiary or holding company, or a subsidiary of the company's holding company;
“relevant authority”, in relation to a recognised stock exchange, means—
(i) its board of directors, committee of management or other management body, or
(ii) its manager, however described;
“securities” means—
(a) shares, debentures or other debt securities issued or proposed to be issued, whether in the State or otherwise, and for which dealing facilities are, or are to be, provided by a recognised stock exchange;
(b) any right, option or obligation in respect of any such shares, debentures or other debt securities referred to in paragraph (a);
(c) any right, option or obligation in respect of any index relating to any such shares, debentures or other debt securities referred to in paragraph (a); or
(d) such interests as may be prescribed;
“underwrite” includes sub-underwrite.
Unlawful dealings in securities by insiders.
108.—(1) It shall not be lawful for a person who is, or at any time in the preceding 6 months has been, connected with a company to deal in any securities of that company if by reason of his so being, or having been, connected with that company he is in possession of information that is not generally available, but, if it were, would be likely materially to affect the price of those securities.
(2) It shall not be lawful for a person who is, or at any time in the preceding 6 months has been, connected with a company to deal in any securities of any other company if by reason of his so being, or having been, connected with the first-mentioned company he is in possession of information that—
(a) is not generally available but, if it were, would be likely materially to affect the price of those securities, and
(b) relates to any transaction (actual or contemplated) involving both those companies or involving one of them and securities of the other, or to the fact that any such transaction is no longer contemplated.
(3) Where a person is in possession of any such information as is mentioned in subsection (1) or (2) that if generally available would be likely materially to affect the price of securities but is not precluded by either of those subsections from dealing in those securities, it shall not be lawful for him to deal in those securities if he has received the information, directly or indirectly, from another person and is aware, or ought reasonably to be aware, of facts or circumstances by virtue of which that other person is then himself precluded by subsection (1) or (2) from dealing in those securities.
(4) It shall not be lawful for a person at any time when he is precluded by subsection (1), (2) or (3) from dealing in any securities, to cause or procure any other person to deal in those securities.
(5) It shall not be lawful for a person, at any time when he is precluded by subsection (1), (2) or (3) from dealing in any securities by reason of his being in possession of any information, to communicate that information to any other person if he knows, or ought reasonably to know, that the other person will make use of the information for the purpose of dealing, or causing or procuring another person to deal, in those securities.
(6) Without prejudice to subsection (3), but subject to subsections (7) and (8), it shall not be lawful for a company to deal in any securities at a time when any officer of that company is precluded by subsection (1), (2) or (3) from dealing in those securities.
(7) Subsection (6) does not preclude a company from entering into a transaction at any time by reason only of information in the possession of an officer of that company if—
(a) the decision to enter into the transaction was taken on its behalf by a person other than the officer;
(b) it had in operation at that time written arrangements to ensure that the information was not communicated to that person and that no advice relating to the transaction was given to him by a person in possession of the information; and
(c) the information was not so communicated and such advice was not so given.
(8) Subsection (6) does not preclude a company from dealing in securities of another company at any time by reason only of information in the possession of an officer of the first-mentioned company, being information that was received by the officer in the course of the performance of his duties as an officer of the first-mentioned company and that consists only of the fact that the first-mentioned company proposes to deal in securities of that other company.
(9) This section does not preclude a person from dealing in securities, or rights or interests in securities, of a company if—
(a) he enters into the transaction concerned as agent for another person pursuant to a specified instruction of that other person to effect that transaction; and
(b) he has not given any advice to the other person in relation to dealing in securities, or rights or interests in securities, of that company that are included in the same class as the first-mentioned securities.
(10) This section does not preclude a person from dealing in securities if, while not otherwise taking advantage of his possession of information referred to in subsection (1)—
(a) he gives at least 21 days' notice to a relevant authority of the relevant stock exchange of his intention to deal, within the period referred to in paragraph (b), in the securities of the company concerned, and
(b) the dealing takes place within a period beginning 7 days after the publication of the company's interim or final results, as the case may be and ending 14 days after such publication, and
(c) the notice referred to in paragraph (a) is published by the exchange concerned immediately on its receipt.
(11) For the purposes of this section, a person is connected with a company if, being a natural person—
(a) he is an officer of that company or of a related company;
(b) he is a shareholder in that company or in a related company; or
(c) he occupies a position (including a public office) that may reasonably be expected to give him access to information of a kind to which subsections (1) and (2) apply by virtue of—
(i) any professional, business or other relationship existing between himself (or his employer or a company of which he is an officer) and that company or a related company; or
(ii) his being an officer of a substantial shareholder in that company or in a related company.
(12) For the purposes of subsection (11) “substantial shareholder” means a person who holds shares in a company, the number of which is above the notifiable percentage for the time being in force under section 70.
(13) The prohibitions in subsections (1), (3), (4) and (5) shall extend to dealings in securities issued by the State as if the references in subsections (1), (9) and (11) (other than paragraphs (a) and (b) of the last mentioned subsection) to a company were references to the State.
Civil liability for unlawful dealing.
109.—(1) Where a person deals in or causes or procures another person to deal in securities in a manner declared unlawful by section 108 or communicates information in any such manner, that person shall, without prejudice to any other cause of action which may lie against him, be liable—
(a) to compensate any other party to the transaction who was not in possession of the relevant information for any loss sustained by that party by reason of any difference between the price at which the securities were dealt in in that transaction and the price at which they would have been likely to have been dealt in in such a transaction at the time when the first-mentioned transaction took place if that information had been generally available; and
(b) to account to the company that issued or made available those securities for any profit accruing to the first-mentioned person from dealing in those securities.
(2) The amount of compensation for which a person is liable under subsection (1) or the amount of the profit for which a person is liable to account under that subsection is—
(a) subject to paragraph (b), the amount of the loss sustained by the person claiming the compensation or the amount of the profit referred to in subsection (1) (b), as the case may be; or
(b) if the person so liable has been found by a court to be liable to pay an amount or amounts to any other person or persons by reason of the same act or transaction, the amount of that loss or profit less the amount or the sum of the amounts for which that person has been found to be liable.
(3) For the purposes of subsection (2), the onus of proving that the liability of a person to pay an amount to another person arose from the same act or transaction from which another liability arose lies on the person liable to pay the amount.
(4) An action under this section for recovery of a loss or profit shall not be commenced after the expiration of 2 years after the date of completion of the transaction in which the loss or profit occurred.
Exempt transactions.
110.—(1) Nothing in section 108 shall prevent a person from—
(a) acquiring securities under a will or on the intestacy of another person; or
(b) acquiring securities in a company pursuant to an employee profit sharing scheme—
(i) approved by the Revenue Commissioners for the purposes of the Finance Acts, and
(ii) the terms of which were approved by the company in general meeting, and
(iii) under which all permanent employees of the company are offered the opportunity to participate on equal terms relative to specified objective criteria;
(c) entering in good faith into a transaction to which subsection (2) applies.
(2) This subsection applies to the following kinds of transactions—
(a) the obtaining by a director of a share qualification under section 180 of the Principal Act;
(b) a transaction entered into by a person in accordance with his obligations under an underwriting agreement;
(c) a transaction entered into by a personal representative of a deceased person, a trustee, or liquidator, receiver or examiner in the performance of the functions of his office; or
(d) a transaction by way of, or arising out of, a mortgage of or charge on securities or a mortgage, charge, pledge or lien on documents of title to securities.
(3) This Part shall not apply to transactions entered into in pursuit of monetary, exchange rate, national debt management or foreign exchange reserve policies by any Minister of the Government or the Central Bank, or by any person on their behalf.
Criminal liability for unlawful dealing.
111.—A person who deals in securities in a manner declared unlawful by section 108 shall be guilty of an offence.
Restriction on dealing.
112.—(1) Subject to subsection (2), a person convicted of anoffence under section 111 or this section shall not deal within the period of 12 months from the date of the conviction.
(2) Where a person convicted of an offence under subsection (1) has, before the date of his conviction, initiated a transaction under which some element of performance remains to be rendered, subsection (1) shall not prohibit him from completing the transaction where a relevant authority of a recognised stock exchange has indicated in writing, to the parties to the transaction, its satisfaction that—
(a) the transaction was initiated but not completed before the date of the conviction, and
(b) if the transaction were not concluded, the rights of an innocent third party would be prejudiced, and
(c) the transaction would not be unlawful under any other provision of this Part.
(3) A person who contravenes this section shall be guilty of an offence.
Duty of agents in relation to unlawful dealing.
113.—(1) A person shall not deal on behalf of another person if he has reasonable cause to believe or ought to conclude that the deal would be unlawful, within the meaning of section 108.
(2) A person who contravenes this section shall be guilty of an offence.
Penalties for offences under this Part.
114.—A person who commits an offence under this Part shall be liable—
(a) on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to a fine not exceeding £1,000 or to both, or
(b) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years or to a fine not exceeding £200,000 or to both.
Duty of recognised stock exchange in relation to unlawful dealing.
115.—(1) If it appears to a relevant authority of a recognised stock exchange that any person has committed an offence under this Part, such authority shall forthwith report the matter to the Director of Public Prosecutions and shall furnish to the Director of Public Prosecutions such information and give to him such access to and facilities for inspecting and taking copies of any documents, being information or documents in the possession or under the control of such authority and relating to the matter in question, as the Director of Public Prosecutions may require.
(2) Where it appears to a member of a recognised stock exchange that any person has committed an offence under this Part, he shall report the matter forthwith to a relevant authority of the recognised stock exchange concerned, who shall thereupon come under the duty referred to in subsection (1).
(3) If it appears to a court in any proceedings that any person has committed an offence as aforesaid, and that no report relating to the matter has been made to the Director of Public Prosecutions under subsection (1), that court may, on the application of any person interested in the proceedings concerned or of its own motion, direct a relevant authority of the recognised stock exchange concerned to make such a report, and on a report being made accordingly, this section shall have effect as though the report had been made in pursuance of subsection (1).
(4) If, where any matter is reported or referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions under this section, he considers that the case is one in which a prosecution ought to be instituted and institutes proceedings accordingly, it shall be the duty of a relevant authority of the recognised stock exchange concerned, and of every officer of the company whose securities are concerned, and of any other person who appears to the Director of Public Prosecutions to have relevant information (other than any defendant in the proceedings) to give all assistance in connection with the prosecution which he or they are reasonably able to give.
(5) If it appears to the Minister, arising from a complaint to a relevant authority of a recognised stock exchange concerning an alleged offence under this Part, that there are circumstances suggesting that—
(a) the relevant authority ought to use its powers under this Part but has not done so, or
(b) that a report ought to be made to the Director of Public Prosecutions under subsection (1), but that the relevant authority concerned has not so reported,
he may direct the relevant authority to use such powers or make such a report, and on a report being made accordingly, this section shall have effect as though the report had been made in pursuance of subsection (1).
(6) Where the Minister gives a direction under subsection (5), the relevant authority concerned shall communicate the results of its investigations, or a copy of its report under subsection (1), as the case may be, to the Minister.
(7) A relevant authority of a recognised stock exchange shall not be liable in damages in respect of anything done or omitted to be done by the authority in connection with the exercise by it of its functions under this Part unless the act or omission complained of was done or omitted to be done in bad faith.
Co-operation with other authorities outside the State.
116.—(1) This section applies where a relevant authority of a recognised stock exchange receives a request for information from a similar authority in another Member State of the European Communities in relation to the exercise by the second-named authority of its functions under any enactment of the European Communities relating to unlawful dealing within the meaning of this Part, whether in the State or elsewhere.
(2) The relevant authority concerned shall, in so far as it is reasonably able to do so, and making use of its powers under this Part where appropriate, obtain the information requested and shall, subject to the following provisions of this section, provide such information accordingly.
(3) Where a relevant authority of a recognised stock exchange receives a request under subsection (1), it shall advise the Minister who, on being satisfied as to any of the matters referred to in subsection(4), may direct the authority to refuse to provide all or part of the information requested.
(4) The matters referred to in subsection (3) are that—
(a) communication of the information requested might adversely affect the sovereignty, security or public policy of the State;
(b) civil or criminal proceedings in the State have already been commenced against a person in respect of any acts in relation to which a request for information has been received under subsection (1);
(c) any person has been convicted in the State of a criminal offence in respect of any such acts.
Authorised persons.
117.—(1) In this section and sections 118 and 121, “authorised person” means a person approved by the Minister to be an authorised person for the purposes of this Part being—
(a) the manager, however described, of a recognised stock exchange, or
(b) a person nominated by a relevant authority of a recognised stock exchange.
(2) Where an alleged offence under this Part is investigated by an authorised person, the relevant authorities of the recognised stock exchange concerned shall be under a general duty to ensure that potential conflicts of interest are avoided, as far as possible, on the part of any such authorised person.
(3) For the purpose of obtaining any information necessary for the exercise by a relevant authority of such exchange of the function referred to in section 115, an authorised person may, on production of his authorisation if so required, require any person whom he or such relevant authority has reasonable cause to believe to have dealt in securities, or to have any information about such dealings, to give the authorised person any information which he may reasonably require in regard to—
(a) the securities concerned,
(b) the company which issued the securities,
(c) his dealings in such securities, or
(d) any other information the authorised person reasonably requires in relation to such securities or such dealings,
and give him such access to and facilities for inspecting and taking copies of any documents relating to the matter as he reasonably requires.
(4) Every document purporting to be a warrant or authorisation and to be signed or authenticated by or on behalf of a relevant authority shall be received in evidence and shall be deemed to be such warrant or authorisation without further proof until the contrary is shown.
(5) An authorised person, or any person on whom he has made a requirement under this section, may apply to the court for a declaration under this section.
(6) The court, having heard such evidence as may be adduced and any representations that may be made by the authorised person and a person referred to in subsection (5), may at its discretion declare—
(a) that the exigencies of the common good do not warrant the exercise by the authorised person of the powers conferred on him by this section, or
(b) that the exigencies of the common good do so warrant.
(7) Where the court makes a declaration under subsection (6) (a), the authorised person shall, as soon as may be, withdraw the relevant requirement under this section.
(8) Where the court makes a declaration under subsection (6) (b), the person on whom the requirement was imposed shall, as soon as may be, furnish the required information to the authorised person.
(9) Where, in contravention of subsection (8), a person refuses, or fails within a reasonable time, to comply with a requirement of an authorised person, the authorised person may certify the refusal under his hand to the court, and the court may, after hearing any statement which may be offered in defence, punish the offender in like manner as if he had been guilty of contempt of court.
Obligation of professional secrecy.
118.—(1) Information obtained by any of the following persons by virtue of the exercise by a recognised stock exchange of its functions under this Part shall not be disclosed except in accordance with law, namely—
(a) a relevant authority of the exchange,
(b) an authorised person, or
(c) any person employed or formerly employed by the exchange.
(2) Subsection (1) shall not prevent a relevant authority of a recognised stock exchange from disclosing any information to the Minister, whether pursuant to a request under section 115 (5) or otherwise, or to a similar authority in another Member State of the European Communities.
(3) Any person who contravenes subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence.
Extension of Council Directive 79/279/EEC.
119.—The provisions of Schedule C.5 (a) of Council Directive 79/279/EEC of 5 March 1979 * coordinating the conditions for the admission of securities to official stock exchange listing, as given effect by the European Communities (Stock Exchange) Regulations, 1984 (S.I. No. 282 of 1984), shall also apply to securities within the meaning of section 107.
Annual report of recognised stock exchange.
120.—(1) An annual report shall be presented to the Minister on behalf of every recognised stock exchange on the exercise of the functions of the relevant authorities of the exchange concerned under this Part and, in particular, the report shall include— *
(a) the number of written complaints received concerning possible contraventions of this Part,
(b) the number of reports made to the Director of Public Prosecutions under this Part,
(c) the number of instances in which, following the exercise of powers by authorised persons under this Part, reports were not made to the Director of Public Prosecutions, and
(d) such other information as may be prescribed.
(2) A copy of the report referred to in subsection (1) shall, subject to subsection (3), be laid before each House of the Oireachtas.
(3) If the Minister, after consultation with a relevant authority of the recognised stock exchange concerned, is of the opinion that the disclosure of any information contained in the report referred to in subsection (1) would materially injure or unfairly prejudice the legitimate interests of any person, or that otherwise there is good reason for not divulging any part of such a report, he may lay the report under subsection (2) with that information or that part omitted.
Power of Minister to make supplementary regulations.
121.—(1) If, in any respect, any difficulty arises in bringing any provision of this Part into operation or in relation to the operation of any such provision, the Minister may by regulations do anything which appears to him to be necessary or expedient for removing that difficulty, for bringing the provision into operation, or for securing or facilitating its operation, and any such regulations may modify any provision of this Part so far as may be necessary or expedient for carrying such provision into effect for the purposes aforesaid.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), where the Minister considers it necessary or expedient to do so for the proper and effective administration of sections 115 and 117, he may make such regulations as he thinks appropriate in relation to—
(a) the powers of authorised persons, or
(b) the matters in respect of which, or the persons from whom, authorised persons may require information under this Part.
(3) Every regulation made by the Minister under this section shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas as soon as may be after it is made and, if a resolution annulling the regulation is passed by either House within the next 21 days on which that House has sat after the regulation is laid before it, the regulation shall be annulled accordingly, but without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done thereunder.
PART VI
Winding Up and Related Matters
Registration of Charges
Amendment of section 99 of the Principal Act.
122.—Section 99 of the Principal Act is hereby amended—
(a) in subsection (2), by the substitution for paragraph (h) of the following paragraph—
“(h) a charge on a ship or aircraft or any share in a ship or aircraft;”, and
(b) by the insertion of the following subsections—
“(2A) The Minister may by regulations amend subsection (2) so as to add any description of charge to, or remove any description of charge from, the charges requiring registration under this section.
(2B) The power of the Minister under subsection (2A) shall include a power to amend by regulations the description of any charge referred to in subsection (2).
(2C) Every regulation made by the Minister under this section shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas as soon as may be after it is made and, if a resolution annulling the regulation is passed by either House within the next 21 days on which that House has sat after the regulation is laid before it, the regulation shall be annulled accordingly, but without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done thereunder.”.
Winding Up by the Court
Amendment of sections 214 and 345 of Principal Act.
123.—Section 214 (a) (which relates to the circumstances in which a company is unable to pay its debts) and section 345 (5) (a) (which relates to unregistered companies) of the Principal Act are hereby amended by the substitution in each case for “£50” of “£1,000”.
Amendment of section 231 of the Principal Act.
124.—Section 231 of the Principal Act is hereby amended by the insertion after subsection (1) of the following subsection—
“(1A) (a) The liquidator of a company shall not sell by private contract a non-cash asset of the requisite value to a person who is, or who, within three years prior to the date of commencement of the winding-up, has been, an officer of the company unless the liquidator has given at least 14 days' notice of his intention to do so to all creditors of the company who are known to him or who have been intimated to him.
(b) In this subsection—
(i) ‘non-cash asset’ and ‘requisite value’ have the meanings assigned to them by section 29 of the Companies Act, 1990, and
(ii) ‘officer’ includes a person connected, within the meaning of section 26 of the Companies Act, 1990, with a director, and a shadow director.”.
No lien over company's books, records, etc.
125.—The Principal Act is hereby amended by the insertion after section 244 of the following section—
“244A.—Where the court has appointed a provisional liquidator or a company is being wound up by the court or by means of a creditors' voluntary winding up, no person shall be entitled as against the liquidator or provisional liquidator to withhold possession of any deed, instrument, or other document belonging to the company, or the books of account, receipts, bills, invoices, or other papers of a like nature relating to the accounts or trade, dealings or business of the company, or to claim any lien thereon provided that—
(a) where a mortgage, charge or pledge has been created by the deposit of any such document or paper with a person, the production of the document or paper to the liquidator or provisional liquidator by the person shall be without prejudice to the person's rights under the mortgage, charge or pledge (other than any right to possession of the document or paper),
(b) where by virtue of this section a liquidator or provisional liquidator has possession of any document or papers of a receiver or that a receiver is entitled to examine, the liquidator or provisional liquidator shall, unless the court otherwise orders, make the document or papers available for inspection by the receiver at all reasonable times.”.
Power of court to summon persons for examination.
126.—The Principal Act is hereby amended by the substitution for section 245 of the following section—
“245.—(1) The court may, at any time after the appointment of a provisional liquidator or the making of a winding-up order, summon before it any officer of the company or person known or suspected to have in his possession any property of the company or supposed to be indebted to the company, or any person whom the court deems capable of giving information relating to the promotion, formation, trade, dealings, affairs or property of the company.
(2) The court may examine such person on oath concerning the matters aforesaid, either by word of mouth or on written interrogatories, and may reduce his answers to writing and require him to sign them.
(3) The court may require such person to produce any accounting records, deed, instrument, or other document or paper relating to the company that are in his custody or power.
(4) The court may, before the examination takes place, require such person to place before it a statement, in such form as the court may direct, of any transactions between him and the company of a type or class which the court may specify.
(5) If, in the opinion of the court, it is just and equitable to do so, it may direct that the costs of the examination be paid by the person examined.
(6) A person who is examined under this section shall not be entitled to refuse to answer any question put to him on the ground that his answer might incriminate him but none of the answers of such person shall be admissible in evidence against him in any other proceedings, civil or criminal, except in the case of any criminal proceedings for perjury in respect of any such answer.
(7) If a person without reasonable excuse fails at any time to attend his examination under this section, he shall be guilty of contempt of court and liable to be punished accordingly.
(8) In a case where a person without reasonable excuse fails at any time to attend his examination under this section or there are reasonable grounds for believing that a person has absconded, or is about to abscond, with a view to avoiding or delaying his examination under this section, the court may cause that person to be arrested and his books and documents and moveable personal property to be seized and him and them to be detained until such time as the court may order.”.
Order for payment or delivery of property against person examined under section 245 of Principal Act.
127.—The Principal Act is hereby amended by the insertion before section 246 of the following section—
“245A.—If in the course of an examination under section 245 it appears to the court that any person being examined—
(a) is indebted to the company, or
(b) has in his possession or control any money, property or books and papers of the company,
the court may order such person—
(i) to pay to the liquidator the amount of the debt or any part thereof, or
(ii) to pay, deliver, convey, surrender or transfer to the liquidator such money, property or books and papers or any part thereof,
as the case may be, at such time and in such manner and on such terms as the court may direct.”.
Declaration of Solvency
Statutory declaration of solvency in case of proposal to wind up voluntarily.
128.—The Principal Act is hereby amended by the substitution for section 256 of the following section—
“256.—(1) Where it is proposed to wind up a company voluntarily, the directors of the company or, in the case of a company having more than two directors, the majority of the directors may, at a meeting of the directors, make a statutory declaration to the effect that they have made a full inquiry into the affairs of the company, and that having done so, they have formed the opinion that the company will be able to pay its debts in full within such period not exceeding 12 months from the commencement of the winding up as may be specified in the declaration.
(2) A declaration made as aforesaid shall have no effect for the purposes of this Act unless—
(a) it is made within the 28 days immediately preceding the date of the passing of the resolution for winding up the company and delivered to the registrar of companies not later than the date of the delivery to the registrar, in accordance with the provisions of section 143, of a copy of the resolution for winding up the company;
(b) it embodies a statement of the company's assets and liabilities as at the latest practicable date before the making of the declaration and in any event at a date not more than three months before the making of the declaration;
(c) a report made by an independent person in accordance with the provisions of this section is attached thereto;
(d) it embodies a statement by the independent person referred to in paragraph (c) that he has given and has not withdrawn his written consent to the issue of the declaration with the report attached thereto; and
(e) a copy of the declaration is attached to the notice issued by the company of the general meeting at which it is intended to propose a resolution for voluntary winding up under paragraph (a) or (b) of section 251 (1).
(3) The report referred to in paragraph (c) of subsection (2) shall be made by an independent person, that is to say, a person qualified at the time of the report to be appointed, or to continue to be, auditor of the company.
(4) The report shall state whether, in his opinion and to the best of his information and according to the explanations given to him—
(a) the opinion of the directors referred to in subsection (1), and
(b) the statement of the company's assets and liabilities embodied in the said declaration,
are reasonable.
(5) If within 28 days after the resolution for voluntary winding up has been advertised under subsection (1) of section 252, a creditor applies to the court for an order under this subsection, and the court is satisfied that such creditor together with any creditors supporting him in his application represents one-fifth at least in number or value of the creditors of the company, and the court is of opinion that it is unlikely that the company will be able to pay its debts within the period specified in the declaration, the court may order that all the provisions of this Act relating to a creditors' voluntary winding up shall apply to the winding up.
(6) If the court orders that all the provisions of this Act in relation to a creditors' voluntary winding up shall apply to the winding up, the person who held the office of liquidator immediately prior to the making of the order or, if no liquidator is acting, the company shall within 21 days after the making of the order, deliver an office copy of such order to the registrar of companies.
(7) If default is made in complying with subsection (6), any person who is in default shall be liable to a fine not exceeding £1,000.
(8) Where a statutory declaration is made under this section and it is subsequently proved to the satisfaction of the court that the company is unable to pay its debts, the court on the application of the liquidator or any creditor or contributory of the company may, if it thinks it proper to do so, declare that any director who was a party to the declaration without having reasonable grounds for the opinion that the company would be able to pay its debts in full within the period specified in the declaration shall be personally responsible, without any limitation of liability, for all or any of the debts or other liabilities of the company as the court may direct.
(9) Where a company's debts are not paid or provided for in full within the period stated in the declaration of solvency, it shall for the purposes of subsection (8) be presumed, until the contrary is shown, that the director did not have reasonable grounds for his opinion.
(10) Where the court makes a declaration under subsection (8), it may give such further directions as it thinks proper for the purpose of giving effect to that declaration.
(11) A winding up in the case of which a declaration has been made and delivered in accordance with this section is in this Act referred to as ‘a members’ voluntary winding up' and a voluntary winding up in the case of which a declaration has not been made and delivered as aforesaid or in the case of which an order is made under subsection (5) or in the case to which section 261 (3) applies is in this Act referred to as ‘a creditors’ voluntary winding up'.”.
Provisions applicable to a Members' Voluntary Winding Up
Duty of liquidator to call creditors' meeting if he is of opinion that company is unable to pay its debts.
129.—The Principal Act is hereby amended by the substitution for section 261 of the following section—
“261.—(1) If the liquidator is at any time of the opinion that the company will not be able to pay its debts in full within the period stated in the declaration under section 256 he shall—
(a) summon a meeting of creditors for a day not later than the fourteenth day after the day on which he formed that opinion;
(b) send notices of the creditors' meeting to the creditors by post not less than seven days before the day on which that meeting is to be held;
(c) cause notice of the creditors' meeting to be advertised, at least ten days before the date of the meeting, once in Iris Oifigiúil and once at least in two daily newspapers circulating in the locality in which the company's principal place of business in the State was situated during the relevant period; and
(d) during the period before the day on which the creditors' meeting is to be held, furnish creditors free of charge with such information concerning the affairs of the company as they may reasonably require;
and the notice of the creditors' meeting shall state the duty imposed by paragraph (d).
(2) The liquidator shall also—
(a) make out a statement in the prescribed form as to the affairs of the company, including a statement of the company's assets and liabilities, a list of the outstanding creditors and the estimated amount of their claims;
(b) lay that statement before the creditors' meeting; and
(c) attend and preside at that meeting.
(3) As from the day on which the creditors' meeting is held under this section, the Companies Acts shall have effect as if—
(a) without prejudice to the powers of the court under section 256, the directors' declaration under that section had not been made; and
(b) the creditors' meeting and the company meetings at which it was resolved that the company be wound up voluntarily were the meetings mentioned in section 266;
and, accordingly, the winding up shall become a creditors' voluntary winding up and any appointment made or committee established by the creditors' meeting shall be deemed to have been made or established by the creditors' meeting so mentioned.
(4) The appointment of a liquidator at a meeting called under this section shall not, subject to subsection (5), affect the validity of any action previously taken by the liquidator appointed by the members of the company.
(5) Where the creditors appoint a liquidator at a meeting called under this section and there is a dispute as to any or all of the costs, charges or expenses incurred by, including the remuneration of, the liquidator appointed by the members of the company, the liquidator appointed by the creditors, or any creditor, may apply to the court to determine the dispute and the court may, on such application, make such order as it deems fit.
(6) Nothing in this section shall be deemed to take away any right in this Act of any person to present a petition to the court for the winding up of a company.
(7) If the liquidator fails to comply with subsection (1) he shall be liable to a fine.”.
Provisions applicable to a Creditors' Voluntary Winding Up
Amendment of section 266 of the Principal Act.
130.—Section 266 of the Principal Act is hereby amended by the insertion in subsection (2) after “advertised” of the following:
“, at least ten days before the date of the meeting,”.
Creditors' voluntary winding up.
131.—(1) This section applies where, in the case of a creditors' voluntary winding up, a liquidator has been nominated by the company.
(2) The powers conferred on the liquidator by section 276 of the Principal Act shall not be exercised, except with sanction of the court, during the period before the holding of the creditors' meeting under section 266 of that Act.
(3) Subsection (2) does not apply in relation to the power of the liquidator—
(a) to take into his custody or under his control all the property to which the company is or appears to be entitled;
(b) to dispose of perishable goods and other goods the value of which is likely to diminish if they are not immediately disposed of;
(c) to do all such other things as may be necessary for the protection of the company's assets.
(4) The liquidator shall attend the creditors' meeting held under section 266 of the Principal Act and shall report to the meeting on any exercise by him of his powers (whether or not under this section or under section 276 or 280 of that Act).
(5) If default is made—
(a) by the company in complying with subsection (1) or (2) of section 266 of the Principal Act, or
(b) by the directors in complying with subsection (3) of the said section,
the liquidator shall, within 7 days of the relevant day, apply to the court for directions as to the manner in which that default is to be remedied.
(6) “The relevant day” means the day on which the liquidator was nominated by the company or the day on which he first became aware of the default, whichever is the later.
(7) If a liquidator without reasonable excuse fails to comply with this section, he shall be guilty of an offence.
Provisions applicable to every Voluntary Winding Up
Amendment of section 275 of the Principal Act.
132.—The Principal Act is hereby amended by the substitution for section 275 of the following section—
“275.—(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act as to preferential payments, the property of a company on its winding up—
(a) shall, subject to subsection (2), be applied in satisfaction of its liabilities pari passu, and
(b) shall, subject to such application, and unless the articles otherwise provide, be distributed among the members according to their rights and interests in the company.
(2) Nothing in paragraph (a) of subsection (1) shall in any way affect any rights or obligations of the company or any other person arising as a result of any agreement entered into (whether before or after the commencement of section 132 of the Companies Act, 1990) by any person under which any particular liability of the company to any general creditor is postponed in favour of or subordinated to the rights or claims of any other person to whom the company may be in any way liable.
(3) In subsection (2)—
‘liability’ includes a contingent liability; and
‘person’ includes a class of persons.”.
Consent to appointment as liquidator and notification of appointment.
133.—The Principal Act is hereby amended by the insertion after section 276 of the following section—
“276A.—(1) The appointment of a liquidator shall be of no effect unless the person nominated has, prior to his appointment, signified his written consent to the appointment.
(2) The chairman of any meeting at which a liquidator is appointed shall, within 7 days of the meeting, notify the liquidator in writing of his appointment, unless the liquidator or his duly authorised representative is present at the meeting where the appointment is made.
(3) A person who fails to comply with subsection (2) shall be liable to a fine not exceeding £1,000.”.
Provisions applicable to every Winding Up
Preferential payments in a winding up.
134.—Section 285 of the Principal Act is hereby amended by the insertion of the following subsection—
“(14) The priority conferred by subsection (2) shall apply only to those debts which, within the period of six months after advertisement by the liquidator for claims in at least two daily newspapers circulating in the district where the registered office of the company is situated, either—
(a) have been notified to him; or
(b) have become known to him.”.
Fraudulent preference.
135.—The Principal Act is hereby amended by the substitution for section 286 of the following section—
“286.—(1) Subject to the provisions of this section, any conveyance, mortgage, delivery of goods, payment, execution or other act relating to property made or done by or against a company which is unable to pay its debts as they become due in favour of any creditor, or of any person on trust for any creditor, with a view to giving such creditor, or any surety or guarantor for the debt due to such creditor, a preference over the other creditors, shall, if a winding-up of the company commences within 6 months of the making or doing the same and the company is at the time of the commencement of the winding-up unable to pay its debts (taking into account the contingent and prospective liabilities), be deemed a fraudulent preference of its creditors and be invalid accordingly.
(2) Any conveyance or assignment by a company of all its property to trustees for the benefit of all its creditors shall be void to all intents.
(3) A transaction to which subsection (1) applies in favour of a connected person which was made within two years before the commencement of the winding up of the company shall, unless the contrary is shown, be deemed in the event of the company being wound up—
(a) to have been made with a view to giving such person a preference over the other creditors, and
(b) to be a fraudulent preference,
and be invalid accordingly.
(4) Subsections (1) and (3) shall not affect the rights of any person making title in good faith and for valuable consideration through or under a creditor of the company.
(5) In this section, ‘a connected person’ means a person who, at the time the transaction was made, was—
(a) a director of the company;
(b) a shadow director of the company;
(c) a person connected, within the meaning of section 26 (1) (a) of the Companies Act, 1990, with a director;
(d) a related company, within the meaning of section 140 of the said Act, or
(e) any trustee of, or surety or guarantor for the debt due to, any person described in paragraph (a), (b), (c) or (d).”.
Circumstances in which floating charge is invalid.
136.—The Principal Act is hereby amended by the substitution for section 288 of the following section—
“288.—(1) Where a company is being wound up, a floating charge on the undertaking or property of the company created within 12 months before the commencement of the winding up shall, unless it is proved that the company immediately after the creation of the charge was solvent, be invalid, except as to money actually advanced or paid, or the actual price or value of goods or services sold or supplied, to the company at the time of or subsequently to the creation of, and in consideration for, the charge, together with interest on that amount at the rate of 5 per cent per annum.
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1) the value of any goods or services sold or supplied by way of consideration for a floating charge is the amount in money which at the time they were sold or supplied could reasonably have been expected to be obtained for the goods or services in the ordinary course of business and on the same terms (apart from the consideration) as those on which they were sold or supplied to the company.
(3) Where a floating charge on the undertaking or property of a company is created in favour of a connected person, subsection (1) shall apply to such a charge as if the period of 12 months mentioned in that subsection were a period of 2 years.
(4) In this section ‘a connected person’ means a person who, at the time the transaction was made, was—
(a) a director of the company;
(b) a shadow director of the company;
(c) a person connected, within the meaning of section 26 (1) (a) of the Companies Act, 1990, with a director;
(d) a related company, within the meaning of section 140 of the said Act; or
(e) any trustee of, or any surety or guarantor for the debt due to, any person described in paragraph (a), (b), (c) or (d).”.
Criminal liability of persons concerned for fraudulent trading of company.
137.—The Principal Act is hereby amended by the substitution for section 297 of the following section—
“297.—(1) If any person is knowingly a party to the carrying on of the business of a company with intent to defraud creditors of the company or creditors of any other person or for any fraudulent purpose, that person shall be guilty of an offence.
(2) Any person who is convicted of an offence under this section shall be liable—
(a) on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to a fine not exceeding £1,000 or to both, or
(b) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 years or to a fine not exceeding £50,000 or to both.”.
Civil liability of persons concerned for fraudulent or reckless trading of company.
138.—The Principal Act is hereby amended by the insertion after section 297 of the following section—
“297A.—(1) If in the course of winding up of a company or in the course of proceedings under the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1990, it appears that—
(a) any person was, while an officer of the company, knowingly a party to the carrying on of any business of the company in a reckless manner; or
(b) any person was knowingly a party to the carrying on of any business of the company with intent to defraud creditors of the company, or creditors of any other person or for any fraudulent purpose;
the court, on the application of the receiver, examiner, liquidator or any creditor or contributory of the company, may, if it thinks it proper to do so, declare that such person shall be personally responsible, without any limitation of liability, for all or any part of the debts or other liabilities of the company as the court may direct.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1) (a), an officer of a company shall be deemed to have been knowingly a party to the carrying on of any business of the company in a reckless manner if—
(a) he was a party to the carrying on of such business and, having regard to the general knowledge, skill and experience that may reasonably be expected of a person in his position, he ought to have known that his actions or those of the company would cause loss to the creditors of the company, or any of them, or
(b) he was a party to the contracting of a debt by the company and did not honestly believe on reasonable grounds that the company would be able to pay the debt when it fell due for payment as well as all its other debts (taking into account the contingent and prospective liabilities).
(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in subsection (1) the court may grant a declaration on the grounds set out in paragraph (a) of that subsection only if—
(a) paragraph (a), (b) or (c) of section 214 applies to the company concerned, and
(b) an applicant for such a declaration, being a creditor or contributory of the company, or any person on whose behalf such application is made, suffered loss or damage as a consequence of any behaviour mentioned in subsection (1).
(4) In deciding whether it is proper to make an order on the ground set out in subsection (2) (b), the court shall have regard to whether the creditor in question was, at the time the debt was incurred, aware of the company's financial state of affairs and, notwithstanding such awareness, nevertheless assented to the incurring of the debt.
(5) On the hearing of an application under this section, the applicant may himself give evidence or call witnesses.
(6) Where it appears to the court that any person in respect of whom a declaration has been sought under subsection (1) (a), has acted honestly and responsibly in relation to the conduct of the affairs of the company or any matter or matters on the ground of which such declaration is sought to be made, the court may, having regard to all the circumstances of the case, relieve him either wholly or in part, from personal liability on such terms as it may think fit.
(7) Where the court makes any such declaration, it may—
(a) give such further directions as it thinks proper for the purpose of giving effect to that declaration and in particular may make provision for making the liability of any such person under the declaration a charge on any debt or obligation due from the company to him, or on any mortgage or charge or any interest in any mortgage or charge on any assets of the company held by or vested in him or any company or person on his behalf, or any person claiming as assignee from or through the person liable or any company or person acting on his behalf, and may from time to time make such further order as may be necessary for the purpose of enforcing any charge imposed under this subsection;
(b) provide that sums recovered under this section shall be paid to such person or classes of persons, for such purposes, in such amounts or proportions at such time or times and in such respective priorities among themselves as such declaration may specify.
(8) Subsection (1) (a) shall not apply in relation to the carrying on of the business of a company during a period when the company is under the protection of the court.
(9) This section shall have effect notwithstanding that—
(a) the person in respect of whom the declaration has been sought under subsection (1) may be criminally liable in respect of the matters on the ground of which such declaration is to be made; or
(b) any matter or matters on the ground of which the declaration under subsection (1) is to be made have occurred outside the State.
(10) For the purposes of this section—
‘assignee’ includes any person to whom or in whose favour, by the directions of the person liable, the debt, obligation, mortgage or charge was created, issued or transferred or the interest created, but does not include an assignee for valuable consideration (not including consideration by way of marriage) given in good faith and without notice of any of the matters on the ground of which the declaration is made;
‘company’ includes any body which may be wound up under the Companies Acts; and
‘officer’ includes any auditor, liquidator, receiver, or shadow director.”.
Power of the court to order the return of assets which have been improperly transferred.
139.—(1) Where, on the application of a liquidator, creditor or contributory of a company which is being wound up, it can be shown to the satisfaction of the court that—
(a) any property of the company of any kind whatsoever was disposed of either by way of conveyance, transfer, mortgage, security, loan, or in any way whatsoever whether by act or omission, direct or indirect, and
(b) the effect of such disposal was to perpetrate a fraud on the company, its creditors or members,
the court may, if it deems it just and equitable to do so, order any person who appears to have the use, control or possession of such property or the proceeds of the sale or development thereof to deliver it or pay a sum in respect of it to the liquidator on such terms or conditions as the court sees fit.
(2) Subsection (1) shall not apply to any conveyance, mortgage, delivery of goods, payment, execution or other act relating to property made or done by or against a company to which section 286 (1) of the Principal Act applies.
(3) In deciding whether it is just and equitable to make an order under this section, the court shall have regard to the rights of persons who have bona fide and for value acquired an interest in the property the subject of the application.
Company may be required to contribute to debts of related companies.
140.—(1) On the application of the liquidator or any creditor or contributory of any company that is being wound up, the court, if it is satisfied that it is just and equitable to do so, may order that any company that is or has been related to the company being wound up shall pay to the liquidator of that company an amount equivalent to the whole or part of all or any of the debts provable in that winding up. Any order under this section may be made on such terms and conditions as the court thinks fit.
(2) In deciding whether it is just and equitable to make an order under subsection (1) the court shall have regard to the following matters—
(a) the extent to which the related company took part in the management of the company being wound up;
(b) the conduct of the related company towards the creditors of the company being wound up;
(c) the effect which such order would be likely to have on the creditors of the related company concerned.
(3) No order shall be made under subsection (1) unless the court is satisfied that the circumstances that gave rise to the winding up of the company are attributable to the actions or omissions of the related company.
(4) Notwithstanding any other provision, it shall not be just and equitable to make an order under subsection (1) if the only ground for making the order is—
(a) the fact that a company is related to another company, or
(b) that creditors of the company being wound up have relied on the fact that another company is or has been related to the first mentioned company.
(5) For the purposes of this Act, a company is related to another company if—
(a) that other company is its holding company or subsidiary; or
(b) more than half in nominal value of its equity share capital (as defined in section 155 (5) of the Principal Act) is held by the other company and companies related to that other company (whether directly or indirectly, but other than in a fiduciary capacity); or
(c) more than half in nominal value of the equity share capital (as defined in section 155 (5) of the Principal Act) of each of them is held by members of the other (whether directly or indirectly, but other than in a fiduciary capacity); or
(d) that other company or a company or companies related to that other company or that other company together with a company or companies related to it are entitled to exercise or control the exercise of more than one half of the voting power at any general meeting of the company; or
(e) the businesses of the companies have been so carried on that the separate business of each company, or a substantial part thereof, is not readily identifiable; or
(f) there is another company to which both companies are related;
and “related company” has a corresponding meaning.
(6) For the purposes of this section “company” includes any body which is liable to be wound up under the Companies Acts and “creditor” means one or more creditors to whom the company being wound up is indebted by more, in aggregate, than £10,000.
(7) Where an application for an order under subsection (1) seeks to require a licensed bank, within the meaning of section 25, to contribute to the debts of a related company, a copy of every such application shall be sent by the applicant to the Central Bank who shall be entitled to be heard by the court before an order is made.
Pooling of assets of related companies.
141.—(1) Where two or more related companies are being wound up and the court, on the application of the liquidator of any of the companies, is satisfied that it is just and equitable to make an order under this section, the court may order that, subject to such terms and conditions as the court may impose and to the extent that the court orders, the companies shall be wound up together as if they were one company, and, subject to the provisions of this section, the order shall have effect and all the provisions of this Part and Part VI of the Principal Act shall apply accordingly.
(2) In deciding the terms and conditions of an order under this section the court shall have particular regard to the interests of those persons who are members of some, but not all, of the companies.
(3) Where the court makes an order under subsection (1)—
(a) the court may remove any liquidator of any of the companies, and appoint any person to act as liquidator of any one or more of the companies;
(b) the court may give such directions as it thinks fit for the purpose of giving effect to the order;
(c) nothing in this section or the order shall affect the rights of any secured creditor of any of the companies;
(d) debts of a company that are to be paid in priority to all other debts of the company pursuant to section 285 of the Principal Act shall, to the extent that they are not paid out of the assets of that company, be subject to the claims of holders of debentures under any floating charge (as defined in that section) created by any of the other companies;
(e) unless the court otherwise orders, the claims of all unsecured creditors of the companies shall rank equally among themselves.
(4) In deciding whether it is just and equitable to make an order under subsection (1) the court shall have regard to the following matters—
(a) the extent to which any of the companies took part in the management of any of the other companies;
(b) the conduct of any of the companies towards the creditors of any of the other companies;
(c) the extent to which the circumstances that gave rise to the winding up of any of the companies are attributable to the actions or omissions of any of the other companies;
(d) the extent to which the businesses of the companies have been intermingled.
(5) Notwithstanding any other provision, it shall not be just and equitable to make an order under subsection (1) if the only ground for making the order is—
(a) the fact that a company is related to another company, or
(b) that creditors of a company being wound up have relied on the fact that another company is or has been related to the first mentioned company.
(6) Notice of an application to the court for the purposes of this section shall be served on every company specified in the application, and on such other persons as the court may direct, not later than the end of the eighth day before the day the application is heard.
Amendment of section 298 of the Principal Act.
142.—The Principal Act is hereby amended by the substitution for section 298 of the following section—
“298.—(1) Subsection (2) applies if in the course of winding up a company it appears that any person who has taken part in the formation or promotion of the company, or any past or present officer, liquidator, receiver or examiner of the company, has misapplied or retained or become liable or accountable for any money or property of the company, or has been guilty of any misfeasance or other breach of duty or trust in relation to the company.
(2) The court may, on the application of the liquidator, or any creditor or contributory, examine into the conduct of the promoter, officer, liquidator, receiver or examiner, and compel him—
(a) to repay or restore the money or property or any part thereof respectively with interest at such rate as the court thinks just, or
(b) to contribute such sum to the assets of the company by way of compensation in respect of the misapplication, retainer, misfeasance or other breach of duty or trust as the court thinks just.
(3) This section has effect notwithstanding that the offence is one for which the offender may be criminally liable.”.
Amendment of section 299 of the Principal Act.
143.—Section 299 of the Principal Act is hereby amended by the substitution of the following subsection for subsection (1)—
“(1) If it appears to the court in the course of a winding-up by the court that any past or present officer, or any member, of the company has been guilty of an offence in relation to the company for which he is criminally liable, the court may either on the application of any person interested in the winding-up or of its own motion direct the liquidator to refer the matter to the Director of Public Prosecutions and in such a case the liquidator shall furnish to the Director of Public Prosecutions such information and give to him such access to and facilities for inspecting and taking any copies of any documents, being information or documents in the possession or under the control of the liquidator and relating to the matter in question, as the Director of Public Prosecutions may require.”.
Duty of liquidators and receivers to include certain information in returns etc.
144.—(1) Where a receiver or liquidator of a company is obliged by the Companies Acts to make a periodic account, abstract, statement or return in relation to his activities as receiver or liquidator he shall incorporate in such account, abstract, statement or return a report as to whether, at the date of such account, abstract, statement or return any past or present director or other officer, or any member, of the company is a person—
(a) in respect of whom a declaration has been made under any provision of the Companies Acts that he should be personally liable for all or any part of the debts of a company,
(b) who is, or is deemed to be, subject to a disqualification order under Part VII.
(2) A receiver or liquidator who contravenes subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine.
Penalty for default of receiver or liquidator in making certain accounts and returns.
145.—(1) Where a receiver or liquidator is in default in relation to the making or filing of a periodic account, abstract, statement or return in pursuance of any provision of the Companies Acts he shall be guilty of an offence and liable—
(a) on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £1,000 and, for continued contravention, to a daily default fine not exceeding £50;
(b) on conviction on indictment to a fine not exceeding £10,000 and, for continued contravention, to a daily default fine not exceeding £250.
(2) A person convicted of an offence under any of the following provisions, namely section 262, 272, 306, 319 (2) or 321 of the Principal Act, shall, in lieu of the penalty provided in any such section (as increased by section 15 of the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1982), be liable to the penalties specified in subsection (1).
Supplementary Provisions
Disqualification for appointment as liquidator.
146.—The Principal Act is hereby amended by the insertion after section 300 of the following section—
“300A.—(1) None of the following persons shall be qualified for appointment as liquidator of a company—
(a) a person who is, or who has within 12 months of the commencement of the winding up been, an officer or servant of the company;
(b) except with the leave of the court, a parent, spouse, brother, sister or child of an officer of the company;
(c) a person who is a partner or in the employment of an officer or servant of the company;
(d) a person who is not qualified by virtue of this subsection for appointment as liquidator of any other body corporate which is that company's subsidiary or holding company or a subsidiary of that company's holding company, or would be so disqualified if the body corporate were a company.
References in this subsection to an officer or servant of the company include references to an auditor.
(2) An application for leave under subsection (1) (b) shall be supported by such evidence as the court may require.
(3) If a liquidator becomes disqualified by virtue of this section he shall thereupon vacate his office and give notice in writing within 14 days to—
(a) the court in a court winding up,
(b) the company in a members' voluntary winding up,
(c) the company and the creditors in a creditors' voluntary winding up,
that he has vacated it by reason of such disqualification.
(4) Any person who acts as a liquidator when disqualified by this section from so doing or who fails to comply with subsection (3), if that subsection applies to him, shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable—
(a) on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding £1,000 and, for continued contravention, a daily default fine not exceeding £50;
(b) on conviction on indictment, to a fine of £10,000 and, for continued contravention, a daily default fine not exceeding £250.
(5) This section shall not apply to a winding-up commenced before the commencement of section 146 of the Companies Act, 1990.”.
Disclosure of interest by creditors etc. at creditors' meetings.
147.—The Principal Act is hereby amended by the insertion after section 301 of the following section—
“301A.—(1) Where, at a meeting of creditors, a resolution is proposed for the appointment of a liquidator, any creditor who has a connection with the proposed liquidator shall, before the resolution is put, make such connection known to the chairman of the meeting who shall disclose that fact to the meeting, together with details thereof.
(2) Subsection (1) shall also apply to any person at the meeting, being a representative of a creditor and entitled to vote on the resolution on his behalf.
(3) Where the chairman of a meeting of creditors has any such connection as is mentioned in subsection (1), he shall disclose that fact to the meeting, together with details thereof.
(4) For the purposes of this section, a person has a connection with a proposed liquidator if he is—
(a) a parent, spouse, brother, sister or child of, or
(b) employed by, or a partner of,
the proposed liquidator.
(5) A person who fails to comply with this section shall be liable to a fine not exceeding £1,000.
(6) In exercising its jurisdiction under section 267 (2) or 272 (2) (which relate to the appointment or removal of a liquidator) the court may have regard to any failure to comply with this section.”.
Extension of power of court to assess damages against directors.
148.—(1) Subsection (2) applies if in the course of winding up a company which is a subsidiary of another company, it appears that any director of the subsidiary's holding company has misapplied or retained or become liable or accountable for any money or property of the subsidiary, or has been guilty of any misfeasance or other breach of duty or trust in relation to the subsidiary.
(2) The court may, on the application of the liquidator, any creditor or contributory of the subsidiary, examine into the conduct of the director concerned and compel him—
(a) to repay or restore the money or property or any part thereof respectively with interest at such rate as the court thinks just, or
(b) to contribute such sum to the assets of the subsidiary by way of compensation in respect of the misapplication, retainer, misfeasance or other breach of duty or trust as the court thinks just.
PART VII
Disqualifications and Restrictions: Directors and other Officers
Chapter 1
Restriction on Directors of Insolvent Companies
Application of Chapter I.
149.—(1) This Chapter applies to any company if—
(a) at the date of the commencement of its winding-up it is proved to the court, or
(b) at any time during the course of its winding-up the liquidator of the company certifies, or it is otherwise proved, to the court,
that it is unable to pay its debts (within the meaning of section 214 of the Principal Act).
(2) This Chapter applies to any person who was a director of a company to which this section applies at the date of, or within 12 months prior to, the commencement of its winding-up.
(3) This Chapter shall not apply to a company which commences to be wound up before the commencement of this section.
(4) In this Chapter “company” includes a company to which section 351 of the Principal Act applies.
(5) This Chapter applies to shadow directors as it applies to directors.
Restriction.
150.—(1) The court shall, unless it is satisfied as to any of the matters specified in subsection (2), declare that a person to whom this Chapter applies shall not, for a period of five years, be appointed or act in any way, whether directly or indirectly, as a director or secretary or be concerned or take part in the promotion or formation of any company unless it meets the requirements set out in subsection (3); and, in subsequent provisions of this Part, the expression “a person to whom section 150 applies” shall be construed as a reference to a person in respect of whom such a declaration has been made.
(2) The matters referred to in subsection (1) are—
(a) that the person concerned has acted honestly and responsibly in relation to the conduct of the affairs of the company and that there is no other reason why it would be just and equitable that he should be subject to the restrictions imposed by this section, or
(b) subject to paragraph (a), that the person concerned was a director of the company solely by reason of his nomination as such by a financial institution in connection with the giving of credit facilities to the company by such institution, provided that the institution in question has not obtained from any director of the company a personal or individual guarantee of repayment to it of the loans or other forms of credit advanced to the company, or
(c) subject to paragraph (a), that the person concerned was a director of the company solely by reason of his nomination as such by a venture capital company in connection with the purchase of, or subscription for, shares by it in the first-mentioned company.
(3) The requirements specified in subsection (1) are that—
(a) the nominal value of the allotted share capital of the company shall—
(i) in the case of a public limited company, be at least £100,000,
(ii) in the case of any other company, be at least £20,000,
(b) each allotted share to an aggregate amount not less than the amount referred to in subparagraph (i) or (ii) of paragraph (a), as the case may be, shall be fully paid up, including the whole of any premium thereon, and
(c) each such allotted share and the whole of any premium thereon shall be paid for in cash.
(4) Where a court makes a declaration under subsection (1), a prescribed officer of the court shall cause the registrar of companies to be furnished with prescribed particulars of the declaration in such form and manner as may be prescribed.
(5) In this section—
“financial institution” means—
(a) a licensed bank, within the meaning of section 25, or
(b) a company the ordinary business of which includes the making of loans or the giving of guarantees in connection with loans, and
“venture capital company” means a company prescribed by the Minister the principal ordinary business of which is the making of share investments.
Duty of liquidator under this Chapter.
151.—(1) Where it appears to the liquidator of a company to which this Chapter applies that the interests of any other company or its creditors may be placed in jeopardy by the relevant matters referred to in subsection (2) the liquidator shall inform the court of his opinion forthwith and the court may, on receipt of such report, make whatever order it sees fit.
(2) The relevant matters are that a person to whom section 150 applies is appointed or is acting in any way, whether directly or indirectly, as a director or is concerned or is taking part in the promotion or formation of such other company as is referred to in subsection (1).
(3) Any liquidator who contravenes subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable—
(a) on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding £1,000 and,for continued contravention, to a daily default fine not exceeding £50, or
(b) on conviction on indictment, to a fine not exceeding £10,000 and, for continued contravention, to a daily default fine not exceeding £250.
Relief.
152.—(1) A person to whom section 150 applies may, within not more than one year after a declaration has been made in respect of him under that section, apply to the court for relief, either in whole or in part, from the restrictions referred to in that section or from any order made in relation to him under section 151 and the court may, if it deems it just and equitable to do so, grant such relief on whatever terms and conditions it sees fit.
(2) Where it is intended to make an application for relief under subsection (1) the applicant shall give not less than 14 days' notice of his intention to the liquidator (if any) of the company the insolvency of which caused him to be subject to this Chapter.
(3) On receipt of a notice under subsection (2), the liquidator shall forthwith notify such creditors and contributories of the company as have been notified to him or become known to him, that he has received such notice.
(4) On the hearing of an application under this section the liquidator or any creditor or contributory of the company, the insolvency of which caused the applicant to be subject to this Chapter may appear and give evidence.
(5) Any liquidator who contravenes subsection (3) shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine.
Register of restricted persons.
153.—(1) The registrar shall, subject to the provisions of this section, keep a register of the particulars which have been notified to him under section 150, and the following provisions of this section shall apply to the keeping of such a register.
(2) Where the court grants partial relief to a person under section 152 a prescribed officer of the court shall cause the registrar to be furnished with prescribed particulars of the relief, and the registrar shall, as soon as may be, enter the particulars on the register referred to in subsection (1).
(3) Where the court grants full relief to a person under section 152 a prescribed officer of the court shall cause the registrar to be so notified, and the registrar shall, as soon as may be, remove the particulars of any such person from the register referred to in subsection (1).
(4) The registrar shall also remove from the register any particulars in relation to a person on the expiry of five years from the date of the declaration to which the original notification under section 150 relates.
(5) Nothing in this section shall prevent the registrar from keeping the register required by this section as part of any other system of classification, whether pursuant to section 247 or otherwise.
Application of this Chapter to receivers.
154.—Where a receiver of the property of a company is appointed, the provisions of this Chapter shall, with the necessary modifications, apply as if the references therein to the liquidator and to winding up were construed as references to the receiver and to receivership.
Restrictions on company to which section 150 (3) applies.
155.—(1) This section applies to any company in relation to which a person who is the subject of a declaration under section 150 is appointed or acts in any way, whether directly or indirectly, as a director or secretary or is concerned in or takes part in the promotion or formation of that company.
(2) Subsections (2) to (11) of section 60 of the Principal Act shall not apply to any company to which this section applies.
(3) Sections 32 to 36 of the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1983, shall, with the necessary modifications, apply to any company to which this section applies as if the company were a public limited company so, however, that for the purposes of this subsection those sections shall apply as if—
(a) in subsection (1) of section 32 the words “during the initial period” were deleted;
(b) any other reference in any of those sections to “initial period” were deleted; and
(c) in subsection (2) of section 32 the words “relevant person” were defined to mean “any subscriber to the memorandum, any director or any person involved in the promotion or formation of the company”.
(4) Without prejudice to section 39, sections 32 and 37 shall not apply to any company to which subsection (1) applies.
(5) From the date of a declaration under section 150 a person in respect of whom the declaration was made shall not accept appointment to a position or act in any manner mentioned in subsection (1) of this section in relation to a company unless he has, within the 14 days immediately preceeding such appointment or so acting, sent to the registered office of the company a notification that he is a person to whom section 150 applies.
Requirements as to shares allotted by a company to which section 155 applies.
156.—(1) Where a company to which section 155 applies allots a share which is not fully paid up as required by section 150 (3) (b) the share shall be treated as if its nominal value together with the whole of any premium had been received, but the allottee shall be liable to pay the company in cash the full amount which should have been received in respect of the share under that subsection less the value of any consideration actually applied in payment up (to any extent) of the share and any premium on it, and interest at the appropriate rate on the amount payable under this subsection.
(2) Where a company to which section 155 applies allots a share which is not fully paid for in cash as required by section 150 (3) (c) the allottee of the share shall be liable to pay the company in cash an amount equal to its nominal value, together with the whole of any premium, and shall be liable to pay interest at the appropriate rate on the amount payable under this subsection.
(3) Subsection (1) shall not apply in relation to the allotment of abonus share which is not fully paid up as required by section 150 (3) (b) unless the allottee knew or ought to have known that the share was so allotted.
(4) Subsection (1) does not apply to shares allotted in pursuance of an employees' share scheme within the meaning of section 2 of the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1983.
(5) In this section, “appropriate rate” has the meaning assigned to it by section 2 of the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1983.
(6) Section 26 (4) of the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1983, shall apply for the purposes of this section as it applies for the purposes of that section.
Relief for a company in respect of prohibited transactions.
157.—(1) The court may, if it deems it just and equitable to do so, grant relief to a company to which section 155 applies in respect of any act or omission which, by virtue of that section, contravened a provision of the Companies Acts or to any person adversely affected thereby, on whatever terms and conditions the court sees fit, including exemption from any such provision.
(2) Relief shall not be granted to the company where the person referred to in section 155 (1) complied with subsection (5) of that section.
Power to vary amounts mentioned in section 150 (3).
158.—The Minister may, by order, vary the amounts mentioned in section 150 (3) (a) and the order may—
(a) require any company to which that section applies having an allotted share capital of which the nominal value is less than the amount specified in the order to increase the value to not less than that amount;
(b) make, in connection with any such requirement provision for any of the matters for which provision is made in the Companies Acts in relation to a company's registration, re-registration, change of name, winding-up or dissolution, payment for any share comprised in a company's capital and offers of shares in or debentures of a company to the public, including provision as to the consequences (whether in criminal law or otherwise) of a failure to comply with any requirement of the order, and
(c) contain such supplemental and transitional provisions as the Minister thinks appropriate, specify different amounts in relation to companies of different classes or descriptions and, in particular, provide for any provision of the order to come into operation on different days for different purposes.
Chapter 2
Disqualification Generally
Interpretation of Chapters 2 and 3.
159.—In this Chapter and Chapter 3, except where the context otherwise requires—
“company” includes every company and every body, whether corporate or unincorporated, which may be wound up under Part X of the Principal Act and, without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, includes a friendly society within the meaning of the Friendly Societies Acts, 1896 to 1977;
“the court” means the High Court except in relation to a disqualification order made by a court of its own motion under section 160 (2), paragraph (a), (b), (c), (d) or (f), in which case it includes any court;
“default order” means an order made against any person under section 371 of the Principal Act by virtue of any contravention of or failure to comply with any relevant requirement (whether on his own part or on the part of any company);
“disqualification order” means—
(a) an order under this Part that the person against whom the order is made shall not be appointed or act as an auditor, director or other officer, receiver, liquidator or examiner or be in any way, whether directly or indirectly, concerned or take part in the promotion, formation or management of any company, or any society registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies Acts, 1893 to 1978, or
(b) an order under section 184 of the Principal Act;
“officer” in relation to any company, includes any director, shadow director or secretary of the company;
“relevant requirement” means any provision of the Companies Acts (including a provision repealed by this Act) which requires or required any return, account or other document to be filed with, delivered or sent to, or notice of any matter to be given to, the registrar of companies.
Disqualification of certain persons from acting as directors or auditors of or managing companies.
160.—(1) Where a person is convicted on indictment of any indictable offence in relation to a company, or involving fraud or dishonesty, then during the period of five years from the date of conviction or such other period as the court, on the application of the prosecutor and having regard to all the circumstances of the case, may order—
(a) he shall not be appointed or act as an auditor, director or other officer, receiver, liquidator or examiner or be in any way, whether directly or indirectly, concerned or take part in the promotion, formation or management of any company or any society registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies Acts, 1893 to 1978;
(b) he shall be deemed, for the purposes of this Act, to be subject to a disqualification order for that period.
(2) Where the court is satisfied in any proceedings or as a result of an application under this section that—
(a) a person has been guilty, while a promoter, officer, auditor, receiver, liquidator or examiner of a company, of any fraud in relation to the company, its members or creditors; or
(b) a person has been guilty, while a promoter, officer, auditor, receiver, liquidator or examiner of a company, of any breach of his duty as such promoter, officer, auditor, receiver, liquidator or examiner; or
(c) a declaration has been granted under section 297A of the Principal Act (inserted by section 138 of this Act) in respect of a person; or
(d) the conduct of any person as promoter, officer, auditor, receiver, liquidator or examiner of a company, makes him unfit to be concerned in the management of a company; or
(e) in consequence of a report of inspectors appointed by the court or the Minister under the Companies Acts, the conduct of any person makes him unfit to be concerned in the management of a company; or
(f) a person has been persistently in default in relation to the relevant requirements;
the court may, of its own motion, or as a result of the application, make a disqualification order against such a person for such period as it sees fit.
(3) (a) For the purposes of subsection (2) (f) the fact that a person has been persistently in default in relation to the relevant requirements may (without prejudice to its proof in any other manner) be conclusively proved by showing that in the five years ending with the date of the application he has been adjudged guilty (whether or not on the same occasion) of three or more defaults in relation to those requirements.
(b) A person shall be treated as being adjudged guilty of a default in relation to a relevant requirement for the purposes of this subsection if he is convicted of any offence consisting of a contravention of a relevant requirement or a default order is made against him.
(4) An application under paragraph (a), (b), (c) or (d) of subsection (2) may be made by—
(a) the Director of Public Prosecutions; or
(b) any member, contributory, officer, employee, receiver, liquidator, examiner or creditor of any company in relation to which the person who is the subject of the application—
(i) has been or is acting or is proposing to or being proposed to act as officer, auditor, receiver, liquidator or examiner, or
(ii) has been or is concerned or taking part, or is proposing to be concerned or take part, in the promotion, formation or management of any company,
and where the application is made by a member, contributory, employee or creditor of the company, the court may require security for all or some of the costs of the application.
(5) An application under paragraph (e) of subsection (2) may be made by the Director of Public Prosecutions.
(6) An application under paragraph (f) of subsection (2) may be made by—
(a) the Director of Public Prosecutions; or
(b) the registrar of companies.
(7) Where it is intended to make an application under subsection (2) in respect of any person, the applicant shall give not less than ten days' notice of his intention to that person.
(8) Any person who is subject or deemed subject to a disqualification order by virtue of this Part may apply to the court for relief, either in whole or in part, from that disqualification and the court may, if it deems it just and equitable to do so, grant such relief on whatever terms and conditions it sees fit.
(9) A disqualification order may be made on grounds which are or include matters other than criminal convictions notwithstanding that the person in respect of whom the order is to be made may be criminally liable in respect of those matters.
(10) A reference in any other enactment to section 184 of the Principal Act shall be construed as including a reference to this section.
Chapter 3
Enforcement
Penalty for acting contrary to the provisions of Chapter 1 or 2.
161.—(1) Any person who, in relation to any company, acts in a manner or capacity which, by virtue of being a person to whom section 150 applies or being subject or deemed to be subject to a disqualification order, he is prohibited from doing shall be guilty of an offence.
(2) Where a person is convicted of an offence under subsection (1) he shall be deemed to be subject to a disqualification order from the date of such conviction if he was not, or was not deemed to be, subject to such an order on that date.
(3) Where a person convicted of an offence under subsection (1) was subject, or deemed to be subject, to a disqualification order immediately prior to the date of such conviction, the period for which he was disqualified shall be extended for a further period of ten years from such date, or such other further period as the court, on the application of the prosecutor and having regard to all the circumstances of the case, may order.
(4) Section 160 (8) shall not apply to a person convicted of an offence under subsection (1) of this section.
(5) Where—
(a) a person who is a person to whom section 150 applies is or becomes a director of a company which commences to be wound up within the period of 5 years after the date of commencement of the winding-up of the company whose insolvency caused that section to apply to him; and
(b) it appears to the liquidator of the first-mentioned company that that company is, at the date of commencement of its winding-up or at any time during the course of its winding-up, unable to pay its debts;
the liquidator shall report those matters to the court and the court, on receiving the report and if it considers it proper to do so, may make a disqualification order against that person for such period as it thinks fit.
(6) If the liquidator fails to comply with subsection (5) he shall be liable to a fine not exceeding £1,000.
Period of disqualification order to which person is deemed to be subject.
162.—Where a person is, as a consequence of his conviction of an offence under this Chapter, deemed to be subject to a disqualification order, he shall be deemed to be so subject for a period of five years from the date of such conviction or such other period as the court, on the application of the prosecutor and having regard to all the circumstances of the case, may order.
Civil consequences of acting contrary to the provisions of Chapter 1 or 2.
163.—(1) Subsections (2) and (3) apply to any person who acts, in relation to a company, in a manner or capacity which, by virtue of being a person to whom section 150 applies or being subject or deemed to be subject to a disqualification order, he is prohibited from doing.
(2) Where any consideration is given by or on behalf of a company for an act done or service performed by a person referred to in subsection (1) while he was acting in a manner or capacity described in that subsection, the company shall be entitled to recover from him, as a simple contract debt in any court of competent jurisdiction, the consideration or an amount representing its value.
(3) Where—
(a) a person referred to in subsection (1) acts, in relation to a company, in a manner or capacity described in that subsection, and
(b) the company concerned commences to be wound up—
(i) while he is acting in such a manner or capacity, or
(ii) within 12 months of his so acting, and
(c) the company is unable to pay its debts, within the meaning of section 214 of the Principal Act,
the court may, on the application of the liquidator or any creditor of the company, declare that such person shall be personally liable, without any limitation of liability, for all or any part of the debts or other liabilities of the company incurred in the period during which he was acting in such a manner or capacity.
(4) Where a company which has received a notification under section 155 (5) and which carries on business following such notification without the requirements of section 150 (3) being fulfilled within a reasonable period—
(a) is subsequently wound up, and
(b) is at the time of the commencement of the winding-up unable to pay its debts (taking into account the contingent and prospective liabilities),
the court may, on the application of the liquidator or any creditor or contributory of the company, declare that any person who was an officer of the company while the company so carried on business and who knew or ought to have known that the company had been so notified shall be personally responsible, without any limitation of liability, for all or any part of the debts or other liabilities of the company as the court may direct.
(5) In any proceedings brought against a person by virtue of this section the court may if, having regard to the circumstances of the case, it considers it just and equitable to do so, grant relief in whole or in part from the liability to which he would otherwise be subject thereunder and the court may attach to its order such conditions as it sees fit.
Penalty for acting under directions of disqualified person.
164.—(1) If any person while a director or other officer or a member of a committee of management or trustee of any company acts in accordance with the directions or instructions of another person knowing that such other person is disqualified or that, in giving the directions or instructions, he is acting in contravention of any provision of this Part he shall be guilty of an offence.
(2) Where a person is convicted of an offence under subsection (1) he shall be deemed to be subject to a disqualification order from the date of such conviction if he was not, or was not deemed to be, subject to such an order on that date.
Civil consequences of acting under directions of disqualified person.
165.—(1) A person who is convicted of an offence under section 164 for acting in accordance with the directions or instructions of a disqualified person shall, subject to subsection (2), be personally liable for the debts of the company concerned incurred in the period during which he was so acting.
(2) In any proceedings brought against a person for the recovery of any such debt the court may if, having regard to the circumstances of the case, it considers it just and equitable to do so, grant relief in whole or in part from the liability to which he would otherwise be subject under subsection (1) and the court may attach to its order such conditions as it sees fit.
Information to be given by directors to the court.
166.—(1) Where—
(a) a director of a company is charged with an offence or civil proceedings are instituted against such a director, and
(b) the charge or proceedings relate to the company or involve alleged fraud or dishonesty,
the director shall, by notice in writing to the court lodged before the hearing of the case—
(i) give the names of all companies of which he is a director at the date of the notice,
(ii) give the names of all companies of which he was a director within a period commencing not earlier than 12 months prior to the commencement of proceedings and ending at the date of the notice,
(iii) state whether he is at the date of the notice or ever was subject or deemed to be subject to a disqualification order, and
(iv) give the dates and duration of each period in respect of which he is or was disqualified.
(2) This section applies to shadow directors as it applies to directors.
(3) Any person who contravenes subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence.
Information to be supplied to registrar of companies.
167.—Where a court—
(a) makes a disqualification order;
(b) grants or varies relief under section 160 (8); or
(c) convicts a person of an offence—
(i) which has the effect of his being deemed to be subject to a disqualification order, or
(ii) under section 161 (1) or 164,
a prescribed officer of the court shall cause the registrar of companies to be furnished with prescribed particulars of the order, relief or conviction at such time and in such form and manner as may be prescribed.
Register of persons subject to disqualification orders.
168.—(1) The registrar shall, subject to the provisions of this section, keep a register of the particulars which have been notified to him under section 167, and the following provisions of this section shall apply to the keeping of such a register.
(2) Where the particulars referred to in section 167 (b) comprise the grant of full relief under section 160 (8), the registrar shall not enter such particulars on the register referred to in subsection (1), but shall, as soon as may be, remove any existing particulars in respect of the person concerned from the register.
(3) The registrar shall also remove from the register any particulars in relation to a person on the expiry of five years from the date of the original notification under section 167, or such other period in respect of which the person concerned is deemed to be subject to a disqualification order, unless the registrar has received a further notification in respect of that person under this section.
(4) Nothing in this section shall prevent the registrar from keeping the register required by this section as part of any other system of classification, whether pursuant to section 247 or otherwise.
Prohibition of undischarged bankrupts acting as directors or other officers of companies.
169.—The Principal Act is hereby amended by the substitution for section 183 of the following section—
“183.—(1) Subject to subsection (2), if any person being an undischarged bankrupt acts as officer, auditor, liquidator or examiner of, or directly or indirectly takes part or is concerned in the promotion, formation or management of, any company except with the leave of the court, he shall be guilty of an offence.
(2) Where a person is convicted of an offence under subsection (1) he shall be deemed to be subject to a disqualification order from the date of such conviction if he was not, or was not deemed to be, subject to such an order on that date.
(3) In this section ‘company’ includes a company incorporated outside the State which has an established place of business within the State.”.
PART VIII
Receivers
Disqualification for appointment as receiver.
170.—The Principal Act is hereby amended by the substitution for section 315 of the following section—
“315.—(1) None of the following persons shall be qualified for appointment as receiver of the property of a company—
(a) an undischarged bankrupt;
(b) a person who is, or who has within 12 months of the commencement of the receivership been, an officer or servant of the company;
(c) a parent, spouse, brother, sister or child of an officer of the company;
(d) a person who is a partner of or in the employment of an officer or servant of the company;
(e) a person who is not qualified by virtue of this subsection for appointment as receiver of the property of any other body corporate which is that company's subsidiary or holding company or a subsidiary of that company's holding company, or would be so disqualified if the body corporate were a company.
References in this subsection to an officer or servant of the company include references to an auditor.
(2) If a receiver of the property of a company becomes disqualified by virtue of this section, he shall thereupon vacate his office and give notice in writing within 14 days to—
(a) the company;
(b) the registrar of companies;
(c) (i) the debenture-holder, if the receiver was appointed by a debenture-holder, or
(ii) the court, if the receiver was appointed by the court, that he has vacated it by reason of such disqualification.
(3) Subsection (2) is without prejudice to sections 107, 319 (2) and 321.
(4) Nothing in this section shall require a receiver appointed before the commencement of section 170 of the Companies Act, 1990, to vacate the office to which he was so appointed.
(5) Any person who acts as a receiver when disqualified by this section from so doing or who fails to comply with subsection (2), if that subsection applies to him, shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable—
(a) on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding £1,000 and, for continued contravention, to a daily default fine not exceeding £50;
(b) on conviction on indictment, to a fine not exceeding £5,000 and, for continued contravention, to a daily default fine not exceeding £250.”.
Amendment of section 316 of the Principal Act.
171.—Section 316 of the Principal Act is hereby amended by the substitution for subsection (1) of the following subsections—
“(1) Where a receiver of the property of a company is appointed under the powers contained in any instrument, any of the following persons may apply to the court for directions in relation to any matter in connection with the performance or otherwise by the receiver of his functions, that is to say—
(a) (i) the receiver;
(ii) an officer of the company;
(iii) a member of the company;
(iv) employees of the company comprising at least half in number of the persons employed in a full-time capacity by the company;
(v) a creditor of the company; and
(b) (i) a liquidator;
(ii) a contributory;
and on any such application, the court may give such directions, or make such order declaring the rights of persons before the court or otherwise, as the court thinks just.
(1A) An application to the court under subsection (1), except an application under paragraph (a) (i) of that subsection, shall be supported by such evidence that the applicant is being unfairly prejudiced by any actual or proposed action or omission of the receiver as the court may require.
(1B) For the purposes of subsection (1), ‘creditor’ means one or more creditors to whom the company is indebted by more, in aggregate, than £10,000.”.
Duty of receiver selling property to get best price reasonably obtainable.
172.—The Principal Act is hereby amended by the insertion after section 316 of the following section—
“316A.—(1) A receiver, in selling property of a company, shall exercise all reasonable care to obtain the best price reasonably obtainable for the property as at the time of sale.
(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of any instrument—
(a) it shall not be a defence to any action or proceeding brought against a receiver in respect of a breach of his duty under subsection (1) that the receiver was acting as the agent of the company or under a power of attorney given by the company; and
(b) notwithstanding anything in section 316 (2), a receiver shall not be entitled to be compensated or indemnified by the company for any liability he may incur as a result of a breach of his duty under this section.
(3) (a) A receiver shall not sell by private contract a non-cash asset of the requisite value to a person who is, or who, within three years prior to the date of appointment of the receiver, has been, an officer of the company unless he has given at least 14 days' notice of his intention to do so to all creditors of the company who are known to him or who have been intimated to him.
(b) In this subsection—
(i) ‘non-cash asset’ and ‘requisite value’ have the meanings assigned to them by section 29 of the Companies Act, 1990, and
(ii) ‘officer’ includes a person connected, within the meaning of section 26 of the Companies Act, 1990, with a director, and a shadow director.”.
Amendment of section 320 of the Principal Act.
173.—Section 320 of the Principal Act is hereby amended by the substitution for subsection (5) of the following subsection—
“(5) If any person to whom subsection (2) applies makes default in complying with the requirements of this section, he shall, unless he can prove to the satisfaction of the court that it was not possible for him to comply with the requirements of the section, be liable—
(a) on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or to a fine not exceeding £1,000 or to both; or
(b) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or to a fine not exceeding £5,000 or to both.”.
Consequences of contravention of section 319 or 320 of the Principal Act.
174.—The Principal Act is hereby amended by the insertion after section 320 of the following section—
“320A.—Where, in contravention of section 319 (1) (b) and section 320, a statement of affairs is not submitted to the receiver as required by those provisions, the court may, on the application of the receiver or any creditor of the company, and notwithstanding the provisions of section 320 (5) (inserted by section 173 of the Companies Act, 1990), make whatever order it thinks fit, including an order compelling compliance with section 319 and section 320.”.
Removal of receiver.
175.—The Principal Act is hereby amended by the insertion after section 322 of the following section—
“322A.—(1) The court may, on cause shown, remove a receiver and appoint another receiver.
(2) Notice of such proceedings shall be served on the receiver and on the person who appointed him not less than 7 days before the hearing of such proceedings and, in any such proceedings, the receiver and the person who appointed him may appear and be heard.”.
Court may determine or limit receivership on application of liquidator.
176.—The Principal Act is hereby amended by the insertion after section 322 of the following section—
“322B.—(1) On the application of the liquidator of a company that is being wound up (other than by means of a members' voluntary winding up) and in respect of which a receiver has been appointed (whether before or after the commencement of the winding up), the court may—
(a) order that the receiver shall cease to act as such from a date specified by the court, and prohibit the appointment of any other receiver; or
(b) order that the receiver shall, from a date specified by the court, act as such only in respect of certain assets specified by the court.
An order under this subsection may be made on such terms and conditions as the court thinks fit.
(2) The court may from time to time, on an application made either by the liquidator or by the receiver, rescind or amend an order made under subsection (1).
(3) A copy of an application made under this section shall be served on the receiver and on the person who appointed him not less than 7 days before the hearing of the application, and the receiver and any such party may appear before and be heard by the court in respect of the application.
(4) Except as provided in subsection (1), no order made under this section shall affect any security or charge over the undertaking or property of the company.”.
Resignation of receiver.
177.—The Principal Act is hereby amended by the insertion after section 322 of the following section—
“322C.—(1) A receiver of the property of a company appointed under the powers contained in any instrument may resign, provided he has given one month's notice thereof to—
(a) the holders of floating charges over all or any part of the property of the company;
(b) the company or its liquidator; and
(c) the holders of any fixed charge over all or any part of the property of the company.
(2) A receiver appointed by the court may resign only with the authority of the court and on such terms and conditions, if any, as may be laid down by the court.
(3) If any person makes default in complying with the requirements of this section, he shall be liable to a fine not exceeding £1,000.”.
Application of section 139 to receivers.
178.—The provisions of section 139 shall, with the necessary modifications, apply to a company in receivership as if the references therein to the liquidator and to winding up were construed as references to the receiver and to receivership.
Application of section 299 (2), (4) and (5) of the Principal Act to receivers.
179.—Section 299 (2), (4) and (5) of the Principal Act shall apply, with the necessary modifications, to receivers as it applies to liquidators.
PART IX
Companies under Court Protection
Amendments to the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1990.
180.—(1) The Companies (Amendment) Act, 1990, is hereby amended as follows:
(a) by the substitution in section 3 (6) for “14 days” of “3 days”,
(b) by the insertion after section 5 (2) (f) of the following paragraph:
“(g) no order for relief shall be made under section 205 of the Principal Act against the company in respect of complaints as to the conduct of the affairs of the company or the exercise of the powers of the directors prior to the presentation of the petition.”,
(c) by the deletion in section 8 (3), of “, or past director,”,
(d) by the insertion in section 8 (3), after “Act”, where it secondly occurs, of “and ‘director’ includes any present or past director or any person connected, within the meaning of section 26 of the Companies Act, 1990, with such director, and any present or past shadow director”,
(e) by the insertion in section 8 of the following subsections:
“(5A) Without prejudice to its power under subsection (5), the court may, after a hearing under that subsection, make any order or direction it thinks fit, including a direction to the person concerned to attend or re-attend before the examiner or produce particular books or documents or answer particular questions put to him by the examiner, or a direction that the person concerned need not produce a particular book or document or answer a particular question put to him by the examiner.
(5B) Section 23 (1) of the Companies Act, 1990 shall apply for the purposes of this section.”,
(f) by the substitution in section 10 (1) of “Any” for “Where an order is made under this Act for the winding-up of the company or a receiver is appointed, any”,
(g) by the substitution, for section 16 (i), of the following:
“(i) his opinion as to whether the facts disclosed would warrant further inquiries with a view to proceedings under section 297 or 297A of the Principal Act (inserted by the Companies Act, 1990), or both,”,
(h) by the insertion in section 23 (5) (b), after “Government” of “, a local authority”,
(i) by the insertion in section 24 of the following subsection:
“(12) Notwithstanding subsection (4), or any other provision of this Act, where the examiner forms the opinion that the company will be able to survive as a going concern, nothing in this Act shall prevent the examiner from including, in a report under section 15 or 18, proposals which will not involve the impairment of the interests of members or creditors of the company, nor the court from confirming any such proposals.”.
(2) Section 244A of the Principal Act (inserted by section 125 of the Companies Act, 1990) and section 139 of the Companies Act, 1990, shall apply to a company under the protection of the court as they apply to a company being wound up, and any references in those sections to a liquidator or provisional liquidator shall be construed for the purposes of this subsection as a reference to an examiner.
(3) Sections 32, 33, 34 and 35 of the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1990, are hereby repealed.
Further amendments to the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1990.
181.—(1) The Companies (Amendment) Act, 1990, is hereby further amended as follows:
(a) by the substitution for section 2 (1) (b) of the following:
“(b) no resolution subsists for the winding up of the company, and”,
(b) by the substitution in section 4 (5) (f), for “company”, of “body corporate”,
(c) by the insertion after section 5 (2) (f) of the following paragraph:
“(h) no set-off between separate bank accounts of the company shall be effected, except with the consent of the examiner, and in this paragraph ‘bank account’ includes an account with any person exempt by virtue of section 7 (4) of the Central Bank Act, 1971, from the requirement of holding a licence under section 9 of that Act,”,
(d) by the insertion in section 11 (5), after “towards” of “discharging”, and
(e) by the insertion of the following section after section 36:
“Proceedings by registrar.
36A.—Proceedings in relation to an offence under section 11 (6), 12 or 30 may be brought and prosecuted by the registrar of companies.”.
(2) Section 30 (3) of the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1990, is hereby repealed.
PART X
Accounts and Audit
Interpretation of Part X.
182.—In this Part—
“the Council Directive” means Council Directive No. 84/253/EEC of 10 April, 1984* on the approval of persons responsible for carrying out the statutory audits of accounting documents;
“friendly society” means a society registered under the Friendly Societies Acts, 1896 to 1977;
“practising certificate” means a certificate awarded to a person by a body of accountants entitling that person to practise as auditor of a company or as a public auditor;
“public auditor” means a public auditor for the purposes of the Industrial and Provident Societies Acts, 1893 to 1978, and the Friendly Societies Acts, 1896 to 1977.
Appointment and removal of auditors.
183.—Section 160 of the Principal Act is hereby amended—
(a) by the substitution of the following subsections for subsection (5)—
“(5) Without prejudice to any rights of the auditor in relation to his removal under this subsection, a company may, by ordinary resolution at a general meeting, remove an auditor other than an auditor who is the first auditor or one of the first auditors of the company and appoint in his place any other person who has been nominated for appointment by any member of the company, who is qualified under the Companies Acts to be an auditor of a company and of whose nomination notice has been given to its members.
(5A) (a) A company shall—
(i) within one week of the Minister's power under subsection (4) becoming exercisable, give the Minister notice of that fact, and
(ii) where a resolution removing an auditor is passed, give notice of that fact in the prescribed form to the registrar of companies within 14 days of the meeting at which the resolution removing the auditor was passed.
(b) If a company fails to give notice as required by paragraph (a) of this subsection, the company and every officer of the company who is in default shall be guilty of an offence and liable, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding £1,000.”,
and
(b) by the substitution of the following subsection for subsection (7)—
“(7) The directors of a company or the company in general meeting may fill any casual vacancy in the office of auditor, but while any such vacancy continues, the surviving or continuing auditor or auditors, if any, may act.”.
Resolutions relating to appointment and removal of auditors and rights of auditors who have been removed.
184.—(1) Section 161 of the Principal Act is hereby amended by the substitution of the following subsections for subsections (1) and (2)—
“(1) Extended notice within the meaning of section 142 shall be required for—
(a) a resolution at an annual general meeting of a company appointing as auditor a person other than a retiring auditor or providing expressly that a retiring auditor shall not be re-appointed,
(b) a resolution at a general meeting of a company removing an auditor before the expiration of his term of office, and
(c) a resolution at a general meeting of a company filling a casual vacancy in the office of auditor.
(2) On receipt of notice of such an intended resolution as is mentioned in subsection (1), the company shall forthwith—
(a) if the resolution is a resolution mentioned in paragraph (a) of the said subsection (1), send a copy thereof to the retiring auditor (if any),
(b) if the resolution is a resolution mentioned in paragraph (b) of the said subsection (1), send a copy thereof to the auditor proposed to be removed, and
(c) if the resolution is a resolution mentioned in paragraph (c) of the said subsection (1), send a copy thereof to the person (if any) whose ceasing to hold the office of auditor of the company occasioned the casual vacancy.
(2A) An auditor of a company who has been removed shall be entitled to attend—
(a) the annual general meeting of the company at which, but for his removal, his term of office as auditor of the company would have expired, and
(b) the general meeting of the company at which it is proposed to fill the vacancy occasioned by his removal, and
to receive all notices of, and other communications relating to, any such meeting which a member of the company is entitled to receive and to be heard at any general meeting that such a member attends on any part of the business of the meeting which concerns him as former auditor of the company.”.
(2) The reference in subsection (5) of the said section 161 to a resolution to remove the first auditors by virtue of subsection (6) of section 160 of the Principal Act shall be construed as including a reference to a resolution to remove an auditor other than the first auditors before the expiration of his term of office.
Resignation of auditors.
185.—(1) An auditor of a company may, by a notice in writing that complies with subsection (2) served on the company and stating his intention to do so, resign from the office of auditor to the company; and the resignation shall take effect on the date on which the notice is so served or on such later date as may be specified in the notice.
(2) A notice under subsection (1) shall contain either—
(a) a statement to the effect that there are no circumstances connected with the resignation to which it relates that the auditor concerned considers should be brought to the notice of the members or creditors of the company, or
(b) a statement of any such circumstances as aforesaid.
(3) Where a notice under subsection (1) is served on a company—
(a) the auditor concerned shall, within 14 days after the date of such service, send a copy of the notice to the registrar of companies, and
(b) subject to subsection (4), the company shall, if the notice contains a statement referred to in subsection (2) (b), not later than 14 days after the date of such service send a copy of the notice to every person who is entitled under section 159 (1) of the Principal Act to be sent copies of the documents referred to in the said section 159 (1).
(4) Copies of a notice served on a company under subsection (1) need not be sent to the persons specified in subsection (3) (b) if, on the application of the company concerned or any other person who claims to be aggrieved, the court is satisfied that the notice contains material which has been included to secure needless publicity for defamatory matter and the court may order the company's costs on an application under this section to be paid in whole or in part by the auditor concerned notwithstanding that he is not a party to the application.
(5) This section shall also apply to a notice given by an auditor under section 160 (2) (c) of the Principal Act, indicating his unwillingness to be re-appointed.
(6) A person who fails to comply with subsection (2) or (3) (a) shall be guilty of an offence.
(7) If default is made in complying with subsection (3) (b), the company concerned, and every officer of such company who is in default, shall be guilty of an offence.
Requisitioning of general meeting of company by resigning auditor.
186.—(1) A notice served on a company under section 185 which contains a statement in accordance with subsection (2) (b) of that section may also requisition the convening by the directors of the company of a general meeting of the company for the purpose of receiving and considering such account and explanation of the circumstances connected with his resignation from the office of auditor to the company as he may wish to give to the meeting.
(2) Where an auditor makes a requisition under subsection (1), the directors of the company shall, within 14 days of the service on the company of the said notice, proceed duly to convene a general meeting of the company for a day not more than 28 days after such service.
(3) Subject to subsection (4), where—
(a) a notice served on a company under section 185 contains a statement in accordance with subsection (2) (b) of that section, and
(b) the auditor concerned requests the company to circulate to its members—
(i) before the general meeting at which, apart from the notice, his term of office would expire, or
(ii) before any general meeting at which it is proposed to fill the vacancy caused by his resignation or convened pursuant to a requisition under subsection (1),
a further statement in writing prepared by the auditor of circumstances connected with the resignation that the auditor considers should be brought to the notice of the members,
the company shall—
(I) in any notice of the meeting given to members of the company state the fact of the statement having been made, and
(II) send a copy of the statement to the registrar of companies and to every person who is entitled under section 159 (1) of the Principal Act to be sent copies of the documents referred to in the said section 159 (1).
(4) Subsection (3) need not be complied with by the company concerned if, on the application either of the company or any other person who claims to be aggrieved, the court is satisfied that the rights conferred by this section are being abused to secure needless publicity for defamatory matter and the court may order the company's costs on an application under this section to be paid in whole or in part by the auditor concerned notwithstanding that he is not a party to the application.
(5) An auditor of a company who has resigned from the office of auditor shall be permitted by the company to attend—
(a) the annual general meeting at which, but for his resignation, his term of office would have expired, and
(b) any general meeting at which it is proposed to fill the vacancy caused by his resignation or convened pursuant to a requisition of his under subsection (1),
and the company shall send him all notices of, and other communications relating to, any such meeting that a member of the company is entitled to receive and the company shall permit him to be heard at any such meeting which he attends on any part of the business of the meeting which concerns him as a former auditor of the company.
(6) If default is made in complying with subsection (2), (3) or (5), the company concerned, and every officer of the company who is in default, shall be guilty of an offence.
Qualification for appointment as auditor.
187.—(1) Subject to section 190, a person shall not be qualified for appointment either as auditor of a company or as a public auditor unless—
(a) (i) he is a member of a body of accountants for the time being recognised by the Minister for the purposes of this section and holds a valid practising certificate from such a body, or
(ii) he holds an accountancy qualification that is, in the opinion of the Minister, of a standard which is not less than that required for such membership as aforesaid and which would entitle him to be granted a practising certificate by that body if he were a member of it, and is for the time being authorised by the Minister to be so appointed, or
(iii) he was, on the 31st day of December, 1990, a member of a body of accountants for the time being recognised under section 162 (1) (a) of the Principal Act, or
(iv) he was authorised by the Minister before the 3rd day of February, 1983, and is for the time being authorised by the Minister to be so appointed, or
(v) he is a person to whom section 188 applies, or
(vi) he is a person to whom section 189 applies, and is for the time being authorised by the Minister to be so appointed, and
(b) the particulars required by sections 199 and 200 in respect of such a person have been forwarded to the registrar of companies.
(2) None of the following persons shall be qualified for appointment as auditor of a company—
(a) an officer or servant of the company,
(b) a person who has been an officer or servant of the company within a period in respect of which accounts would fall to be audited by him if he were appointed auditor of the company,
(c) a parent, spouse, brother, sister or child of an officer of the company,
(d) a person who is a partner of or in the employment of an officer of the company,
(e) a person who is disqualified under this subsection for appointment as auditor of any other body corporate that is a subsidiary or holding company of the company or a subsidiary of the company's holding company, or would be so disqualified if the body corporate were a company,
(f) a person who is disqualified under subsection (3) for appointment as a public auditor of a society that is a subsidiary or holding company of the company or a subsidiary of the company's holding company,
(g) a body corporate.
(3) None of the following persons shall be qualified for appointment as a public auditor of a society—
(a) an officer or servant of the society,
(b) a person who has been an officer or servant of the society within a period in respect of which accounts would fall to be audited by him if he were appointed auditor of the society,
(c) a parent, spouse, brother, sister or child of an officer of the society,
(d) a person who is a partner of or in the employment of an officer of the society,
(e) a person who is disqualified under this subsection for appointment as a public auditor of any other society that is a subsidiary or holding company of the society or a subsidiary of the society's holding company,
(f) a person who is disqualified under subsection (2) for appointment as auditor of a company that is a subsidiary or holding company of the society,
(g) a body corporate.
(4) None of the following persons shall be qualified for appointment as a public auditor of a friendly society—
(a) an officer or servant of the friendly society,
(b) a person who has been an officer or servant of the friendly society within a period in respect of which accounts would fall to be audited by him if he were appointed auditor of the friendly society,
(c) a parent, spouse, brother, sister or child of an officer of the friendly society,
(d) a person who is a partner of or in the employment of an officer of the friendly society,
(e) a body corporate.
(5) A person shall not, by virtue of subsection (3) or (4), be disqualified for appointment as public auditor of a society or a friendly society at any time during the period of 2 years from the commencement of this section if on such commencement he stands duly appointed as public auditor of the society or friendly society, as the case may be.
(6) Subject to subsection (5), a person shall not act as auditor of a company or as a public auditor at a time when he is disqualified under this section for appointment to that office.
(7) If, during his term of office as auditor of a company or public auditor, a person becomes disqualified under the Companies Acts for appointment to that office, he shall thereupon vacate his office and give notice in writing to the company, society or friendly society that he has vacated his office by reason of such disqualification.
(8) This section shall not apply to the Comptroller and Auditor-General.
(9) A person who contravenes subsection (6) or (7) shall be guilty of an offence and liable—
(a) on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding £1,000, and, for continued contravention, to a daily default fine not exceeding £50, or
(b) on conviction on indictment, to a fine not exceeding £5,000 and, for continued contravention, to a daily default fine not exceeding £100.
(10) (a) In this section “society” means a society registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies Acts, 1893 to 1978.
(b) References in this section to an officer or servant do not include references to an auditor or a public auditor.
(11) A recognition or authorisation by the Minister under section 162 of the Principal Act shall, notwithstanding the repeal of that section by this Act, continue in force as if given under this section—
(a) in the case of a recognition, until the time limit provided expires, or the Minister's decision is communicated to the body concerned, under section 191, whichever is the earlier, and
(b) in the case of an authorisation, until the time limit for the person to make the notification required by section 199 (3) expires.
Persons undergoing training on 1 January, 1990.
188.—(1) Without prejudice to section 187, a person to whom this section applies shall also be qualified for appointment as auditor of a company or a public auditor.
(2) This section applies to a person—
(a) who on the 1st day of January, 1990, was a person to whom Article 18 of the Council Directive applies, and
(b) who, following his admission, before the 1st day of January, 1996, to the membership of a body of accountants recognised under section 191, was subsequently awarded a practising certificate by that body, and
(c) in respect of whom such certificate remains valid.
Approval of qualifications obtained outside the State.
189.—(1) Without prejudice to section 187, the Minister may declare that, subject to subsection (2), persons who hold—
(a) a qualification entitling them to audit accounts under the law of a specified country outside the State, or
(b) a specified accountancy qualification recognised under the law of a country outside the State,
shall be regarded as qualified for appointment as auditor of a company or a public auditor.
(2) Before making a declaration under subsection (1), the Minister—
(a) must be satisfied that the qualification concerned is of a standard not less than is required by the Companies Acts to qualify a person for appointment as auditor of a company or a public auditor, and
(b) may direct that such a person shall not be treated as qualified for the purposes of subsection (1) unless he holds such additional educational qualifications as the Minister may specify for the purpose of ensuring that such persons have an adequate knowledge of the law and practice in the State relevant to the audit of accounts, and
(c) may have regard to the extent to which persons qualified under the Companies Acts for appointment as auditor of a company or a public auditor are recognised by the law of the country in question as qualified to audit accounts there.
(3) Different directions may be given under subsection (2) (b) in relation to different qualifications.
(4) The Minister may, if he thinks fit, revoke or suspend for a specified period, in such manner and on such conditions as he may think appropriate, any declaration previously made under subsection (1).
Consultation by Minister regarding standards and qualifications.
190.—(1) Before granting, renewing, withdrawing, revoking, suspending or refusing a recognition of a body of accountants under the Companies Acts, the Minister may consult with any person or body of persons as to the conditions imposed or standards required by the body of accountants concerned in connection with membership of that body or the awarding to persons of practising certificates.
(2) The Minister may also consult with any person or body of persons before forming any opinion or making any declaration in relation to the qualifications held by any person or class of persons as respects qualification for appointment as auditor of a company or a public auditor.
Recognition of bodies of accountants.
191.—(1) Where a body of accountants recognised under section 162 of the Principal Act satisfies the Minister, within three months after the commencement of this section—
(a) that the standards relating to training, qualifications and repute required by that body for the awarding to a person of a practising certificate are not less than those specified in Articles 3 to 6, 8 and 19 of the Council Directive, and
(b) as to the standards it applies to its members in the areas of ethics, codes of conduct and practice, independence, professional integrity, technical standards, disciplinary procedures,
the Minister shall renew such recognition.
(2) Where a body of accountants referred to in subsection (1) does not satisfy the Minister as to the matters specified in that paragraph, he shall withdraw the recognition of that body until he is so satisfied.
(3) Where a body of accountants which has not previously been recognised by the Minister under section 162 of the Principal Act applies for such recognition after the commencement of this section, the Minister may grant such recognition if he is satisfied as to the matters referred to in subsection (1) in relation to that body or may refuse such recognition if he is not so satisfied.
Provisions in relation to recognitions and authorisations by Minister under section 187.
192.—(1) The Minister may, at the time it is granted or at any time during the currency of a recognition or authorisation under section 187 by notice in writing given to the body of accountants or individual concerned, attach to the recognition or authorisation, as the case may be, such terms and conditions as he thinks necessary or expedient and specified in the notice.
(2) The Minister may, at any time during the currency of a recognition or authorisation under section 187, by notice in writing given to the body of accountants or individual concerned, amend its terms or conditions or insert into it or delete from it other terms or conditions.
(3) The Minister may, at any time during its currency, by notice in writing given to the body of accountants or individual concerned, revoke, or suspend for a specified period, a recognition or authorisation under the said section 187.
(4) (a) The Minister may require a body of accountants recognised for the purposes of the said section 187 to prepare and, within such period as may be specified in the requirement, to submit to the Minister for his approval a code prescribing standards of professional conduct for its members and providing for sanctions for breaches of the code, and the body of accountants shall comply with the requirement.
(b) A body of accountants may, at any time, prepare and submit to the Minister a code amending or revoking a code prepared by it under this subsection.
(c) The Minister may approve of a code submitted to him under this subsection.
(d) A code approved of by the Minister under this section shall be brought into operation and enforced by the body of accountants concerned in accordance with its terms.
(e) Where the Minister approves a code under this subsection, he may direct that such provisions of the code as relate to the professional integrity of auditors shall apply, with any necessary modifications approved by the Minister, to persons individually authorised by him.
(f) The Minister may, by regulations, make provision for the function of monitoring compliance by individuals with the code in accordance with paragraph (e). Such regulations may in particular provide for this function to be performed on behalf of the Minister by any body or person specified in the regulations. The regulations may also contain such incidental, consequential, transitional or supplementary provision as may appear to be necessary or proper to ensure compliance with the specified provisions of the code by the individuals concerned.
(g) Every regulation made by the Minister under this section shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas as soon as may be after it is made and, if a resolution annulling the regulation is passed by either House within the next 21 days on which that House has sat after the regulation is laid before it, the regulation shall be annulled accordingly, but without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done thereunder.
(5) References in this section to recognitions under section 187 include references to recognitions under section 162 (inserted by the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1982) of the Principal Act and references in this section to an authorisation under section 187 include references to authorisations under the said section 162.
Auditors' report and right of access to books and of attendance and audience at general meetings.
193.—(1) The auditors of a company shall make a report to the members on the accounts examined by them, and on every balance sheet and profit and loss account, and all group accounts, laid before the company in general meeting during their tenure of office.
(2) The auditors' report shall be read at the annual general meeting of the company and shall be open to inspection by any member.
(3) Every auditor of a company shall have a right of access at all reasonable times to the books, accounts and vouchers of the company and shall be entitled to require from the officers (within the meaning of section 197 (5)) of the company such information and explanations that are within their knowledge or can be procured by them as he thinks necessary for the performance of the duties of the auditors.
(4) The auditors' report shall state—
(a) whether they have obtained all the information and explanations which, to the best of their knowledge and belief, are necessary for the purposes of their audit,
(b) whether, in their opinion, proper books of account have been kept by the company,
(c) whether, in their opinion, proper returns adequate for their audit have been received from branches of the company not visited by them,
(d) whether the company's balance sheet and (unless it is framed as a consolidated profit and loss account) profit and loss account are in agreement with the books of account and returns,
(e) except in the case of a company that has taken advantage of any of the provisions of Part III of the Sixth Schedule to the Principal Act, whether, in their opinion, the company's balance sheet and profit and loss account and (if it is a holding company submitting group accounts) the group accounts have been properly prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Acts and give a true and fair view—
(i) in the case of the balance sheet, of the state of the company's affairs as at the end of its financial year,
(ii) in the case of the profit and loss account (if it is not framed as a consolidated profit and loss account), of the company's profit and loss for its financial year,
(iii) in the case of group accounts submitted by a holding company, of the state of affairs and profit or loss of the company and its subsidiaries dealt with thereby, so far as concerns members of the company,
(f) in the case of a company that has taken advantage of any of the provisions of Part III of the Sixth Schedule to the Principal Act, whether, in their opinion, its balance sheet and profit and loss account and (if it is a holding company submitting group accounts) the group accounts have been properly prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Acts and give a true and fair view of the matters referred to in subparagraphs (i) and (ii) and, where appropriate, subparagraph (iii) of paragraph (e) subject to the non-disclosure of any matters (to be indicated in the report) which by virtue of the said Part III are not required to be disclosed, and
(g) whether, in their opinion, there existed at the balance sheet date a financial situation which under section 40 (1) of the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1983, would require the convening of an extraordinary general meeting of the company.
(5) The auditors of a company shall be entitled to attend any general meeting of the company and to receive all notices of, and other communications relating to, any general meeting which any member of the company is entitled to receive and to be heard at any general meeting which they attend on any part of the business of the meeting which concerns them as auditors.
(6) A person who is appointed as auditor of a company or as a public auditor shall be under a general duty to carry out such audit with professional integrity.
(7) Any reference in the Principal Act to section 163 of or the Seventh Schedule to that Act shall be construed as references to this section.
Duty of auditors if proper books of account not being kept.
194.—(1) If, at any time, the auditors of a company form the opinion that the company is contravening, or has contravened, section 202 by failing to cause to be kept proper books of account (within the meaning of that section) in relation to the matters specified in subsections (1) and (2) of that section, the auditors shall—
(a) serve a notice on the company as soon as may be stating their opinion, and
(b) not later than 7 days after the service of such notice on the company, notify the registrar of companies in the prescribed form of the notice.
(2) Where the auditors form the opinion that the company has contravened section 202 but that, following such contravention, the directors of the company have taken the necessary steps to ensure that proper books of account are kept as required by that section, subsection (1) (b) shall not apply.
(3) This section shall not require the auditors to make the notifications referred to in subsection (1) if they are of opinion that the contraventions concerned are minor or otherwise immaterial in nature.
(4) A person who contravenes subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence.
Prohibition on acting in relation to audit while disqualification order in force.
195.—(1) If a person who is subject or deemed to be subject to a disqualification order—
(a) becomes, or remains after 28 days from the date of the making of the order, a partner in a firm of auditors,
(b) gives directions or instructions in relation to the conduct of any part of the audit of the accounts of a company, or
(c) works in any capacity in the conduct of an audit of the accounts of a company,
he shall be guilty of an offence.
(2) Where a person is convicted of an offence under subsection (1), the period for which he was disqualified shall be extended for a further period of ten years from such date, or such other further period as the court, on the application of the prosecutor and having regard to all the circumstances of the case, may order.
(3) In this section—
(a) “company” has the meaning assigned to it by section 159, and also includes any society registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies Acts, 1893 to 1978,
(b) “disqualification order” has the meaning assigned to it by section 159.
Powers of auditors in relation to subsidiaries.
196.—(1) Where a company (referred to in this section as “the holding company”) has a subsidiary, then—
(a) in case the subsidiary is a body corporate incorporated in the State, it shall be the duty of the subsidiary and its auditors to give to the auditors of the holding company such information and explanations as those auditors may reasonably require for the purposes of their duties as auditors of the holding company,
(b) in any other case, it shall be the duty of the holding company, if required by its auditors to do so, to take all such steps as are reasonably open to it to obtain from the subsidiary such information and explanations as aforesaid.
(2) If a company or an auditor fails to comply with subsection (1) within five days of the making of the relevant requirement under that subsection, the company and every officer thereof who is in default, or the auditor, as the case may be, shall be guilty of an offence.
(3) In a prosecution for an offence under this section, it shall be a defence for the defendant to show that it was not reasonably possible for him to comply with the requirement under subsection (1) to which the offence relates within the time specified in subsection (2) but that he complied therewith as soon as was reasonably possible after the expiration of such time.
(4) A person guilty of an offence under this section shall be liable to a fine.
Penalty for false statements to auditors.
197.—(1) An officer of a company who knowingly or recklessly makes a statement to which this section applies that is misleading, false or deceptive in a material particular shall be guilty of an offence.
(2) This section applies to any statement made to the auditors of a company (whether orally or in writing) which conveys, or purports to convey, any information or explanation which they require under the Companies Acts, or are entitled so to require, as auditors of the company.
(3) An officer of a company who fails to provide to the auditors of the company or of the holding company of the company, within two days of the making of the relevant requirement, any information or explanations that the auditors require as auditors of the company or of the holding company of the company and that is within the knowledge of or can be procured by the officer shall be guilty of an offence.
(4) In a prosecution for an offence under this section, it shall be a defence for the defendant to show that it was not reasonably possible for him to comply with the requirement under subsection (3) to which the offence relates within the time specified in that subsection but that he complied therewith as soon as was reasonably possible after the expiration of such time.
(5) In this section “officer”, in relation to a company, includes any employee of the company.
Register of auditors.
198.—(1) The registrar of companies shall maintain a register containing the names and addresses of persons who have been notified to him as qualified for appointment as auditor of a company or as a public auditor.
(2) In this section and in section 199, “address”, in relation to a person, means his usual residential or business address.
Transitional provisions concerning register.
199.—(1) Subject to subsection (2), a body of accountants whose recognition has been renewed by the Minister under section 191 (1) or which has been recognised under section 191 (3) shall, within one month after such renewal or recognition, deliver to the registrar of companies the name and address of each of its members who is qualified for appointment under the Companies Acts as auditor of a company or as a public auditor.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), a body of accountants based outside the State, whose recognition is renewed or granted as aforesaid, shall notify details of those of its members who wish to practise in the State.
(3) Every person who, immediately before the commencement of this section, holds an authorisation from the Minister under the Companies Acts to act as auditor of a company or as a public auditor (otherwise than by virtue of membership of a recognised body of accountants) shall, within one month after such commencement, deliver his name and address to the registrar of companies.
(4) If default is made in complying with subsection (1), the body of accountants concerned shall be guilty of an offence.
Duty to keep registrar informed.
200.—(1) Subject to subsection (2), where, by virtue of his becoming a member of a body of accountants, a person (other than a person referred to in section 199 (1)) becomes qualified for appointment as auditor of a company or as a public auditor, the body concerned shall, within one month of his becoming so qualified, deliver his name and address to the registrar of companies for inclusion in the register referred to in section 198.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), a recognised body of accountants based outside the State shall notify details of those of its members who wish to practise in the State.
(3) Every person who, after the commencement of this section, is granted an authorisation by the Minister under the Companies Acts to act as auditor of a company or as a public auditor (otherwise than by virtue of membership of a recognised body of accountants) shall, within one month after such grant, deliver his name and address to the registrar of companies.
(4) If default is made in complying with subsection (1), the body of accountants concerned shall be guilty of an offence.
Power to make supplementary regulations.
201.—(1) The Minister may make such supplementary regulations as he considers necessary for the proper and effective implementation of the Council Directive.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), if, in any respect, any difficulty arises in regard to the implementation of the Directive, the Minister may by regulations do anything which appears to him to be necessary or expedient for removing that difficulty, and any such regulations may modify any provision of this Part so far as may be necessary or expedient to implement the Directive but no regulations shall be made under this subsection in relation to any provision of this Part after the expiration of 3 years commencing on the day on which the relevant provision of this Part came into operation.
(3) Every regulation made by the Minister under this section shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas as soon as may be after it is made and, if a resolution annulling the regulation is passed by either House within the next 21 days on which that House has sat after the regulation is laid before it, the regulation shall be annulled accordingly, but without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done thereunder.
Keeping of books of account.
202.—(1) Every company shall cause to be kept proper books of account, whether in the form of documents or otherwise, that—
(a) correctly record and explain the transactions of the company,
(b) will at any time enable the financial position of the company to be determined with reasonable accuracy,
(c) will enable the directors to ensure that any balance sheet, profit and loss account or income and expenditure account of the company complies with the requirements of the Companies Acts, and
(d) will enable the accounts of the company to be readily and properly audited.
(2) The books of account of a company shall be kept on a continuous and consistent basis, that is to say, the entries therein shall be made in a timely manner and be consistent from one year to the next.
(3) Without prejudice to the generality of subsections (1) and (2), books of account kept pursuant to those subsections shall contain—
(a) entries from day to day of all sums of money received and expended by the company and the matters in respect of which the receipt and expenditure takes place,
(b) a record of the assets and liabilities of the company,
(c) if the company's business involves dealing in goods—
(i) a record of all goods purchased, and of all goods sold (except those sold for cash by way of ordinary retail trade), showing the goods and the sellers and buyers in sufficient detail to enable the goods and the sellers and buyers to be identified and a record of all the invoices relating to such purchases and sales,
(ii) statements of stock held by the company at the end of each financial year and all records of stocktakings from which any such statement of stock has been, or is to be, prepared, and
(d) if the company's business involves the provision of services, a record of the services provided and of all the invoices relating thereto.
(4) For the purposes of subsections (1), (2) and (3), proper books of account shall be deemed to be kept if they comply with those subsections and give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and explain its transactions.
(5) Subject to subsection (6), the books of account shall be kept at the registered office of the company or at such other place as the directors think fit.
(6) If books of account are kept at a place outside the State, there shall be sent to and kept at a place in the State and be at all reasonable times open to inspection by the directors such accounts and returns relating to the business dealt with in the books of account so kept as will disclose with reasonable accuracy the financial position of that business at intervals not exceeding 6 months and will enable to be prepared in accordance with the Companies Acts the company's balance sheet, its profit and loss account or income and expenditure account and any document annexed to any of those documents giving information which is required by the said Acts and is thereby allowed to be so given.
(7) Books of account required by this section to be kept, and accounts and returns referred to in subsection (6), shall be kept either in written form in an official language of the State or so as to enable the books of account and the accounts and returns to be readily accessible and readily convertible into written form in an official language of the State.
(8) A company shall make its books of account, and any accounts and returns referred to in subsection (6), available in written form in an official language of the State at all reasonable times for inspection without charge by the officers of the company and by other persons entitled pursuant to the Companies Acts to inspect the books of account of the company.
(9) A record, being a book of account required by this section to be kept or an account or return referred to in subsection (6), shall be preserved by the company concerned for a period of at least 6 years after the latest date to which it relates.
(10) A company that contravenes this section and a person who, being a director of a company, fails to take all reasonable steps to secure compliance by the company with the requirements of this section, or has by his own wilful act been the cause of any default by the company thereunder, shall be guilty of an offence:
Provided, however, that—
(a) in any proceedings against a person in respect of an offence under this section consisting of a failure to take reasonable steps to secure compliance by a company with the requirements of this section, it shall be a defence to prove that he had reasonable grounds for believing and did believe that a competent and reliable person was charged with the duty of ensuring that those requirements were complied with and was in a position to discharge that duty, and
(b) a person shall not be sentenced to imprisonment for such an offence unless, in the opinion of the court, the offence was committed wilfully.
Liability of officers of company to penalty where proper books of account not kept.
203.—(1) If—
(a) a company that is being wound up and that is unable to pay all of its debts, has contravened section 202, and
(b) the court considers that such contravention has contributed to the company's inability to pay all of its debts or has resulted in substantial uncertainty as to the assets and liabilities of the company or has substantially impeded the orderly winding up thereof,
every officer of the company who is in default shall be guilty of an offence and liable—
(i) on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding £1,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both, or
(ii) on conviction on indictment, to a fine not exceeding £10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or to both.
(2) In a prosecution for an offence under this section it shall be a defence for the person charged with the offence to show that—
(a) he took all reasonable steps to secure compliance by the company with section 202, or
(b) he had reasonable grounds for believing and did believe that a competent and reliable person, acting under the supervision or control of a director of the company who has been formally allocated such responsibility, was charged with the duty of ensuring that that section was complied with and was in a position to discharge that duty.
Personal liability of officers of company where proper books of account not kept.
204.—(1) Subject to subsection (2), if—
(a) a company that is being wound up and that is unable to pay all of its debts has contravened section 202, and
(b) the court considers that such contravention has contributed to the company's inability to pay all of its debts or has resulted in substantial uncertainty as to the assets and liabilities of the company or has substantially impeded the orderly winding up thereof,
the court, on the application of the liquidator or any creditor or contributory of the company, may, if it thinks it proper to do so, declare that any one or more of the officers and former officers of the company who is or are in default shall be personally liable, without any limitation of liability, for all, or such part as may be specified by the court, of the debts and other liabilities of the company.
(2) On the hearing of an application under this subsection, the person bringing the application may himself give evidence or call witnesses.
(3) (a) Where the court makes a declaration under subsection (1), it may give such directions as it thinks proper for the purpose of giving effect to the declaration and in particular may make provision for making the liability of any such person under the declaration a charge on any debt or obligation due from the company to him, or on any mortgage or charge or any interest in any mortgage or charge on any assets of the company held by or vested in him or any company or other person on his behalf, or any person claiming as assignee from or through the person liable under the declaration or any company or person acting on his behalf, and may from time to time make such furtherorder as may be necessary for the purpose of enforcing any charge imposed under this subsection.
(b) In paragraph (a) “assignee” includes any person to whom or in whose favour, by the directions of the person liable, the debt, obligation, mortgage or charge was created, issued or transferred or the interest created, but does not include an assignee for valuable consideration (not including consideration by way of marriage) given in good faith and without notice of any of the matters on the ground of which the declaration is made.
(4) The court shall not make a declaration under subsection (1) in respect of a person if it considers that—
(a) he took all reasonable steps to secure compliance by the company with section 202, or
(b) he had reasonable grounds for believing and did believe that a competent and reliable person, acting under the supervision or control of a director of the company who has been formally allocated such responsibility, was charged with the duty of ensuring that that section was complied with and was in a position to discharge that duty.
(5) This section shall have effect notwithstanding that the person concerned may be criminally liable in respect of the matters on the ground of which the declaration is to be made.
(6) In this section “officer”, in relation to a company, includes a person who has been convicted of an offence under section 194, 197 or 242 in relation to a statement concerning the keeping of proper books of account by the company.
Commencement of Part X.
205.—Each of the following provisions, that is to say sections 202 to 204 shall apply as respects the accounts of a company for each financial year of the company beginning or ending after such date after the commencement of the provision as may be specified by the Minister by order.
PART XI
Acquisition of Own Shares and Shares in Holding Company
Interpretation.
206.—In this Part—
“the Act of 1983” means the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1983;
“company” means a company to which section 207 relates;
“distribution” has the meaning assigned to it by section 51 (2) of the Act of 1983 (as amended by section 232 (d) and (e) of this Act);
“redeemable shares” includes shares which are liable at the option of the company or the shareholder to be redeemed.
Power to issue redeemable shares.
207.—(1) Subject to the provisions of this Part, a company limited by shares or limited by guarantee and having a share capital may, ifso authorised by its articles, issue redeemable shares and redeem them accordingly.
(2) The issue and redemption of shares by a company pursuant to subsection (1) shall be subject to the following conditions—
(a) No redeemable shares shall be issued or redeemed at any time when the nominal value of the issued share capital which is not redeemable is less than one tenth of the nominal value of the total issued share capital of the company.
(b) No such shares shall be redeemed unless they are fully paid.
(c) The terms of redemption must provide for payment on redemption.
(d) (i) Subject to subparagraph (ii), no such shares shall be redeemed otherwise than out of profits available for distribution.
(ii) Where the company proposes to cancel shares on redemption pursuant to section 208, such shares may also be redeemed out of the proceeds of a fresh issue of shares made for the purposes of redemption.
(e) The premium, if any, payable on redemption, must, subject to paragraph (f), have been provided for out of the said profits of the company.
(f) Where the shares were issued at a premium, any premium payable on their redemption (being a redemption to which paragraph (d) (ii) applies) may be paid out of the proceeds of a fresh issue of shares made for the purposes of the redemption, up to an amount equal to—
(i) the aggregate of the premiums received by the company on the issue of the shares redeemed, or
(ii) the current amount of the company's share premium account (including any sum transferred to that account in respect of premiums on the new shares),
whichever is the less, and in any such case the amount of the company's share premium account shall, notwithstanding anything in section 62 (1) of the Principal Act, be reduced by a sum corresponding (or by sums in the aggregate corresponding) to the amount of any payment made by virtue of this paragraph out of the proceeds of the issue of the new shares.
(3) Subject to the provisions of this Part, the redemption of shares may be effected on such terms and in such manner as may be provided by the articles of the company.
Cancellation of shares on redemption.
208.—Shares redeemed pursuant to this Part may be cancelled on redemption, in which case the following provisions shall apply as respects those shares:
(a) The amount of the company's issued share capital shall be reduced by the nominal value of the shares redeemed but no such cancellation shall be taken as reducing the amount of the company's authorised share capital.
(b) Where the shares are—
(i) redeemed wholly out of the profits available for distribution, or
(ii) redeemed wholly or partly out of the proceeds of a fresh issue and the aggregate amount of those proceeds (disregarding any part of those proceeds used to pay any premium on redemption) is less than the aggregate nominal value of the shares redeemed (“the aggregable difference”),
then a sum equal to, in the case of subparagraph (i), the nominal amount of the shares redeemed and, in the case of subparagraph (ii), the aggregable difference shall be transferred to a reserve fund (“the capital redemption reserve fund”) and the provisions of the Principal Act relating to the reduction of the share capital of a company shall, except as provided in this section, apply as if the capital redemption reserve fund were paid-up share capital of the company.
(c) Where a company—
(i) has redeemed and cancelled shares, or
(ii) is about to redeem shares and cancel them upon redemption,
it shall have the power to issue shares up to the nominal amount of the shares redeemed or to be redeemed as if those shares had never been issued and for the purposes of section 68 of the Finance Act, 1973, shares issued by a company in place of shares redeemed under this Part shall constitute a chargeable transaction if, but only if, the actual value of the shares so issued exceeds the actual value of the shares redeemed at the date of their redemption and, where the issue of shares does constitute a chargeable transaction for those purposes, the amount on which stamp duty on the relevant statement relating to that transaction is chargeable under section 69 of the Finance Act, 1973, shall be the difference between—
(I) the amount on which the duty would be so chargeable if the shares had not been issued in place of shares redeemed under this section, and
(II) the value of the shares redeemed at the date of their redemption.
(d) Where new shares are issued before the redemption of the old shares, the new shares shall not, so far as relates to stamp duty, be deemed to have been issued in pursuance of paragraph (c) unless the old shares are redeemed within one month after the issue of the new shares.
(e) The capital redemption reserve fund may, notwithstanding anything in this section, be applied by the company in paying up unissued shares of the company (other than redeemable shares) to be allotted to members of the company as fully paid bonus shares.
Treasury shares.
209.—(1) Subject to the provisions of this section, a company mayinstead of cancelling shares upon their redemption hold them (as “treasury shares”) and shares so held may be dealt with by the company in the manner provided for in subsection (4) but not otherwise.
(2) (a) The nominal value of treasury shares held by a company may not, at any one time, exceed ten per cent of the nominal value of the issued share capital of the company.
(b) For the purposes of paragraph (a), the following shall also be deemed to be shares held by the company—
(i) shares held in the company by any subsidiary in pursuance of section 224, and
(ii) shares held in the company by any subsidiary in pursuance of section 9 of the Insurance Act, 1990, and
(iii) shares held in the company by any person acting in his own name but on the company's behalf.
(3) For so long as the company holds shares as treasury shares—
(a) the company shall not exercise any voting rights in respect of those shares and any purported exercise of those rights shall be void; and
(b) no dividend or other payment (including any payment in a winding up of the company) shall be payable to the company in respect of those shares.
(4) Treasury shares may either be—
(a) cancelled by the company in which case the provisions of section 208 shall apply as if the shares had been cancelled on redemption, or
(b) subject to subsections (5) and (6), may be re-issued as shares of any class or classes.
(5) A re-issue of shares under this section shall be deemed for all the purposes of the Companies Acts to be an issue of shares but the issued share capital of the company shall not be regarded for any purpose (including the purposes of any enactments relating to stamp duties) as having been increased by the re-issue of the shares.
(6) (a) The maximum and minimum prices at which treasury shares may be re-issued off-market (“the re-issue price range”) shall be determined in advance by the company in general meeting in accordance with paragraphs (b), (c) and (d) and such determination may fix different maximum and minimum prices for different shares.
(b) Where the treasury shares to be re-issued are derived in whole or in part from shares purchased by the company in accordance with the provisions of this Part the re-issue price range of the whole or such part (as the case may be) of those shares shall be determined by special resolution of the company passed at the meeting at which the resolution authorising the said purchase has been passed and such determination shall, for the purposes of this subsection, remain effective with respect to those shares for the requisite period.
(c) Where the treasury shares to be re-issued are derived in whole or in part from shares redeemed by the company in accordance with the provisions of this Part the re-issue price range of the whole or such part (as the case may be) of those shares shall be determined by special resolution of the company passed before any contract for the re-issue of those shares is entered into and such determination shall, for the purposes of this subsection, remain effective with respect to those shares for the requisite period.
(d) The company may from time to time by special resolution vary or renew a determination of re-issue price range under paragraph (b) or (c) with respect to particular treasury shares before any contract for re-issue of those shares is entered into and any such variation or renewal shall, for the purposes of this subsection, remain effective as a determination of the re-issue price range of those shares for the requisite period.
(e) (i) For the purposes of determining in this subsection whether treasury shares are re-issued off-market, the provisions of section 212 (off-market and market purchases) shall have effect with the substitution of the words “re-issue”, “off-market re-issue” and “reissued” respectively for the words “purchase”, “off-market purchase” and “purchased” in subsection (1) (a) of that section.
(ii) In this subsection, “the requisite period” means the period of eighteen months from the date of the passing of the resolution determining the re-issue price range or varying or renewing (as the case may be) such determination or such lesser period of time as the resolution may specify.
(7) A re-issue by a company of treasury shares in contravention of any of the provisions of subsection (6) shall be unlawful.
Power to convert shares into redeemable shares.
210.—(1) Subject to subsections (2), (3), (4) and (5) and the provisions of the Companies Acts governing the variation of rights attached to classes of shares and the alteration of a company's memorandum or articles, a company may convert any of its shares into redeemable shares.
(2) A conversion of shares under subsection (1) shall not have effect with respect to any shares, the holder of which notifies the company, before the date of conversion, of his unwillingness to have his shares converted but, subject to that and the other provisions of this section, the conversion shall have effect according to its terms.
(3) Subsection (2) shall not, where a shareholder objects to a conversion, prejudice any right he may have under the Companies Acts or otherwise to invoke the jurisdiction of the court to set aside the conversion or otherwise provide relief in respect thereof.
(4) No shares shall be converted into redeemable shares if as a result of the conversion the nominal value of the issued share capital which is not redeemable would be less than one tenth of the nominal value of the total issued share capital of the company.
(5) The provisions of sections 207, 208 and 209 shall apply to shares which have been converted into redeemable shares under this section.
Power of company to purchase own shares.
211.—(1) Subject to the following provisions of this Part, a company may, if so authorised by its articles, purchase its own shares (including any redeemable shares).
(2) Sections 207 (2), 208 and 209 shall apply in relation to the purchase by a company under this section of any of its own shares as those sections apply in relation to the redemption of shares by a company under section 207.
(3) A company shall not purchase any of its shares under this section if as a result of such purchase the nominal value of the issued share capital which is not redeemable would be less than one tenth of the nominal value of the total issued share capital of the company.
Off-market and market purchases.
212.—(1) For the purposes of sections 213 and 215, a purchase by a company of its own shares is—
(a) an “off-market purchase” if the shares are purchased either—
(i) otherwise than on a recognised stock exchange, or
(ii) on a recognised stock exchange but are not subject to a marketing arrangement on that stock exchange,
(b) a “market purchase” if the shares are purchased on a recognised stock exchange and are subject to a marketing arrangement.
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), a company's shares are subject to a marketing arrangement on a recognised stock exchange if either—
(a) they are listed on that stock exchange, or
(b) the company has been afforded facilities for dealings in those shares to take place on that stock exchange without prior permission for individual transactions from the authority governing that stock exchange and without limit as to the time during which those facilities are to be available.
Authority for off-market purchase.
213.—(1) A company shall not make an off-market purchase of its own shares otherwise than in pursuance of a contract authorised in advance in accordance with this section.
(2) The terms of the proposed contract of purchase shall be authorised by special resolution before the contract is entered into and any such authority may be varied, revoked or from time to time renewed by special resolution.
(3) A special resolution under subsection (2) shall not be effective for the purposes of this section if any member of the company holding shares to which the resolution relates exercises the voting rights carried by any of those shares in voting on the resolution and the resolution would not have been passed if he had not done so.
(4) Notwithstanding anything contained in section 137 of the Principal Act or in a company's articles, any member of the company may demand a poll on a special resolution under subsection (2).
(5) A special resolution under subsection (2) shall not be effective unless a copy of the proposed contract of purchase or, if the contractis not in writing, a written memorandum of its terms is available for inspection by members of the company both—
(a) at the registered office of the company for not less than the period of 21 days ending with the date of the meeting at which the resolution is passed, and
(b) at the meeting itself.
(6) Any memorandum of the terms of the contract of purchase made available for the purposes of this section must include the names of any members holding shares to which the contract relates, and any copy of the contract made available for those purposes must have annexed to it a written memorandum specifying any such names which do not appear in the contract itself.
(7) A company may agree to a variation of an existing contract of purchase approved under this section only if the variation is authorised by special resolution of the company before it is agreed to, and subsections (2) to (5) shall apply in relation to that authority save that a copy or memorandum (as the case may require) of the existing contract must also be available for inspection in accordance with subsection (5).
Contingent purchase contract.
214.—(1) In this section “contingent purchase contract” means a contract entered into by a company and relating to any of its shares which does not amount to a contract to purchase those shares but under which the company may become entitled or obliged to purchase those shares.
(2) A company shall only make a purchase of its own shares in pursuance of a contingent purchase contract if the terms of the contract have been authorised by a special resolution of the company before the contract is entered into and subsections (2) to (7) of section 213 shall apply to such contract and resolution.
Authority for market purchase.
215.—(1) A company shall not make a market purchase of its own shares unless the purchase has first been authorised by the company in general meeting and any such authority may be varied, revoked or from time to time renewed by the company in general meeting. This subsection shall not be construed as requiring any particular contract for the market purchase of shares to be authorised by the company in general meeting and for the purposes of this Part where a market purchase of shares has been authorised in accordance with this section any contract entered into pursuant to that authority in respect of such a purchase shall be deemed also to be so authorised.
(2) Section 143 of the Principal Act shall apply to a resolution under subsection (1).
(3) In the case of a public limited company, any authority granted under subsection (1) shall—
(a) specify the maximum number of shares authorised to be acquired; and
(b) determine both the maximum and minimum prices which may be paid for the shares.
(4) A resolution to which subsection (3) applies may determineeither or both the prices mentioned in paragraph (b) of that subsection by—
(a) specifying a particular sum; or
(b) providing a basis or formula for calculating the amount of the price in question without reference to any person's discretion or opinion.
Duration of authority granted by public limited companies to purchase own shares.
216.—(1) Without prejudice to the generality of sections 213, 214 and 215, in the case of a public limited company, any authority granted under those sections shall specify the date on which the authority is to expire which shall not be later than 18 months after the date on which the special resolution or ordinary resolution, as the case may be, granting the authority is passed.
(2) A public limited company may make a purchase after the expiry of any time limit imposed by virtue of subsection (1) in any case where the contract of purchase was concluded before the authority expired and the terms of the authority permit the company to make a contract of purchase which would or might be executed wholly or partly after the authority expired.
Assignment or release of company's right to purchase own shares.
217.—(1) Any purported assignment of the rights of a company under any contract authorised under section 213, 214 or 215 shall be void.
(2) Nothing in subsection (1) shall prevent a company from releasing its right under any contract authorised under section 213, 214 or 215 provided that, in the case of a contract authorised under section 213 or 214, the release has been authorised by special resolution of the company before the release is entered into, and any such purported release by a company which has not been authorised as aforesaid shall be void.
(3) Subsections (2) to (7) of section 213 shall apply to a resolution under subsection (2).
Incidental payments with respect to purchase of own shares.
218.—(1) Any payment made by a company in consideration of—
(a) acquiring any right with respect to the purchase of its own shares in pursuance of a contract authorised under section 214, or
(b) the variation of a contract authorised under section 213 or 214, or
(c) the release of any of the company's obligations with respect to the purchase of any of its own shares under a contract authorised under section 213, 214 or 215
shall be unlawful if any such payment is made otherwise than out of distributable profits of the company.
(2) If the requirements of subsection (1) are not satisfied in relation to a contract—
(a) in a case to which paragraph (a) of that subsection applies, no purchase by the company of its own shares in pursuance of that contract shall be lawful under this Part;
(b) in a case to which paragraph (b) of that subsection applies, no such purchase following the variation shall be lawful under this Part; and
(c) in a case to which paragraph (c) of that subsection applies, the purported release shall be void.
Effect of company's failure to redeem or purchase.
219.—(1) This section applies to—
(a) redeemable shares issued after the coming into operation of this Part;
(b) shares which have been converted into redeemable shares pursuant to section 210; and
(c) shares which a company has agreed to purchase pursuant to section 213, 214 or 215.
(2) Without prejudice to any other right of the holder of any shares to which this section applies a company shall not be liable in damages in respect of any failure on its part to redeem or purchase any such shares.
(3) The court shall not grant an order for specific performance of the terms of redemption or purchase of the shares to which this section applies if the company shows that it is unable to meet the cost of redeeming or purchasing the shares out of profits available for distribution.
(4) Where at the commencement of the winding up of a company any shares to which this section applies have not been redeemed or purchased then, subject to subsections (5), (6) and (7), the terms of redemption or purchase may be enforced against the company and the shares when so redeemed or purchased under this subsection shall be treated as cancelled.
(5) Subsection (4) shall not apply if—
(a) the terms of redemption or purchase provided for the redemption or purchase to take place at a date later than that of the commencement of the winding-up, or
(b) during the period beginning with the date on which the redemption or purchase was to have taken place and ending with the commencement of the winding-up the company could not at any time have lawfully made a distribution equal in value to the price at which the shares were to have been redeemed or purchased.
(6) There shall be paid in priority to any amount for which the company is liable by virtue of subsection (4) to pay in respect of any shares—
(a) all other debts and liabilities of the company other than any due to members in their character as such, and
(b) if other shares carry rights, whether as to capital or to income, which are preferred to the rights as to capital attaching to the first mentioned shares, any amount due in satisfaction of those preferred rights,
but subject as aforesaid, any such amount shall be paid in priority toany amounts due to members in satisfaction of their rights (whether as to capital or income) as members.
(7) Where by virtue of the application by section 284 of the Principal Act of the rules of bankruptcy in the winding-up of insolvent companies a creditor of a company is entitled to payment of any interest only after payment of all other debts of the company, the company's debts and liabilities shall for the purposes of subsection (6) include the liability to pay that interest.
Redemption of existing redeemable preference shares.
220.—Section 64 of the Principal Act is hereby repealed but any redeemable preference shares issued by a company limited by shares before the coming into operation of this Part which could but for the repeal of section 64 have been redeemed under that section shall be subject to redemption in accordance with the provisions of this Part save that any premium payable on redemption may, notwithstanding section 207 (2) (e) and (f), be paid out of the share premium account instead of out of profits or may be paid partly out of that account and partly out of profits available for distribution.
Construction of references to redeemable preference shares.
221.—A reference to redeemable preference shares in—
(a) section 69 (1) (e) of, and the Second, Third, Fourth and Sixth Schedules to, the Principal Act, and
(b) section 55 (1) (h) of the Act of 1983,
shall be construed as a reference to redeemable shares.
Retention and inspection of documents.
222.—(1) Every company which enters into a contract under section 213, 214 or 215 shall, until the expiration of ten years after the contract has been fully performed, keep at its registered office a copy of that contract or, if it is not in writing, a memorandum of its terms.
(2) Every document required to be kept under subsection (1) shall during business hours (subject to such reasonable restrictions as the company in general meeting may impose, so that not less than 2 hours in each day be allowed for inspection) be open to the inspection of any member and, if the company is a public limited company, of any other person.
(3) If a company fails to comply with this section, the company and every officer of the company who is in default shall be guilty of an offence.
(4) In the case of a refusal of an inspection of a document required under subsection (2), the court may, on the application of a person who has requested an inspection and has been refused, by order require the company to allow the inspection of that document.
Application of section 108 (6) to dealings by company in its own securities.
223.—Subsection (6) of section 108, in its application to dealings by a company in its own securities, shall not preclude a company from dealing in its own shares at any time by reason only of information in the possession of an officer of that company if—
(a) the decision to enter into the transaction was taken on its behalf by a person other than the officer, and
(b) the information was not communicated to that person and no advice relating to the transaction was given to him by a person in possession of the information.
Holding by subsidiary of shares in its holding company.
224.—(1) Notwithstanding sections 32 and 60 of the Principal Act a company may, subject to the provisions of this section, acquire and hold shares in a company which is its holding company.
(2) The acquisition and holding by a subsidiary under subsection (1) of shares in its holding company shall be subject to the following conditions:
(a) The consideration for the acquisition of such shares shall be provided for out of the profits of the subsidiary available for distribution.
(b) Upon the acquisition of such shares and for so long as the shares are held by the subsidiary—
(i) the profits of the subsidiary available for distribution shall for all purposes be restricted by a sum equal to the total cost of the shares acquired;
(ii) the shares shall, for the purposes of the consolidated accounts prepared by the holding company in accordance with sections 150 to 152 of the Principal Act, be treated in the same manner as is required in respect of shares held as treasury shares under section 43A of the Act of 1983 (inserted by section 232 (c) of this Act); and
(iii) the subsidiary shall not exercise any voting rights in respect of the shares and any purported exercise of those rights shall be void.
(3) A contract for the acquisition (whether by allotment or transfer) by a subsidiary of shares in its holding company shall not be entered into without being authorised in advance both by the subsidiary and its holding company and the provisions of sections 212 to 217 shall apply, with the necessary modifications, to the granting, variation, revocation and release of such authority.
(4) For the purposes of this section, a subsidiary's profits available for distribution shall not include the profits attributable to any shares in the subsidiary for the time being held by the subsidiary's holding company so far as they are profits for the period before the date on or from which the shares were acquired by the holding company.
(5) This section shall not apply to shares held by a subsidiary in its holding company in the circumstances permitted by section 32 of the Principal Act.
(6) This section, except subsection (2) (b) (iii), shall not apply to shares subscribed for, purchased or held by a subsidiary in its holding company pursuant to section 9 (1) of the Insurance Act, 1990.
Civil liability for improper purchase in holding company.
225.—(1) Where the winding-up of a company which has acquired shares in its holding company in accordance with section 224 commences within six months after such acquisition and the company is at the time of the commencement of the winding-up unable to pay its debts (taking into account the contingent and prospective liabilities), the court, on the application of a liquidator, creditor, employee or contributory of the company, may subject to subsection (2), declare that the directors of the company shall be jointly and severally liable to repay to the company the total amount paid by the company for the shares.
(2) Where it appears to the court that any person in respect of whom a declaration has been sought under subsection (1) believed on reasonable grounds that the said purchase was in the best interests of the company, the court may relieve him, either wholly or in part, from personal liability on such terms as it may think fit.
Return to be made to registrar.
226.—(1) Every company which has purchased shares pursuant to this Part shall, within 28 days after delivery to the company of those shares, deliver to the registrar for registration a return in the prescribed form stating with respect to shares of each class purchased the number and nominal value of those shares and the date on which they were delivered to the company.
(2) In the case of a public limited company, the return shall also state—
(a) the aggregate amount paid by the company for the shares, and
(b) the maximum and minimum prices paid in respect of each class purchased.
(3) Particulars of shares delivered to the company on different dates and under different contracts may be included in a single return to the registrar, and in such a case the amount required to be stated under subsection (2) (a) shall be the aggregate amount paid by the company for all the shares to which the return relates.
(4) If a company fails to comply with the requirements of this section, the company and every officer who is in default shall be guilty of an offence.
(5) Summary proceedings in relation to an offence under this section may be brought and prosecuted by the registrar of companies.
Amendment of section 89 of the Principal Act.
227.—The following section is hereby substituted for section 89 of the Principal Act:
“Validation of invalid issue, redemption or purchase of shares.
89.—(1) If a company has created or issued shares in its capital, or acquired any of its shares by a redemption or purchase in purported compliance with Part XI of the Companies Act, 1990, and if there is reason to apprehend that such shares were invalidly created, issued or acquired as aforesaid, the court may, on the application of the company, any holder or former holder of such shares or any member or former member or creditor, or the liquidator, of the company, declare that such creation, issue or acquisition shall be valid for all purposes if the court is satisfied that it would be just and equitable to do so and thereupon such shares shall from the creation, issue or acquisition thereof, as the case may be, be deemed to have been validly created, issued or acquired.
(2) Where shares have been redeemed or purchased in contravention of paragraph (d), (e) or (f) of section 207 (2) or section 207 (3) of the Companies Act, 1990, then the court shall not make a declaration under subsection (1) above in respect of those shares.
(3) The grant of relief by the court under this section shall, if the court so directs, not have the effect of relieving the company or its officers of any liability incurred under section 41 (3) of the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1983.”.
Regulations as to purchase of shares.
228.—(1) The Minister may make regulations governing the purchase by companies of their own shares or of shares in their holding company and the sale by companies of their own shares held as treasury shares and such regulations may relate to companies in general or to a particular category or class of company.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), regulations under this section may provide for in particular—
(a) the class or description of shares which may (or may not) be purchased or sold,
(b) the price at which they may be purchased or sold,
(c) the timing of such purchases or sales,
(d) the method by which the shares may be purchased or sold, and
(e) the volume of trading in the shares which may be carried out by companies.
(3) If a company fails to comply with the provisions of regulations made under this section, the company and every officer who is in default shall be guilty of an offence.
Duty of company to notify stock exchange.
229.—(1) Whenever shares for which dealing facilities are provided on a recognised stock exchange have been purchased either by the company which issued the shares or by a company which is that company's subsidiary, the company whose shares have been purchased shall be under an obligation to notify that stock exchange of that matter; and the stock exchange may publish, in such manner as it may determine, any information received by it under this subsection.
(2) An obligation imposed by subsection (1) shall be fulfilled before the end of the day next following that on which it arises.
(3) If default is made in complying with this section, the company and every officer of the company who is in default shall be guilty of an offence.
Duty of stock exchange in relation to unlawful purchases.
230.—(1) If it appears to a relevant authority of a recognised stock exchange that a company in the case of whose shares dealing facilities have been provided on that stock exchange has committed an offence under section 228 or 229, such authority shall forthwith report the matter to the Director of Public Prosecutions and shall furnish to theDirector of Public Prosecutions such information and give to him such access to and facilities for inspecting and taking copies of any documents, being information or documents in the possession or under the control of such authority and relating to the matter in question, as the Director of Public Prosecutions may require.
(2) Where it appears to a member of a recognised stock exchange that any person has committed an offence under section 228 or 229, he shall report the matter forthwith to a relevant authority of the recognised stock exchange concerned, who shall thereupon come under the duty referred to in subsection (1).
(3) If it appears to a court in any proceedings that any person has committed an offence as aforesaid, and that no report relating to the matter has been made to the Director of Public Prosecutions under subsection (1), that court may, on the application of any person interested in the proceedings concerned or of its own motion, direct a relevant authority of the recognised stock exchange concerned to make such a report, and on a report being made accordingly, this section shall have effect as though the report had been made in pursuance of subsection (1).
(4) If, where any matter is reported or referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions under this section, he considers that the case is one in which a prosecution ought to be instituted and institutes proceedings accordingly, it shall be the duty of a relevant authority of the recognised stock exchange concerned, and of every officer of the company whose shares are concerned, and of any other person who appears to the Director of Public Prosecutions to have relevant information (other than any defendant in the proceedings) to give all assistance in connection with the prosecution which he or they are reasonably able to give.
(5) If it appears to the Minister, arising from a complaint to a relevant authority of a recognised stock exchange concerning an alleged offence under section 228 or 229, that there are circumstances suggesting that—
(a) the relevant authority ought to use its powers under this section but has not done so, or
(b) that a report ought to be made to the Director of Public Prosecutions under subsection (1), but that the relevant authority concerned has not so reported,
he may request the relevant authority to use such powers or make such a report, and on a report being made accordingly, this section shall have effect as though the report had been made in pursuance of subsection (1).
(6) Where the Minister makes a request under subsection (5), the relevant authority concerned shall communicate the results of its investigations, or a copy of its report under subsection (1), as the case may be, to the Minister.
(7) A relevant authority of a recognised stock exchange shall not be liable in damages in respect of anything done or omitted to be done by the authority in connection with the exercise by it of its functions under this section unless the act or omission complained of was done or omitted to be done in bad faith.
(8) For the purposes of this section each of the following shall be a “relevant authority” in relation to a recognised stock exchange—
(i) its board of directors, committee of management or other management body,
(ii) its manager, however described.
(9) A relevant authority shall have the same powers and duties for the purposes of this section as it has under sections 117 and 120.
(10) Where the Minister considers it necessary or expedient to do so for the proper and effective administration of this section, he may make such regulations as he thinks appropriate in relation to—
(a) the powers of authorised persons, or
(b) the matters in respect of which, or the persons from whom, authorised persons may require information under section 117, as applied by subsection (9).
Amendments to the Principal Act in respect of share capital.
231.—(1) The Principal Act is hereby amended—
(a) in section 62 (1) by the insertion after “except as provided in this section” of “and section 207 (2) of the Companies Act, 1990,”;
(b) in section 62 (2) by the deletion of “preference” where it first appears and the insertion after “on redemption of any redeemable preference shares” of “in pursuance of section 220 of the Companies Act, 1990,”; and
(c) in section 72 (1) by the deletion of “to purchase any of its shares or”.
(2) The Sixth Schedule to the Principal Act is hereby amended by the substitution of the following subparagraph for subparagraph (d) of paragraph 12:
“(d) the amounts respectively provided for purchase of the company's share capital, for redemption of share capital and for redemption of loans;”.
Amendments to the Act of 1983.
232.—The Act of 1983 is hereby amended—
(a) by the substitution in section 41 (4) of the following paragraph for, paragraph (a):
“(a) the redemption of preference shares in pursuance of section 65 of the Principal Act or the redemption or purchase of shares in pursuance of Part XI of the Companies Act, 1990;”;
(b) by the deletion of section 43 (13);
(c) by the insertion after section 43 of the following new section:
“Accounting for own shares.
43A.—Where a company or a nominee of a company holds shares in the company or an interest in such shares, such shares shall not be shown in the balance sheet of the company as an asset, but—
(a) the deduction of the cost of the acquired shares from the profits available for distribution, and
(b) the nominal value of such shares,
shall be disclosed in the notes to the accounts and the profits available for distribution shall accordingly be restricted by the amount of such deduction.”;
(d) by the substitution in section 51 (2) of the following paragraph for paragraph (b):
“(b) the redemption of preference shares pursuant to section 65 of the Principal Act out of the proceeds of a fresh issue of shares made for the purposes of redemption;”; and
(e) by the addition of the following paragraph after the paragraph inserted by paragraph (d):
“(bb) the redemption or purchase of shares pursuant to Part XI of the Companies Act, 1990 out of the proceeds of a fresh issue of shares made for the purposes of the redemption or purchase and the payment of any premium out of the company's share premium account on a redemption pursuant to section 220 in the said Part;”.
Amendments to the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1986.
233.—(1) Section 14 of the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1986, is hereby amended—
(a) in paragraph (vi) by the substitution of “acquisition or disposal” for “disposal”; and
(b) by the insertion of the following paragraph after paragraph (vi):
“(vii) the reasons for the acquisition, lien or charge, as the case may be.”.
(2) Part I of the Schedule to the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1986, is hereby amended—
(a) by the deletion in Format 1 of the balance sheet formats of items A.III.7, B. III. 2 and H.IV. 2;
(b) by the deletion in Format 2 of the balance sheet formats—
(i) under “Assets”, of items A.III.7 and B.III.2 (Assets), and
(ii) under “Liabilities”, of item A.IV.2; and
(c) by the deletion of note (3) in the notes on the balance sheet formats following the aforesaid formats.
(3) Part IV of the Schedule to the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1986, is hereby amended—
(a) by the insertion of the following paragraph after paragraph 32:
“32A. Particulars of any restriction on profits available for distribution by virtue of section 224 (2) (b) (i) of the Companies Act, 1990, must also be stated.”; and
(b) by the substitution of the following subparagraph for subparagraph (3) of paragraph 39:
“(3) The amounts respectively provided for the purchase of the company's share capital, for redemption of share capital and for redemption of loans.”.
Offences under this Part.
234.—(1) A company which contravenes any of the following provisions shall be guilty of an offence, namely sections 207 to 211, 218 and 222 to 224.
(2) Section 241 shall apply to an offence under this Part.
PART XII
General
Amendment of section 2 of the Principal Act.
235.—(1) Unless the context otherwise requires, “the court”, used in any provision of the Companies Acts in relation to a company, means—
(a) the High Court, or
(b) where another court is prescribed for the purposes of that provision, that court.
(2) The definition of “the court” in subsection (1) is in substitution for the definition in section 2 (1) of the Principal Act.
Qualifications of secretary of public limited company.
236.—It shall be the duty of the directors of a public limited company to take all reasonable steps to secure that the secretary (or each joint secretary) of the company is a person who appears to them to have the requisite knowledge and experience to discharge the functions of secretary of the company and who—
(a) on the commencement of this section held the office of secretary of the company; or
(b) for at least three years of the five years immediately preceding his appointment as secretary held the office of secretary of a company; or
(c) is a member of a body for the time being recognised for the purposes of this section by the Minister; or
(d) is a person who, by virtue of his holding or having held any other position or his being a member of any other body,appears to the directors to be capable of discharging those functions.
Qualifications of liquidators and receivers.
237.—(1) The Minister may, if he considers it necessary or expedient to do so in the interests of the orderly and proper regulation of the winding-up of companies generally, by regulations add to the list of persons in section 300A of the Principal Act (inserted by section 146) who shall not be qualified for appointment as liquidator of a company.
(2) The Minister may, if he considers it necessary or expedient to do so in the interests of the orderly and proper regulation of receiverships generally, by regulations add to the list of persons in section 315 of the Principal Act (inserted by section 170) who shall not be qualified for appointment as receiver of the property of a company.
(3) Every regulation made by the Minister under this section shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas as soon as may be after it is made and, if a resolution annulling the regulation is passed by either House within the next 21 days on which that House has sat after the regulation is laid before it, the regulation shall be annulled accordingly, but without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done thereunder.
Amendment of section 61 of the Principal Act.
238.—Section 61 of the Principal Act is hereby amended by the insertion after subsection (2) of the following subsection:
“(3) As respects debentures which, under the terms of issue, must be repaid within five years of the date of issue, an offer for subscription or sale to a person whose ordinary business is to buy or sell shares or debentures (whether as principal or agent) shall not be deemed an offer to the public for the purposes of this Part.”.
Power to make regulations for transfer of securities.
239.—(1) The Minister may make provision by regulations for enabling title to securities to be evidenced and transferred without a written instrument.
(2) In this section—
(a) “securities” means shares, stock, debentures, debenture stock, loan stock, bonds, units in undertakings for collective investments in transferable securities within the meaning of the European Communities (Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities) Regulations, 1989 (S.I. No. 78 of 1989), and other securities of any description;
(b) references to title to securities include any legal or equitable interest in securities; and
(c) references to a transfer of title include a transfer by way of security.
(3) The regulations may make provision—
(a) for procedures for recording and transferring title to securities, and
(b) for the regulation of those procedures and the persons responsible for or involved in their operation, and
(c) for dispensing with the obligations of a company under section 86 of the Principal Act to issue certificates and providing for alternative procedures.
(4) The regulations shall contain such safeguards as appear to the Minister appropriate for the protection of investors and for ensuring that competition is not restricted, distorted or prevented.
(5) (a) The regulations may for the purpose of enabling or facilitating the operation of the new procedures make provision with respect to the rights and obligations of persons in relation to securities dealt with under the procedures.
(b) The regulations shall be framed so as to secure that the rights and obligations in relation to securities dealt with under the new procedures correspond, so far as practicable, with those which would arise apart from any regulations under this section.
(6) (a) The regulations may include such supplementary, incidental and transitional provisions as appear to the Minister to be necessary or expedient.
(b) In particular, provision may be made for the purpose of giving effect to—
(i) the transmission of title of securities by operation of law;
(ii) any restriction on the transfer of title to securities arising by virtue of the provisions of any enactment or instrument, court order or agreement;
(iii) any power conferred by any such provision on a person to deal with securities on behalf of the person entitled.
(7) The regulations may for the purposes mentioned in this section make provision with respect, to the persons who are to be responsible for the operation of the new procedures and for those purposes may empower the Minister to delegate to any person willing and able to discharge them any functions of his under the regulations.
(8) The regulations may make different provision for different cases.
(9) Every regulation made under this section shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas as soon as may be after it is made and if a resolution annulling the regulation is passed by either such House within the next twenty-one days on which that House has sat after the regulation is laid before it, the regulation shall be annulled accordingly, but without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done thereunder.
Offences.
240.—(1) A person guilty under any provision of the Companies Acts of an offence for which no punishment is specifically provided shall be liable—
(a) on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding £1,000 or, atthe discretion of the court, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both, or
(b) on conviction on indictment, to a fine not exceeding £10,000 or, at the discretion of the court, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years or to both.
(2) A person guilty under any provision of the Companies Acts of an offence made punishable by a fine of an unspecified amount shall be liable—
(a) on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £1,000, or
(b) on conviction on indictment, to a fine not exceeding £10,000.
(3) Every offence under the Companies Acts made punishable by a fine not exceeding £1,000 or by imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months, or by both, may be prosecuted summarily.
(4) Summary proceedings in relation to an offence under the Companies Acts may be brought and prosecuted by the Director of Public Prosecutions or the Minister.
(5) Notwithstanding section 10 (4) of the Petty Sessions (Ireland) Act, 1851, summary proceedings for an offence under the Companies Acts may be instituted within 3 years from the date of the offence.
(6) Where, in relation to a contravention of any provision of the Companies Acts, it is provided that for continued contravention a person shall be liable to a daily default fine, he shall be guilty of contravening the provision on every day on which the contravention continues after conviction of the original contravention and for each such offence he shall be liable to a fine not exceeding the amount specified in the provision, instead of the penalty specified for the original contravention.
Offences by certain bodies.
241.—(1) Where an offence under section 19, 21, 79 or 242 which is committed by a body to which any such section applies is proved to have been committed with the consent or connivance of or to be attributable to any neglect on the part of any person being a director, manager, secretary or other officer of the body, or any person who was purporting to act in any such capacity, that person shall also be guilty of an offence under that section.
(2) Where the affairs of a body are managed by its members, subsection (1) shall apply in relation to the acts and defaults of a member in connection with his functions of management as if he were a director or manager of the body.
Furnishing false information.
242.—(1) A person who, in purported compliance with any provision of the Companies Acts, answers a question, provides an explanation, makes a statement or produces, lodges or delivers any return, report, certificate, balance sheet or other document false in a material particular, knowing it to be false, or recklessly answers a question, provides an explanation, makes a statement or produces, lodges or delivers any such document false in a material particular shall be guilty of an offence.
(2) Where a person is guilty of an offence under subsection (1) and the court is of opinion that any act, omission or conduct which constituted that offence has—
(a) substantially contributed to a company being unable to pay its debts;
(b) prevented or seriously impeded the orderly winding-up of the company; or
(c) substantially facilitated the defrauding of the creditors of the company or creditors of any other person,
that person shall be liable on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 years or to a fine not exceeding £10,000 or to both.
Penalisation of destruction, mutilation or falsification of documents.
243.—(1) A person, being an officer of any such body as is mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (e) of section 19 (1) who destroys, mutilates or falsifies, or is privy to the destruction, mutilation or falsification of any book or document affecting or relating to the property or affairs of the body, or makes or is privy to the making of a false entry therein, shall, unless he proves that he had no intention to defeat the law, be guilty of an offence.
(2) Any such person who fraudulently either parts with, alters or makes an omission in any such book or document, or who is privy to fraudulent parting with, fraudulent altering or fraudulent making of an omission in, any such book or document, shall be guilty of an offence.
Increase of penalties.
244.—Sections 125 (2), 126 (4), 127 (2) and 128 (3) of the Principal Act shall have effect as if for the sums mentioned therein there were substituted “£1,000” in each case.
Amendment of section 12 of Companies (Amendment) Act, 1982.
245.—Section 12 (1) of the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1982 (which relates to failure to make annual returns) is hereby amended by the substitution for “three consecutive years” of “two consecutive years”.
Restoration to register of company struck off.
246.—The Principal Act is hereby amended by the insertion after section 311 of the following section—
“311A.—(1) Without prejudice to the provisions of section 311 (8) of this Act and section 12 (6) of the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1982, if a company feels aggrieved by having been struck off the register, the registrar of companies, on an application made in the prescribed form by the company before the expiration of twelve months after the publication in Iris Oifigiúil of the notice striking the company name from the register, and provided he has received all annual returns outstanding, if any, from the company, may restore the name of the company to the register.
(2) Upon the registration of an application under subsection (1) and on payment of such fees as may be prescribed, the company shall be deemed to have continued in existence as if its name had not been struck off.
(3) Subject to any order made by the court in the matter, the restoration of the name of a company to the register under this section shall not affect the rights or liabilities of the company in respect of any debt or obligation incurred, or any contract entered into by, to, with or on behalf of, the company between the date of its dissolution and the date of such restoration.”.
System of classification of information.
247.—(1) Where, under the Companies Acts, any information relating to any person is required to be delivered to the registrar of companies and is so received by him, the registrar may apply such system of classification as he considers appropriate to such information and may assign symbols of identification to persons or classes of persons to whom any such information relates.
(2) The Minister may make regulations requiring that the symbol assigned under subsection (1) to any person or persons of any class shall be entered on all documents which, under any provision of the Companies Acts, are required to contain the name of that person.
(3) Regulations under subsection (2) may, in particular, specify particular persons whose duty it shall be to comply or ensure compliance with the regulations.
(4) A person who makes default in complying with regulations under subsection (2) shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine.
Delivery to the registrar of documents in legible form.
248.—(1) This section applies to the delivery to the registrar under any provision of the Companies Acts of documents in legible form.
(2) The document must—
(a) state in a prominent position the registered number of the company to which it relates,
(b) satisfy any requirements prescribed for the purposes of this section as to the form and content of the document, and
(c) conform to such requirements as may be prescribed for the purpose of enabling the registrar to copy the document.
(3) If a document is delivered to the registrar which does not comply with the requirements of this section, he may serve on the person by whom the document was delivered (or, if there are two or more such persons, on any of them) a notice indicating the respect in which the document does not comply.
(4) Where the registrar serves such notice, then, unless a replacement document—
(a) is delivered to him within 14 days after the service of the notice, and
(b) complies with the requirement of this section or is not rejected by him for failure to comply with those requirements,
the original document shall be deemed not to have been delivered to him.
(5) For the purposes of any provision imposing a penalty for failure to deliver a document, so far as it imposes a penalty for continued contravention, no account shall be taken of the period between the delivery of the original document and the end of the period of 14 days after the service of the registrar's notice under subsection (3).
(6) Regulations made for the purposes of this section may make different provision as to the form and content of the document with respect to different descriptions of document.
(7) Every regulation made under this section shall be laid beforeeach House of the Oireachtas as soon as may be after it is made and if a resolution annulling the regulation is passed by either such House within the next twenty-one days on which that House has sat after the regulation is laid before it, the regulation shall be annulled accordingly, but without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done thereunder.
(8) In this section, “document” includes any periodic account, abstract, statement or return required to be delivered to the registrar.
Delivery to the registrar of documents otherwise than in legible form.
249.—(1) This section applies to the delivery to the registrar under any provision of the Companies Acts of documents otherwise than in legible form (whether by electronic means or otherwise).
(2) Any requirement to deliver a document to the registrar, or to deliver a document in the prescribed form, shall be satisfied by the communication to the registrar of the requisite information in any non-legible form prescribed for the purposes of this section.
(3) Where any document is required to be signed or sealed, it shall instead be authenticated in such manner as may be prescribed for the purposes of this section.
(4) The document must—
(a) contain in a prominent position the registered number of the company to which it relates,
(b) satisfy any requirements prescribed for the purposes of this section, and
(c) be furnished in such manner and conform to such requirements as may be prescribed for the purposes of enabling the registrar to read and copy the document.
(5) If a document is delivered to the registrar which does not comply with the requirements of this section, he may serve on the person by whom the document was delivered (or if there are two or more such persons, on any of them) a notice indicating the respect in which the document does not comply.
(6) Where the registrar serves such notice, then, unless a replacement document—
(a) is delivered to him within 14 days after the service of the notice, and
(b) complies with the requirement of this section or is not rejected by him for failure to comply with those requirements,
the original document shall be deemed not to have been delivered to him.
(7) For the purposes of any provision imposing a penalty for failure to deliver a document, so far as it imposes a penalty for continued contravention, no account shall be taken of the period between the delivery of the original document and the end of the period of 14 days after the service of the registrar's notice under subsection (5).
(8) The Minister may by regulations make further provision with respect to the application of this section in relation to instantaneous forms of communication.
(9) Regulations made for the purpose of this section may make different provision with respect to different descriptions of documents and different forms of communication.
(10) Every regulation made under this section shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas as soon as may be after it is made and if a resolution annulling the regulation is passed by either such House within the next twenty-one days on which that House has sat after the regulation is laid before it, the regulation shall be annulled accordingly, but without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done thereunder.
(11) In this section, “document” includes any periodic account, abstract, statement or return required to be delivered to the registrar.
Amendment of section 377 of, and Ninth Schedule to, the Principal Act.
250.—(1) The Principal Act is hereby amended—
(a) by the substitution for section 377 (1) of the following subsection—
“(1) The provisions specified in the Ninth Schedule shall apply to all bodies corporate incorporated in and having a principal place of business in the State, other than those mentioned in subsection (2), as if they were companies registered under this Act and subject to such adaptations and modifications (if any) as may be prescribed.”, and
(b) by the substitution for the Ninth Schedule of the provisions set out in the Schedule to this Act.
(2) The Minister may, if he considers it necessary to do so in the interests of the orderly and proper regulation of the business of unregistered companies, make regulations adding to, or subtracting from, the list of the provisions of the Companies Acts specified in the Ninth Schedule to the Principal Act.
(3) Every regulation made by the Minister under this section shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas as soon as may be after it is made and, if a resolution annulling the regulation is passed by either House within the next 21 days on which that House has sat after the regulation is laid before it, the regulation shall be annulled accordingly, but without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done thereunder.
Application of certain provisions to companies not in liquidation.
251.—(1) This section applies in relation to a company that is not being wound up where—
(a) execution or other process issued on a judgment, decree or order of any court in favour of a creditor of the company is returned unsatisfied in whole or in part; or
(b) it is proved to the satisfaction of the court that the company is unable to pay its debts, taking into account the contingent and prospective liabilities of the company, and
it appears to the court that the reason or the principal reason for its not being wound up is the insufficiency of its assets.
(2) The following sections, with the necessary modifications, shall apply to a company to which this section applies, notwithstanding that it is not being wound up—
(a) sections 139, 140, 203, and 204 of this Act, and
(b) the provisions of the Principal Act mentioned in the Table to this section.
(3) References in the sections mentioned in subsection (2) to the commencement of the winding-up of a company, the appointment of a provisional liquidator or the making of a winding up order and to the “relevant date” shall, for the purposes of this section, be construed as references to the date—
(a) of the judgment, decree or order mentioned in subsection (1) (a); or
(b) on which the court determines that the company is unable to pay its debts.
(4) Where, by virtue of this section, proceedings are instituted under section 139, 140 or 204 of this Act or section 245A, 297A or 298 of the Principal Act, section 297A (7) (b) of the Principal Act shall apply in relation to any order made as a result of those proceedings.
(5) Where section 295 of the Principal Act is applied by virtue of this section, it shall apply as if the words “which is subsequently ordered to be wound up or subsequently passes a resolution for voluntary winding-up” were deleted therefrom
TABLE
Sections of Principal Act to which this section applies
Section | Subject | Comment |
243 | Inspection of books by creditors and contributories | |
245 | Power of court to summon persons for examination | Inserted by section 126 of this Act |
245A | Order for payment or delivery of property against person examined under section 245 | Inserted by section 127 of this Act |
247 | Power to arrest absconding contributory | |
295 | Frauds by officers of companies which have gone into liquidation | |
297 | Criminal liability for fraudulent trading | Inserted by section 137 of this Act |
297A | Civil liability for fraudulent trading | Inserted by section 138 of this Act |
298 | Power of court to assess damages against directors | Amended by section 142 of this Act |
PART XIII
Investment Companies
Interpretation of this Part.
252.—(1) In this Part—
“the Bank” means the Central Bank of Ireland;
“investment company” means a company to which this Part applies and “company” shall be construed accordingly;
“property” means real or personal property of whatever kind (including securities);
“the UCITS Regulations” means the European Communities (Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities) Regulations, 1989 (S.I. No. 78 of 1989).
(2) For the purposes of the application by this Part of certain provisions of the UCITS Regulations to investment companies, the said provisions shall be construed as one with the Companies Acts.
Share capital of investment companies.
253.—(1) Notwithstanding anything in the Companies Acts, the memorandum of a company to which this Part applies may in respect of the share capital of the company state in lieu of the matters specified in paragraph (a) of section 6 (4) of the Principal Act—
(a) that the share capital of the company shall be equal to the value for the time being of the issued share capital of the company, and
(b) the division of that share capital into a specified number of shares without assigning any nominal value thereto,
and the form of memorandum set out in Table B of the First Schedule to the Principal Act or Part I of the Second Schedule to the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1983, as may be appropriate, shall have effect with respect to such company with the necessary modifications.
(2) This Part applies to a company limited by shares (not being a company to which the UCITS Regulations apply)—
(a) the sole object of which is stated in its memorandum to be the collective investment of its funds in property with the aim of spreading investment risk and giving members of the company the benefit of the results of the management of its funds; and
(b) the articles or memorandum of which provide—
(i) that the actual value of the paid up share capital of the company shall be at all times equal to the value of the assets of any kind of the company after the deduction of its liabilities, and
(ii) that the shares of the company shall, at the request of any of the holders thereof, be purchased by the company directly or indirectly out of the company's assets.
(3) For the purposes of subsection (2) (b) (ii), action taken by a company to ensure that the stock exchange value of its shares does not deviate from its net asset value by more than a percentage specified in its articles (which deviation shall not be so specified as greater than 5 per cent) shall be regarded as the equivalent of purchase of its shares by the company.
(4) The memorandum or articles of a company shall be regarded as providing for the matters referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b) of subsection (2) notwithstanding the inclusion in the memorandum or articles with respect thereto of incidental or supplementary provisions.
(5) In the Companies Acts—
(a) a reference to a company limited by shares shall be construed as including an investment company within the meaning of this Part and a reference to a share in, or the share capital of, a company limited by shares shall be construed accordingly, and
(b) a reference to the nominal value of an issued or allotted share in, or of the issued or allotted share capital of, a company limited by shares shall be construed, in the case of an investment company, as a reference to the value of the consideration for which the share or share capital (as the case may be) has been issued or allotted.
Power of company to purchase own shares.
254.—(1) Subject to subsection (2), the purchase by an investment company of its own shares shall be on such terms and in such manner as may be provided by its articles.
(2) An investment company shall not purchase its own shares unless they are fully paid.
(3) For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in the Companies Acts shall require an investment company to create any reserve account.
Treatment of purchased shares.
255.—(1) Shares of an investment company which have been purchased by the company shall be cancelled and the amount of the company's issued share capital shall be reduced by the amount of the consideration paid by the company for the purchase of the shares.
(2) (a) Where a company has purchased or is about to purchase any of its own shares, it shall have the power to issue an equal number of shares in place of those purchased and for the purposes of section 68 of the Finance Act, 1973, the issue of those replacement shares shall constitute a chargeable transaction if, but only if, the actual value of the shares so issued exceeds the actual value of the shares purchased at the date of their purchase and, where the issue of shares does constitute a chargeable transaction for those purposes, the amount on which stamp duty on the relevant statement relating to that transaction is chargeable under section 69 of the Finance Act, 1973, shall be the difference between—
(i) the amount on which the duty would be so chargeable if the shares had not been issued in place of shares purchased under this section, and
(ii) the value of the shares purchased at the date of their purchase.
(b) Where new shares are issued before the purchase of the old shares, the new shares shall not, so far as relates to stamp duty, be deemed to have been issued in pursuance of paragraph (a) unless the old shares are purchased within one month after the issue of the new shares.
Authorisation by Bank.
256.—(1) An investment company shall not carry on business in the State unless it has been authorised to do so by the Bank on the basis of criteria approved by the Minister.
(2) A person shall not carry on business on behalf of an investment company, insofar as relates to the purchase or sale of the shares of the investment company, unless the investment company has been authorised in the manner referred to in subsection (1).
(3) The Bank shall not authorise an investment company to carry on business in the State unless the company has paid up share capital which, in the opinion of the Bank, will be sufficient to enable it to conduct its business effectively and meet its liabilities.
(4) An application by an investment company for the authorisation referred to in subsection (1) shall be made in writing to the Bank and contain such information as the Bank may specify for the purpose of determining the application (including such additional information as the Bank may specify in the course of determining the application).
(5) Where the Bank proposes to grant an authorisation to an investment company under this section and the Bank is satisfied that the company will raise capital by promoting the sale of its shares to the public, the Bank shall, in granting the authorisation, designate the company as an investment company which may raise capital in that manner, and “designated company” in this section and section 257 shall be construed accordingly.
(6) In the event that a designated company does not promote the sale of its shares to the public within a period, not greater than six months, which shall be specified in the authorisation under this section, the company shall, on the expiry of the period so specified, be deemed to have ceased to be a designated company.
(7) An investment company which is not a designated company shall not raise capital by promoting the sale of its shares to the public.
(8) A company incorporated outside the State which, if it were incorporated in the State, would be a company to which this Part applies shall not advertise or market its shares in any way in the State without the approval of the Bank, which approval may be subject to such conditions as the Bank considers appropriate and prudent for the purposes of the orderly and proper regulation of so much of the business of companies of that type as is conducted in the State.
(9) This section is without prejudice to sections 6 and 19 of the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1983.
Powers of Bank.
257.—(1) Notwithstanding any other powers which may be available to the Bank under any other enactment, order or regulation, the Bank may impose such conditions for the granting of an authorisation to a company under section 256 as it considers appropriate and prudent for the purposes of the orderly and proper regulation of the business of investment companies.
(2) Conditions imposed under subsection (1) may be imposed generally, or by reference to particular classes of company or business (including, but not limited to, whether or not an investment company is a designated company), or by reference to any other matter the Bank considers appropriate and prudent for the purposes of the orderly and proper regulation of the business of investment companies.
(3) The power to impose conditions referred to in subsection (1) shall include a power to impose such further conditions from time to time as the Bank considers appropriate and prudent for the purposesof the orderly and proper regulation of the business of investment companies.
(4) Without prejudice to the generality of subsections (1), (2) and (3), conditions imposed by the Bank on an investment company may make provision for any or all of the following matters—
(a) the prudential requirements of the investment policies of the company,
(b) prospectuses and other information disseminated by the company,
(c) the vesting of the assets or specified assets of the company in a person nominated by the Bank with such of the powers or duties of a trustee with regard to the company as are specified by the Bank,
(d) such other supervisory and reporting requirements and conditions relating to its business as the Bank considers appropriate and prudent to impose on the company from time to time for the purposes referred to in the aforesaid subsections.
(5) A company shall comply with any conditions relating to its authorisation or business imposed by the Bank.
Adaptation of certain provisions of UCITS Regulations.
258.—Regulations 14, 30, 63, 83 (2) to (7), and 99 to 105 of the UCITS Regulations shall apply to an investment company as they apply to the bodies to which those Regulations relate subject to the following modifications—
(a) a reference in those Regulations to a term or expression specified in the second column of the Table to this section at any reference number shall be construed, where the context admits, as a reference to the term or expression specified in the third column of the said Table at that reference number, and
(b) references to cognate terms or expressions in those Regulations shall be construed accordingly.
TABLE
Ref. No. | Term or expression referred to in UCITS Regulations | Construction of term or expression for purposes of this section |
(1) | (2) | (3) |
1. | “repurchase” | purchase” |
2. | “these Regulations” | “Part XIII of the Companies Act, 1990” |
3. | “UCITS” | “investment company” |
4. | “unit” | “share” |
5 | “unit-holder” | “shareholder” |
Default of investment company or failure in performance of its investments.
259.—An authorisation by the Bank under section 256 of an investment company shall not constitute a warranty by the Bank as to the creditworthiness or financial standing of that company and the Bank shall not be liable by virtue of that authorisation or by reason of its exercise of the functions conferred on it by this Part (or any regulations made under this Part) in relation to investment companies for any default of the company unless the Bank acted in bad faith in exercising such functions.
Restriction of certain provisions of Companies Acts.
260.—(1) None of the following provisions of the Principal Act shall apply to an investment company, namely sections 60, 69, 70, 72, 119 and 125.
(2) None of the following provisions of the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1983, shall apply to an investment company, namely sections 5 (2), 23 to 25, 40, 41 and Part IV.
(3) Section 14 of the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1986, shall not apply to an investment company.
(4) None of the following provisions of this Act shall apply to an investment company, namely Chapters 2 to 4 of Part IV, and Part XI.
Power to make supplementary regulations.
261.—The Minister may make such regulations as he considers necessary for the purposes of giving full effect to the provisions of this Part.
Offences.
262.—Where a company contravenes—
(a) any of the provisions of this Part, or
(b) any regulations made in relation thereto (whether under this Part or under any other enactment), or
(c) any condition in relation to its authorisation or business imposed by the Bank under section 257,
the company and every officer thereof who is in default shall be guilty of an offence.
SCHEDULE
Provisions Substituted for Ninth Schedule to Principal Act
“NINTH SCHEDULE
Provisions Applied to Unregistered Companies
Section 377.
PRINCIPAL ACT
Subject matter | Provisions applied |
Acts done by company (ultra vires rule). | Section 8. |
Pre-incorporation contracts. | Section 37 (1) and (2). |
Prospectuses and allotments. | Sections 43 to 52, 56, 57, 61 and the Third Schedule. |
Registered office. | Section 113 (inserted by the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1982). |
Annual Return. | Sections 125 to 129 and the Fifth Schedule. |
Accounts and Audit. | Sections 148 to 153, 155 to 161, 191 and the Sixth Schedule (except subparagraphs (a) to (d) of paragraph 2, subparagraphs (c) to (e) of paragraph 3 and subparagraph (d) of paragraph 8), as amended by the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1986. |
Validity of acts of directors | Section 178. |
Register of directors and secretaries. Particulars relating to directors to be shown on all business letters of the company. | Sections 195 (inserted by the Companies Act, 1990) and 196. |
Registration of documents, enforcement and other supplemental matters. | Sections 2, 193, 369 to 371, 378, 379, 383, 384, 386, 387, 395 (1) and the Eighth Schedule. |
Liability of officers and others for negligence etc | Sections 200 and 391 |
Subject matter | Provisions applied |
Share certificates. | Sections 2 and 3. |
Company records. | Section 4. |
Subject matter | Provisions applied |
Maintenance of capital. Restrictions on distribution of profits and assets. | Sections 40 to 42, 45, 45A (inserted by the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1986) and 49 to 51. Sections 43, 44, 46 and 47, with the modification that those sections shall apply to all bodies corporate to which section 377 (1) of the Principal Act applies other than those which, if they were registered, would be private companies. |
EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES (STOCK EXCHANGE) REGULATIONS, 1984 (S.I. No. 282 of 1984)
Provisions applied
All of the Regulations. |
Subject matter | Provisions applied |
Power to alter form of accounts. | Section 24. |
EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES (MERGERS AND DIVISIONS OF COMPANIES) REGULATIONS, 1987 (S.I. No. 137 of 1987)
Provisions applied
All of the Regulations. |
Provisions applied
The whole Act. |
COMPANIES ACT, 1990
Provisions applied
Parts I to III. |
Part IV, with the modification that Chapter 2 of that Part shall apply to all bodies corporate to which section 377 (1) of the Principal Act applies other than those which, if they were registered, would be private companies and Chapter 3 of that Part shall apply to all such bodies corporate which, if they were registered, would be private companies. |
Part V. |
Part VI, except sections 122, 128 to 131 and 133. |
Parts VII, IX, X and XII. |
Uimhir 33 de 1990
ACHT NA gCUIDEACHTAÍ, 1990
RIAR NA nALT
Réamhráiteach
Alt | |
1. | |
2. | |
3. | |
4. | |
5. | |
6. |
Imscrúduithe
Idirbhearta a Bhaineann le Stiúrthóirí
Réamhráiteach
25. | |
26. | |
27. |
Idirbhearta áirithe lena mbaineann easaontacht leasa
28. | |
29. | Idirbhearta substaintiúla maoine a bhaineann le stiúrthóirí, etc. |
30. | |
31. | Cosc ar iasachtaí etc. a thabhairt do stiúrthóirí agus do dhaoine bainteacha. |
32. | |
33. | |
34. | |
35. | |
36. | |
37. | |
38. | |
39. | Dliteanas pearsanta maidir le fiacha cuideachta i gcásanna áirithe. |
40. |
Idirbhearta a bhaineann le stiúrthóirí agus daoine eile a nochtadh
Forlíontach
48. | Cumhacht chun teorainneacha airgeadais a athrú faoi Chuid III. |
49. | |
50. | |
51. | |
52. |
Leasanna i Scaireanna a Nochtadh
Déileálacha i Scaireanna ag Stiúrthóirí, Rúnaithe agus a dTeaghlaigh
Fáltais Aonair agus Grúpfháltais
67. | Oibleagáid nochtadh a dhéanamh agus na cásanna ina ndéanfar é. |
68. | |
69. | “Leibhéal de réir céatadáin” i ndáil le leasanna infhógartha. |
70. | |
71. | |
72. | Fógra a thabhairt faoi leasanna teaghlaigh agus leasanna corpraithe. |
73. | Comhaontú chun leasanna a fháil i gcuideachta phoiblí theoranta. |
74. | |
75. | Oibleagáid ar dhaoine a ghníomhaíonn le chéile scéala a thabhairt dá chéile. |
76. | |
77. | |
78. | |
79. | |
80. | |
81. | |
82. | |
83. | |
84. | |
85. | |
86. | |
87. | |
88. | |
89. | |
90. | |
91. | |
92. | Dualgas ar údarás iomchuí tuarascáil a thabhairt don Stiúrthóir Ionchúiseamh Poiblí. |
93. | |
94. | |
95. | |
96. |
Orduithe um Nochtadh: Cuideachtaí seachas Cuideachtaí Poiblí Teoranta
97. | |
98. | |
99. | |
100. | |
101. | |
102. | |
103. | |
104. | Iarmhairtí sibhialta maidir leis an ordú um nochtadh a shárú. |
Forálacha ginearálta faoi scairchláir etc.
105. | |
106. |
Déileáil Chos Istigh
107. | |
108. | |
109. | Dliteanas sibhialta mar gheall ar dhéileáil neamhdhleathach. |
110. | |
111. | |
112. | |
113. | |
114. | |
115. | Dualgas stocmhalartáin aitheanta i ndáil le déileáil neamhdhleathach. |
116. | |
117. | |
118. | |
119. | |
120. | |
121. |
Foirceannadh agus Nithe Gaolmhara
Clárú Muirear
122. |
Foirceannadh ag an gCúirt
123. | |
124. | |
125. | |
126. | Cumhacht na cúirte chun daoine a ghairm os a comhair lena gceistiú. |
127. | Ordú íocaíochta nó seachadta maoine in aghaidh duine a cheistítear faoi alt 245 den Phríomh-Acht. |
Dearbhú Sócmhainneachta
128. | Dearbhú reachtúil sócmhainneachta i gcás tairisceana le haghaidh foirceannadh toilteanach. |
Forálacha is infheidhme maidir le Foirceannadh Toilteanach ag Comhaltaí
129. |
Forálacha is infheidhme maidir le Foirceannadh Toilteanach ag Creidiúnaithe
130. | |
131. |
Forálacha is infheidhme maidir le gach Foirceannadh Toilteanach
132. | |
133. | Toiliú le ceapachán mar leachtaitheoir agus fógra i dtaobh an cheapacháin. |
Forálacha is infheidhme maidir le gach Foirceannadh
Forálacha Forlíontacha
146. | |
147. | Leas a nochtadh ag creidiúnaithe etc. ag cruinnithe creidiúnaithe. |
148. | Cumhacht na cúirte a leathnú chun damáistí in aghaidh stiúrthóirí a mheasúnú. |
Dícháilíochtaí agus Srianta:
Stiúrthóirí agus Oifigigh Eile
Srian ar Stiúrthóirí Cuideachtaí Dócmhainneacha
149. | |
150. | |
151. | |
152. | |
153. | |
154. | |
155. | |
156. | Ceanglais maidir le scaireanna a leithroinnfidh cuideachta lena mbaineann alt 155. |
157. | Faoiseamh do chuideachta maidir le hidirbhearta toirmiscthe. |
158. | Cumhacht chun na méideanna a luaitear in alt 150 (3) a athrú. |
Dícháilíocht i gCoitinne
159. | |
160. |
Cur i bhfeidhm
Glacadóirí
Cuideachtaí faoi Chosaint Cúirte
180. | |
181. |
Cuntais agus Iniúchadh
Cuideachta d'fháil a Scaireanna féin agus Scaireanna i gCuideachta Shealbhaíochta
Ginearálta
235. | |
236. | |
237. | |
238. | |
239. | |
240. | |
241. | |
242. | |
243. | |
244. | |
245. | |
246. | |
247. | |
248. | Doiciméid a sheachadadh ar an gcláraitheoir i bhfoirm inléite. |
249. | Doiciméid a sheachadadh ar an gcláraitheoir ar shlí seachas i bhfoirm inléite. |
250. | Leasú ar alt 377 den Phríomh-Acht agus ar an Naoú Sceideal a ghabhann leis an Acht sin. |
251. | Feidhm forálacha áirithe maidir le cuideachtaí nach bhfuil faoi leachtú. |
Cuideachtaí Infheistíochta
252. | |
253. | |
254. | |
255. | |
256. | |
257. | |
258. | |
259. | Mainneachtain ag cuideachta infheistíochta nó cliseadh i bhfeidhmiú a cuid infheistíochtaí. |
260. | |
261. | |
262. |
Forálacha a Chuirtear in ionad an Naoú Sceideal a ghabhann leis an bPríomh-Acht.
Na hAchtanna dá dTagraítear | |
An tAcht um Cháin Ghnóchan Caipitiúil. 1975 | |
Na hAchtanna um Rialú lomlaoide, 1954 go 1986 | |
Achtanna na gCara-Chumann, 1896 go 1977 | |
An tAcht Cánach loncaim, 1967 | |
Na hAchtanna um Chumainn Tionscail agus Soláthair, 1893 go 1978 | |
Na hAchtanna Árachais, 1909 go 1990 | |
Petty Sessions (Ireland) Act, 1851 | 14 & 15 Vict., c.93 |
Na hAchta um Bainc Thaisce an Phoist. 1861 go 1958 | |
Na hAchtanna um Bainc Thaisce Iontaobhais, 1863 go 1979 | |
An tAcht um lontaobhais Aonad, 1972 | |
Uimhir 33 de 1990
ACHT NA gCUIDEACHTAÍ, 1990
[An tiontú oifigiúil]
ACHT DO LEASÚ AN DLÍ A BHAINEANN LE CUIDEACH-TAÍ AGUS DO DHÉANAMH SOCRÚ I dTAOBH NITHE GAOLMHARA. [22 Nollaig, 1990]
ACHTAÍTEAR AG AN OIREACHTAS MAR A LEANAS:
CUID I
Réamhráiteach
Gearrtheideal comhlua agus forléiriú.
1.—(1) Féadfar Acht na gCuideachtaí, 1990, a ghairm den Acht seo.
(2) Féadfar Achtanna na gCuideachtaí, 1963 go 1990, a ghairm den Acht seo agus d'Achtanna na gCuideachtaí, 1963 go 1986, le chéile.
(3) Forléireofar Achtanna na gCuideachtaí, 1963 go 1986, agus an tAcht seo le chéile mar aon Acht amháin.
Tosach feidhme.
2.—Tiocfaidh an tAcht seo i ngníomh cibé lá nó laethanta a shocrófar le hordú nó orduithe ón Aire chuige sin i gcoitinne nó faoi threoir aon chríche nó forála áirithe agus féadfar laethanta éagsúla a shocrú amhlaidh chun críocha éagsúla agus forálacha éagsúla den Acht seo.
Léiriú.
3.—(1) San Acht seo mura n-éilíonn an comhthéacs a mhalairt—
folaíonn “leabhair agus doiciméid” agus “leabhair nó doiciméid” cuntais, gníomhais, scríbhinní agus taifid a dhéantar in aon slí eile;
folaíonn “leanbh” leasleanbh agus uchtleanbh agus forléireofar “mac”, “iníon” agus “tuismitheoir” dá réir sin;
ciallaíonn “Achtanna na gCuideachtaí” Acht na gCuideachtaí, 1963, agus gach achtachán (lena n-áirítear an tAcht seo) atá le forléiriú mar aon ní amháin leis an Acht sin;
tá le “duine bainteach” an bhrí a shanntar dó le halt 26;
folaíonn “sárú” cliseadh i gcomhlíonadh;
tá le “fíneáil mhainneachtana laethúil” an bhrí a shanntar dó le halt 240 (6);
ciallaíonn “an tAire” an tAire Tionscail agus Tráchtála;
ciallaíonn “forordú” forordú le rialacháin;
ciallaíonn “an Príomh-Acht” Acht na gCuideachtaí, 1963;
tá le “stocmhalartán aitheanta” an bhrí a shanntar dó le fo-alt (2);
tá le “cuideachta ghaolmhar” an bhrí a shanntar dó le halt 140;
tá le “cúlstiúrthóir” an bhrí a shanntar dó le halt 27.
(2) (a) Chun críocha aon fhorála d'Achtanna na gCuideachtaí is malartán a bheidh forordaithe chun críocha an ailt sin stocmhalartán aitheanta.
(b) Is in ionad an mhínithe in alt 2 (1) den Phríomh-Acht atá an míniú ar “stocmhalartán aitheanta” i mír (a).
(3) Féadfaidh an tAire rialacháin a dhéanamh i ndáil le haon ní dá dtagraítear san Acht seo mar ní a fhorordaítear nó a bheidh le forordú.
(4) San Acht seo—
(a) aon tagairt a dhéantar do Chuid nó d'alt is tagairt í do Chuid nó d'alt den Acht seo mura gcuirtear in iúl gur tagairt d'achtachán éigin eile atá beartaithe;
(b) aon tagairt a dhéantar d'fho-alt, do mhír nó d'fhomhír is tagairt í don fho-alt, don mhír nó don fhomhír den fhoráil ina bhfuil an tagairt mura gcuirtear in iúl gur tagairt d'fhoráil éigin eile atá beartaithe; agus
(c) déanfar aon tagairt d'aon achtachán eile a fhorléiriú, mura n-éilíonn an comhthéacs a mhalairt, mar thagairt don achtachán sin arna leasú le haon achtachán eile nó faoi, lena n-áirítear an tAcht seo.
Tréimhsí ama.
4.—(1) Más rud é gur ar Shatharn, ar Dhomhnach nó ar lá saoire poiblí a rachaidh an t-am i léig a bheidh teorannaithe ag aon fhoráil den Acht seo chun aon ní a dhéanamh, fadófar an t-am a bheidh arna theorannú amhlaidh go dtí an chéad lá ina dhiaidh sin nach Satharn, Domhnach ná lá saoire poiblí agus féadfar an ní a dhéanamh ar an lá sin.
(2) Más rud é san Acht seo go gceanglaítear nó go gceadaítear aon ní a dhéanamh laistigh de líon laethanta nach faide ná sé lá, ní áireofar lá is Satharn, Domhnach nó lá saoire poiblí nuair a bheidh an líon sin á ríomh.
Orduithe.
5.—Féadfaidh an tAire le hordú aon ordú a dhéanfaidh sé faoi aon fhoráil den Acht seo, seachas faoi alt 2, a chúlghairm nó a leasú.
Aisghairm.
6.—(1) Aisghairtear leis seo na forálacha seo a leanas den Phríomh-Acht — ailt 147, 162 (a cuireadh isteach le halt 6 d'Acht na gCuideachtaí (Leasú), 1982), 163, 165 go 173, 184, 294, 296, 380 agus 385 agus an Seachtú agus an Deichiú Sceideal.
(2) Aisghairtear leis seo freisin na forálacha seo a leanas—
(a) Rialachán 8 de Rialacháin na gComhphobal Eorpach (Cuideachtaí), 1973,
CUID II
Imscrúduithe
Imscrúdú cúrsaí cuideachta.
7.—(1) Féadfaidh an chúirt cigire inniúil amháin nó níos mó a cheapadh chun cúrsaí cuideachta a imscrúdú d'fhonn fiosrú a dhéanamh i dtaobh nithe a bheidh sonraithe ag an gcúirt agus chun tuarascáil a thabhairt ina dtaobh ar cibé modh a ordóidh an chúirt—
(a) i gcás cuideachta ag a bhfuil scairchaipiteal, ar iarratas ó 100 comhalta ar a laghad nó ó chomhalta nó comhaltaí a shealbhaíonn an deichiú cuid ar a laghad de scairchaipiteal íoctha na cuideachta;
(b) i gcás cuideachta gan scairchaipiteal, ar iarratas ón gcúigiú cuid ar a laghad de líon na ndaoine ar chlár comhaltaí na cuideachta;
(c) in aon chás, ar iarratas ón gcuideachta;
(d) in aon chás, ar iarratas ó stiúrthóir de chuid na cuideachta;
(e) in aon chás, ar iarratas ó chreidiúnaí de chuid na cuideachta.
(2) Ní foláir cibé fianaise a theastóidh ón gcúirt a bheith i dtacaíocht leis an iarratas, lena n-áirítear cibé fianaise a bheidh forordaithe.
(3) I gcás go ndéanfar iarratas faoin alt seo, féadfaidh an chúirt a cheangal ar an iarratasóir nó na hiarratasóirí urrús a thabhairt de mhéid nach lú ná £500 agus nach mó ná £100,000, chun íoc as costais an imscrúdaithe.
(4) I gcás go gceapfaidh an chúirt cigire faoin alt seo nó alt 8, féadfaidh sí, ó am go ham, cibé orduithe a thabhairt is cuí léi, cibé acu don chigire nó ar shlí eile, d'fhonn a chinntiú go ndéanfar an t-imscrúdú a luaithe agus a neamhchostasaí is féidir.
Imscrúdú cúrsaí cuideachta ar iarratas ón Aire.
8.—(1) Gan dochar dá cumhachtaí faoi alt 7, féadfaidh an chúirt ar iarratas ón Aire cigire inniúil amháin nó níos mó a cheapadh chun cúrsaí cuideachta a imscrúdú agus tuarascáil a thabhairt orthu ar cibé modh a ordóidh an chúirt, más deimhin leis an gcúirt go bhfuil imthosca ann a thugann le tuiscint—
(a) go bhfuil a cuid cúrsaí á stiúradh nó gur stiúradh iad le hintinn calaois a dhéanamh ar a creidiúnaithe nó ar chreidiúnaithe aon duine eile nó ar dhóigh eile chun críche atá calaoiseach nó neamhdhleathach nó ar mhodh neamhdhleathach nó ar mhodh a dhéanann dochar míchothrom do chuid éigin dá comhaltaí, nó go ndéanann nó go ndéanfadh aon ghníomh nó neamhghníomh iarbhír nó beartaithe de chuid na cuideachta (lena n-áirítear gníomh nó neamhghníomh thar a ceann) dochar amhlaidh, nó gur foirmíodh í chun aon chríche atá calaoiseach nó neamhdhleathach; nó
(b) go bhfuil daoine a raibh baint acu lena foirmlú nó le bainistíocht a cúrsaí ciontach i dtaca leis sin i gcalaois, i míghníomh nó i mí-iompar eile i leith na cuideachta nó i leith a comhaltaí; nó
(c) nár tugadh dá comhaltaí an fhaisnéis go léir maidir lena cúrsaí a mbeadh sé réasúnach acu bheith ag súil leis.
(2) (a) Beidh an chumhacht a thugtar le halt 7 nó leis an alt seo infheidhmithe maidir le comhlacht corpraithe d'ainneoin go bhfuil sé i gcúrsa a fhoirceanta.
(b) Beidh éifeacht leis an tagairt i bhfo-alt (1) (a) do chomhaltaí cuideachta amhail is dá bhfolódh sí tagairt d'aon duine nach comhalta ach a bhfuil scaireanna sa chuideachta aistrithe nó tarchurtha chuige trí oibriú dlí.
Cumhacht cigirí chun cúrsaí cuideachtaí gaolmhara a thabhairt faoi réim imscrúdú.
9.—Más dóigh le cigire a cheapfar faoi alt 7 nó 8 chun cúrsaí cuideachta a imscrúdú gur gá, chun críocha a imscrúdaithe, imscrúdú a dhéanamh freisin ar chúrsaí aon chomhlachta chorpraithe eile atá gaolmhar leis an gcuideachta sin beidh cumhacht aige, le ceadú na cúirte, é sin a dhéanamh, agus tabharfaidh sé tuarascáil ar chúrsaí an chomhlachta chorpraithe eile sa mhéid gur dóigh leis go bhfuil baint ag toradh a imscrúdaithe orthu leis an imscrúdú ar chúrsaí na cuideachta céadluaite.
Doiciméid agus fianaise a thabhairt ar aird, tráth imscrúdaithe.
10.—(1) Beidh de dhualgas ar gach oifigeach agus gníomhaire don chuideachta agus ar gach oifigeach agus gníomhaire d'aon chomhlacht corpraithe eile a ndéanfar imscrúdú ar a chúrsaí de bhua alt 9, gach leabhar agus doiciméad de chuid, nó i dtaobh, na cuideachta nó, de réir mar a bheidh, an chomhlachta chorpraithe eile a bheidh ina gcoimeád nó faoina n-urlámhas a thabhairt ar aird do na cigirí, freastal os comhair na gcigirí nuair a cheanglaítear orthu déanamh amhlaidh agus thairis sin gach cabhair a thabhairt do na cigirí is féidir leo le réasún a thabhairt i dtaca leis an imscrúdú.
(2) Má mheasann na cigirí go bhfuil duine seachas oifigeach nó gníomhaire don chuideachta nó do chomhlacht corpraithe eile i seilbh, nó go bhféadfadh sé a bheith i seilbh, aon fhaisnéise a bhaineann lena cúrsaí, féadfaidh siad a cheangal ar an duine sin aon leabhair nó doiciméid a bheidh ina choimeád nó faoina urlámhas i dtaobh na cuideachta nó an chomhlachta chorpraithe eile a thabhairt ar aird dóibh, freastal os a gcomhair agus thairis sin gach cabhair a thabhairt dóibh is féidir leis le réasún a thabhairt i dtaca leis an imscrúdú; agus beidh sé de dhualgas ar an duine sin an ceanglas a chomhlíonadh.
(3) Má bhíonn cúiseanna réasúnacha ag cigire lena chreidiúint go gcoimeádann nó gur choimeád stiúrthóir de chuid na cuideachta nó an chomhlachta chorpraithe eile, a bhfuil an cigire ag imscrúdú a cúrsaí, cuntas bainc d'aon tuairisc, cibé acu ina aonar nó i gcomhpháirt le duine eile agus cibé acu sa Stát nó in áit eile, ar íocadh isteach ann nó amach as—
(a) aon airgead a tháinig as aon idirbheart, comhshocraíocht nó comhaontú a mhaoiniú nó a úsáideadh i maoiniú an chéanna—
(i) agus nár nochtadh na sonraí maidir leis i nóta a bhí ag gabháil le cuntais aon chuideachta i leith aon bhliana airgeadais mar a cheanglaítear le halt 41; nó
(ii) nach ndearnadh ina leith aon mhéid a bhí gan íoc a áireamh sna méideanna comhiomlána a bhí gan íoc maidir le hidirbhearta, comhshocraíochtaí nó omhaontuithe áirithe mar a cheanglaítear le halt 43 a nochtadh i nóta a bhí ag gabháil le cuntais aon chuideachta i leith aon bhliana airgeadais; nó
(iii) nach ndearnadh sonraí maidir leis a áireamh in aon chlár d'idirbhearta, comhshocraíochtaí agus comhaontuithe áirithe mar a cheanglaítear le halt 44; nó
(b) aon airgead a bhí bainteach in aon slí le haon ghníomh nó neamhghníomh nó le sraith gníomhartha nó neamhghníomhartha ar mhí-iompar (cibé calaoiseach nó gan a bheith) iad ag an stiúrthóir sin i leith na cuideachta nó an chomhlachta chorpraithe sin nó i leith chomhaltaí an chéanna;
féadfaidh an cigire a cheangal ar an stiúrthóir gach doiciméad i seilbh an stiúrthóra nó faoina rialú, a bhaineann leis an gcuntas bainc sin a thabhairt ar aird dó; agus folaíonn “cuntas bainc” san fho-alt seo cuntas le haon duine a bheidh díolmhaithe de bhua alt 7 (4) d'Acht an Bhainc Ceannais, 1971, ón gceanglas ceadúnas a shealbhú faoi alt 9 den Acht sin, agus folaíonn “stiúrthóir” aon stiúrthóir láithreach nó iarstiúrthóir nó aon duine atá bainteach, de réir bhrí alt 26, le stiúrthóir den sórt sin, agus aon chúlstiúrthóir láithreach nó aon iarchúlstiúrthóir.
(4) Féadfaidh cigire, de bhriathar béil nó ar agarcheisteanna i scríbhinn, oifigigh agus gníomhairí na cuideachta nó an chomhlachta chorpraithe eile agus cibé duine a luaitear i bhfo-alt (2) a cheistiú faoi mhionn i ndáil le cúrsaí na cuideachta nó an chomhlachta chorpraithe eile agus féadfaidh sé—
(a) iad a chur faoi mhionn dá réir sin,
(b) freagraí an duine sin a chur síos i scríbhinn agus a cheangal air iad a shíniú.
(5) Má dhiúltaíonn aon oifigeach nó gníomhaire don chuideachta nó don chomhlacht corpraithe eile nó aon duine den sórt atá luaite i bhfo-alt (2) aon leabhar nó doiciméad a thabhairt ar aird do na cigirí a mbeidh sé de dhualgas air faoin alt seo é a thabhairt ar aird amhlaidh, má dhiúltaíonn sé freastal os comhair cigirí nuair a cheanglaítear air déanamh amhlaidh nó má dhiúltaíonn sé aon cheist a fhreagairt a chuirfidh na cigirí air maidir le cúrsaí na cuideachta nó an chomhlachta chorpraithe eile, de réir mar a bheidh, féadfaidh na cigirí an diúltú a dheimhniú faoina láimh don chúirt, agus air sin féadfaidh an chúirt an cás a fhiosrú agus, tar éis di aon fhinnéithe a thabharfar ar aird in aghaidh nó ar thaobh an chiontóra líomhnaithe agus aon ráiteas a thairgfear mar chosaint a éisteacht, an ciontóir a phionósú ionann is dá mbeadh sé ciontach i ndíspeagadh cúirte.
(6) Gan dochar dá cumhacht faoi fho-alt (5), féadfaidh an chúirt, tar éis éisteachta faoin bhfo-alt sin, aon ordú nó ordachán a dhéanamh is cuí léi, lena n-áirítear ordachán chuig an duine lena mbaineann chun freastal nó athfhreastal os comhair an chigire nó leabhair nó doiciméid áirithe a thabhairt ar aird nó ceisteanna áirithe a chuirfidh an cigire air a fhreagairt, nó ordachán nach gá don duine lena mbaineann leabhar nó doiciméad áirithe a thabhairt ar aird nó ceist áirithe a chuirfidh an cigire air a fhreagairt.
(7) San alt seo, folóidh aon tagairt d'oifigigh nó do ghníomhairí daoine a bhí, chomh maith le daoine atá, ina n-oifigigh nó ina ngníomhairí, de réir mar a bheidh, agus folóidh “gníomhairí”, maidir le cuideachta nó le comhlacht corpraithe eile, baincéirí agus aturnaetha na cuideachta nó an chomhlachta chorpraithe eile agus aon daoine ar fostú ag an gcuideachta nó ag an gcomhlacht corpraithe eile mar iniúchóirí cibé acu is oifigigh don chuideachta nó don chomhlacht corpraithe eile na daoine sin nó nach ea.
Tuarascálacha na gcigirí.
11.—(1) Féadfaidh cigirí a bheidh ceaptha faoi alt 7 nó 8, agus i gcás go n-ordaíonn an chúirt dóibh é amhlaidh déanfaidh siad, tuar ascálacha eatramhacha a thabhairt don chúirt agus ar chríochnú an imscrúdaithe tabharfaidh siad tuarascáil deiridh don chúirt.
(2) D'ainneoin aon ní i bhfo-alt (1), féadfaidh cigire atá ceaptha faoi alt 7 nó 8 tráth ar bith i gcúrsa a imscrúdaithe, gan é a bheith riachtanach air tuarascáil eatramhach a thabhairt, nithe ar tháinig sé ar an eolas fúthu de bharr an imscrúdaithe agus a thaispeánfadh go bhfuil cion déanta a chur in iúl don chúirt.
(3) I gcás gur ceapadh cigirí faoi alt 7 nó 8, tabharfaidh an chúirt cóip de gach tuarascáil dá gcuid don Aire agus féadfaidh an chúirt, más cuí léi—
(a) cóip d'aon tuarascáil a thabharfaidh na cigirí a chur ar aghaidh chuig oifig chláraithe na cuideachta,
(b) cóip a thabhairt ar í a iarraidh agus ar an táille fhorordaithe a íoc—
(i) d'aon chomhalta den chuideachta nó den chomhlacht corpraithe eile is ábhar don tuarascáil;
(ii) d'aon duine a dtagraítear dá iompar sa tuarascáil;
(iii) d'iniúchóirí na cuideachta nó an chomhlachta chorpraithe sin;
(iv) do na hiarratasóirí ar an imscrúdú;
(v) d'aon duine eile (lena n-áirítear fostaí) más dealraitheach don chúirt go ndéanann na nithe ar déileáladh leo sa tuarascáil difear dá leasanna airgeadais cibé acu mar chreidiúnaí de chuid na cuideachta nó de chuid an chomhlachta chorpraithe nó ar shlí eile;
(vi) don Bhanc Ceannais in aon chás ina mbaineann tuarascáil na gcigirí, go hiomlán nó go páirteach, le cúrsaí sealbhóra ceadúnais faoi alt 9 d'Acht an Bhainc Ceannais, 1971; agus
(c) a chur faoi deara go gclófar agus go bhfoilseofar aon tuarascáil den sórt sin.
(4) I gcás gur cuí leis an gcúirt amhlaidh féadfaidh sí a ordú, maidir le cuid áirithe de thuarascáil a bheidh tugtha de bhua an ailt seo, go bhfágfar an chuid sin ar lár ó chóip a bheidh curthá ar aghaidh nó tugtha faoi fho-alt (3) (a) nó (b), nó ón tuarascáil arna cló agus arna foilsiú faoi fho-alt (3) (c).
Imeachtaí ar thuarascáil chigirí.
12.—(1) Tar éis tuarascáil a bhreithniú a tugadh faoi alt 11, féadfaidh an chúirt cibé ordú is cuí léi a dhéanamh i ndáil le nithe a thig ón tuarascáil sin lena n-áirítear—
(a) ordú as a treoir féin chun comhlacht corpraithe a fhoirceannadh, nó
(b) ordú chun aon mhíchumas a leigheas a bhain d'aon duine a ndearnadh dochar dá leasanna de dheasca stiúradh chúrsaí na cuideachta, ar choinníoll go mbeidh aird ag an gcúirt, ag déanamh aon ordaithe den sórt sin di, ar leasanna aon duine eile a bhféadfaí dochar a dhéanamh dó leis an ordú.
(2) Más rud é, i gcás aon chomhlacht corpraithe a dhlífear a fhoirceannadh faoi Achtanna na gCuideachtaí, gur dealraitheach don Aire—
(a) ó aon tuarascáil a tugadh faoi alt 11 de bharr iarratais ón Aire faoi alt 8, nó
(b) ó aon tuarascáil a thug cigirí arna gceapadh ag an Aire faoin Acht seo, nó
(c) ó aon fhaisnéis nó doiciméad a fuair an tAire faoin gCuid seo,
gur cheart achainí a thíolacadh chun an comhlacht a fhoirceannadh, féadfaidh an tAire, mura bhfuil an comhlacht á fhoirceannadh cheana féin ag an gcúirt, achainí a thíolacadh chun é a fhoirceannadh amhlaidh má cheapann an chúirt go bhfuil sé cóir cothromasach é a fhoirceannadh amhlaidh.
Caiteachais imscrúdaithe ar chúrsaí cuideachta.
13.—(1) Íocfaidh an tAire Dlí agus Cirt, ar an gcéad ásc, na caiteachais a bhainfidh agus a ghabhfaidh le himscrúdú ag cigire a bheidh ceaptha ag an gcúirt faoi na forálacha roimhe seo den Acht seo ach féadfaidh an chúirt a ordú go ndlífear ar aon duine—
(a) ar comhlacht corpraithe é lena ndéileálfar sa tuarascáil, nó
(b) ar iarratasóir nó iarratasóirí ar an imscrúdú iad,
go feadh cibé méid a ordóidh an chúirt, aisíocaíocht a dhéanamh leis an Aire Dlí agus Cirt, ar choinníoll nach mó san iomlán ná £100,000 aon dliteanas den sórt sin ar thaobh an iarratasóra nó na n-iarratasóirí.
(2) Gan dochar d'fho-alt (1), aon duine—
(a) a chiontófar ar díotáil i gcion ar ionchúiseamh a tionscnaíodh de thoradh imscrúdú,
(b) a n-ordófar dó damáistí a íoc nó aon mhaoin a thabhairt ar ais in imeachtaí a tionscnaíodh de thoradh imscrúdú, nó
(c) ar dámhadh damáistí dó nó ar tugadh maoin ar ais dó in imeachtaí a tionscnaíodh de thoradh imscrúdú,
féadfar, sna himeachtaí céanna, a ordú dó na caiteachais uile nó cuid díobh dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1) a aisíoc leis an Aire Dlí agus Cirt nó le haon duine ar a bhforchuirtear dliteanas ag an gcúirt faoin bhfo-alt sin, ar choinníoll, i gcás duine lena mbaineann mír (c), nach n-ordóidh an chúirt íocaíocht de bhreis ar an deichiú cuid de mhéid na ndamáistí a dámhadh nó de luach na maoine a tugadh ar ais, de réir mar a bheidh, agus ní fhorghníomhófar aon ordú den sórt sin go bhfaighidh an duine lena mbaineann a dhamáistí nó go dtabharfar an mhaoin ar ais, de réir mar a bheidh.
(3) I gcás na tuarascála ó chigire féadfaidh an cigire, más cuí leis é, agus má ordaíonn an chúirt amhlaidh, déanfaidh sé, moladh a chur inti maidir leis na hordacháin (más ann) is dóigh leis is iomchuí, ag féachaint dá imscrúdú, a thabhairt faoi fho-alt (1).
Cigirí a cheapadh agus cumhachtaí cigirí chun úinéireacht cuideachta a imscrúdú.
14.—(1) Féadfaidh an tAire, faoi réir fho-alt (2), cigire inniúil amháin nó níos mó a cheapadh chun comhaltas aon chuideachta a imscrúdú agus tuarascáil a thabhairt faoi agus thairis sin maidir leis an gcuideachta chun a chinneadh cé hiad na daoine go fírinneach a bhfuil nó a raibh leas ó thaobh airgid acu i rathúlacht nó i gcliseadh (réadach nó follasach) na cuideachta nó atá nó a bhí in ann polasaí na cuideachta a rialú nó dul i gcion go hábhartha air.
(2) Féadfaidh an tAire ceapachán a dhéanamh más dóigh leis go bhfuil imthosca ann a thugann le tuiscint gur gá é—
(a) chun an dlí a bhaineann le cuideachtaí a riar go héifeachtach;
(b) chun go n-urscaoilfidh an tAire go héifeachtach a chuid feidhmeanna faoi aon achtachán; nó
(c) ar mhaithe le leas an phobail.
(3) Féadfaidh ceapachán cigire faoin alt seo scóip a imscrúdaithe a mhíniú, cibé acu maidir leis na nithe nó leis an tréimhse a mbeidh réim ag an imscrúdú maidir leo nó léi nó maidir le nithe eile, agus go háirithe féadfaidh an ceapachán an t-imscrúdú a theorannú go nithe a bhaineann le scaireanna nó bintiúir áirithe.
(4) Faoi réir téarmaí ceapacháin cigire beidh réim ag a chuid cumhachtaí maidir le haon imthosca a imscrúdú a thugann le tuiscint go bhfuil, cé nach bhfuil ceangal de réir dlí ann, comhshocraíocht nó comhthuiscint ann, a urramaítear nó a urramaíodh nó is dóigh a urramófar i gcleachtas agus is iomchuí do chríocha a imscrúdaithe.
(5) Chun críocha aon imscrúdaithe faoin alt seo, beidh feidhm ag ailt 9 go 11, ach amháin alt 10 (3), fara na modhnuithe is gá i dtaca le tagairtí, maidir le cúrsaí na cuideachta nó cúrsaí aon chomhlachta chorpraithe eile, ionas, áfach—
(a) go mbeidh feidhm ag na hailt sin i ndáil leis na daoine go léir a bhfuil nó a raibh, nó a bhfuil cúis réasúnach ag an gcigire lena chreidiúint go bhfuil nó go raibh, leas ó thaobh airgid acu i rathúlacht nó i gcliseadh, nó i rathúlacht nó i gcliseadh follasach, na cuideachta nó aon chomhlachta chorpraithe eile a ndéantar a chomhaltas a imscrúdú i dteannta chomhaltas na cuideachta, nó atá in ann polasaí an chéanna a rialú nó dul i gcion go hábhartha air, lena n-áirítear daoine nach cúram dóibh ach gníomhú ar son daoine eile agus i ndáil le haon duine eile a bhfuil cúis réasúnach ag an gcigire lena chreidiúint go bhfuil faisnéis aige is iomchuí don imscrúdú, de réir mar a bheidh feidhm acu i ndáil le hoifigigh agus gníomhairí don chuideachta nó don chomhlacht corpraithe eile, de réir mar a bheidh;
(b) más dóigh leis an Aire go bhfuil cúis mhaith ann le nach sceithfí aon chuid de thuarascáil a thabharfar de bhua an ailt seo féadfaidh sé an tuarascáil a nochtadh agus an chuid sin a fhágáil ar lár; agus féadfaidh sé a chur faoi deara do chláraitheoir na gcuideachtaí cóip den tuarascáil agus an chuid sin fágtha ar lár nó, i gcás aon tuarascála eile den sórt sin, cóip den tuarascáil iomlán, a choimeád; agus
(c) go gcuirfear tagairtí don Aire in ionad tagairtí don chúirt (ach amháin in alt 10 (5) agus (6)).
Cumhacht chun faisnéis a éileamh maidir le daoine a bhfuil leas acu i scaireanna nó i mbintiúir.
15.—(1) Más dealraitheach don Aire gur gá é—
(a) leis an dlí a bhaineann le cuideachtaí a riar go héifeachtach;
(b) le go n-urscaoilfidh an tAire go héifeachtach a chuid feidhmeanna faoi aon achtachán; nó
(c) ar mhaithe le leas an phobail;
úinéireacht aon scaireanna i gcuideachta nó aon bhintiúr de chuid cuideachta a imscrúdú agus nach gá cigire a cheapadh chun na críche, féadfaidh sé a cheangal ar aon duine a bhfuil cúis réasúnach aige lena chréidiúint go bhfuil aon fhaisnéis aige nó go bhfuil sé in ann aon fhaisnéis a fháil maidir leis na leasanna láithreacha agus leasanna caite sna scaireanna nó sna bintiúir sin agus ainmneacha agus seoltaí na ndaoine leasmhara agus aon daoine a ghníomhaíonn nó a ghníomhaigh thar a gceann i ndáil leis na scaireanna nó leis na bintiúir, aon fhaisnéis den sórt sin a thabhairt don Aire.
(2) Chun críocha an ailt seo measfar leas a bheith ag duine i scair nó i mbintiúr má tá aon cheart aige an scair nó an bintiúr nó aon leas sa scair nó sa bhintiúir a fháil nó a dhiúscairt nó vótáil maidir leis an gcéanna nó más gá a thoiliú chun aon cheann de chearta daoine eile a bhfuil leas acu sa chéanna a fheidhmiú nó más féidir a cheangal ar na daoine eile a bhfuil leas acu sa chéanna nó más gnách leo a gcearta a fheidhmiú de réir a threoracha.
(3) Aon duine a mhainneoidh aon fhaisnéis a thabhairt a cheanglaítear air a thabhairt faoin alt seo nó a dhéanann aon ráiteas agus aon fhaisnéis den sórt sin á tabhairt aige is eol dó a bheith bréagach i bponc ábhartha, nó a dhéanann aon ráiteas go meargánta atá bréagach i bponc ábhartha, beidh sé ciontach i gcion.
Cumhacht chun srianta a fhorchur ar scaireanna nó bintiúir.
16.—(1) Más dealraitheach don Aire i dtaca le himscrúdú nó fiesrú faoi alt 14 nó 15 go bhfuil deacracht ann na fíorais iomchuí faoi aon scaireanna (cibé acu eisithe nó le heisiúint) a fháil amach, féadfaidh an tAire le fógra i scríbhinn a ordú go mbeidh na scaireanna, go dtí go bhfógrófar a mhalairt, faoi réir na srianta a fhorchuirtear leis an alt seo.
(2) Fad a bheidh ordú faoi fho-alt (1) maidir le haon scaireanna i bhfeidhm—
(a) beidh aon aistriú ar na scaireanna sin, nó i gcás scaireanna neamheisithe, aon aistriú ar an gceart a bheidh le heisiúint leo, agus aon eisiúint den chéanna, ar neamhní;
(b) ní bheidh aon chearta vótála infheidhmithe maidir leis na scaireanna sin;
(c) ní eiseofar aon scaireanna eile de bhua cheart na scaireanna sin nó de bhun aon tairisceana a rinneadh le sealbhóir na scaireanna sin; agus
(d) ach amháin i leachtú, ní íocfar aon suimeanna a bheidh dlite den chuideachta ar na scaireanna sin, cibé acu maidir le caipiteal nó ar shlí eile.
(3) I gcás scaireanna a bheith faoi réir na srianta a fhorchuirtear le fo-alt (2) (a) beidh aon chomhaontú na scaireanna a aistriú nó i gcás scaireanna neamheisithe, an ceart a bheidh le heisiúint leis na scaireanna, ar neamhní ach amháin comhaontú na scaireanna a dhíol de bhun fho-alt (6) (b).
(4) Má bhíonn scaireanna faoi réir na srianta a fhorchuirtear le fo-alt (2) (c) nó (2) (d) beidh aon chomhaontú chun aon cheart a aistriú a bheidh le heisiúint le scaireanna eile de cheart na scaireanna sin nó aon íocaíocht a fháil ar na scaireanna sin (ar shlí seachas i leachtú) ar neamhní ach amháin comhaontú chun aon cheart den sórt sin a aistriú ar na scaireanna a dhíol de bhun fho-alt (6) (b).
(5) Má ordaíonn an tAire go mbeidh scaireanna faoi réir na srianta sin, nó má dhiúltaíonn sé ordú a thabhairt go scoirfidh scaireanna de bheith faoina réir, féadfaidh aon duine a bheidh éagóirithe dá bharr iarratas a dhéanamh chun na cúirte ar ordú go scoirfidh na scaireanna de bheith faoina réir.
(6) Faoi réir fho-ailt (7) agus (13), ní fhéadfar ordú de chuid na cúirte ná ordachán de chuid an Aire, go scoirfidh scaireanna de bheith faoi réir na srianta a fhorchuirtear leis an alt seo, a dhéanamh ach amháin—
(a) más deimhin leis an gcúirt nó, de réir mar a bheidh, leis an Aire gur nochtadh na fíorais iomchuí faoi na scaireanna don chuideachta agus nár fhabhraigh aon bhuntáiste neamhchóir chuig aon duine de bharr nach ndearnadh an nochtadh sin roimhe sin; nó
(b) má tá na scaireanna le díol agus go n-aontaíonn an chúirt nó an tAire leis an díol.
(7) Má bhíonn aon scaireanna i gcuideachta faoi réir na srianta a fhorchuirtear leis an alt seo, féadfaidh an chúirt ar iarratas ón Aire nó ón gcuideachta a ordú go ndíolfar na scaireanna, faoi réir cheadú na cúirte maidir leis an díol, agus féadfaidh sí a ordú freisin go scoirfidh na scaireanna de bheith faoi réir na srianta sin.
(8) I gcás ordú a bheith déanta faoi fho-alt (7) ansin, ar iarratas ón Aire, ón gcuideachta, ón duine atá ceaptha ag an ordú nó de bhun an ordaithe an díol a dhéanamh nó ó aon duine a bhfuil leas aige sna scaireanna, féadfaidh an chúirt cibé ordú eile a dhéanamh is cuí léi a bhaineann leis an díol nó le haistriú na scaireanna.
(9) Má dhíoltar aon scaireanna de bhun ordú arna dhéanamh faoi fho-alt (7), íocfar fáltais an díola, lúide costais an díola, leis an gcúirt chun tairbhe na ndaoine a bhfuil leas tairbhiúil acu sna scaireanna; agus féadfaidh aon duine den sórt sin iarratas a dhéanamh chun na cúirte chun na fáltais sin go léir nó cuid díobh a íoc leis.
(10) Ar iarratas faoi fho-alt (9) ordóidh an chúirt, faoi réir fho-alt (11), fáltais an díola go léir mar aon leis an ús orthu a íoc leis an iarratasóir nó, i gcás leas tairbhiúil a bheith ag aon duine eile sna scaireanna tráth a ndíola, cibé cion de na fáltais agus den ús sin atá comhionann leis an gcion atá idir luach leas an iarratasóra sna scaireanna agus luach iomlán na scaireanna.
(11) Ar iarratas ar ordú faoi fho-alt (7) nó (8) a dheonú, féadfaidh an chúirt a ordú go n-íocfar costais an iarratasóra amach as fáltais an díola; agus, i gcás go ndéanfar ordú faoin bhfo-alt seo, beidh an t-iarratasóir i dteideal íocaíocht a fháil ar a chostais as fáltais an díola sula bhfaighidh aon duine a bhfuil leas aige sna scaireanna áirithe aon chuid de na fáltais sin.
(12) Aon ordú nó ordachán go scoirfidh scaireanna de bheith faoi réir na srianta sin agus a shainítear a bheith déanta nó tugtha d'fhonn cead a thabhairt na scaireanna sin a aistriú nó a dhéantar faoi fho-alt (7) féadfar leis an ordú nó leis an ordachán sin na srianta a luaitear i bhfo-alt (2) (c) agus (2) (d) a choimeád i bhfeidhm go hiomlán nó go páirteach a mhéid a bhaineann siad le haon cheart a fuarthas nó le haon tairiscint a rinneadh roimh an aistriú.
(13) Ní bheidh feidhm ag fo-alt (6) i ndáil le haon ordú de chuid na cúirte nó de chuid an Aire a ordaíonn go scoirfidh scaireanna de bheith faoi réir aon srianta atá á gcoimeád i bhfeidhm i ndáil leis na scaireanna sin de bhua fho-alt (12).
(14) Aon duine—
(a) a fheidhmíonn aon cheart nó a airbheartaíonn aon cheart a fheidhmiú chun aon scaireanna a dhiúscairt atá de thuras na huaire, go bhfios dó, faoi réir na srianta sin nó chun aon cheart a dhiúscairt a bheidh le heisiúint le haon scaireanna den sórt sin; nó
(b) a vótálann maidir le haon scaireanna den sórt sin, cibé acu mar shealbhóir nó mar sheachvótálaí, nó a cheapann seachvótálaí le vótáil maidir leis an gcéanna; nó
(c) mar shealbhóir ar aon scaireanna den sórt sin, a mhainníonn a chur in iúl go bhfuil siad faoi réir na srianta sin d'aon duine nach eol dó an fíoras sin a bheith ar eolas aige ach arb eol dó go bhfuil sé, ar leith ó na srianta sin, i dteideal vótáil maidir leis na scaireanna sin cibé acu mar shealbhóir nó mar sheachvótálaí; nó
(d) mar shealbhóir ar aon scaireanna den sórt sin , nó mar dhuine atá i dteideal aon cheart den sórt a luaitear i bhfo-alt (4), a dhéanann comhaontú atá ar neamhní de bhua fho-alt (3) nó (4);
beidh sé ciontach i gcion.
(15) Má eisítear scaireanna in aon chuideachta de shárú ar na srianta sin, beidh an chuideachta agus gach oifigeach don chuideachta a rinne mainneachtain ciontach i gcion.
(16) Ní thionscnófar imeachtaí achoimre faoin alt seo ach amháin ag an Aire nó lena thoiliú.
(17) Beidh feidhm ag an alt seo i ndáil le bintiúir mar atá feidhm aige i ndáil le scaireanna.
(18) Cuirfidh an tAire faoi deara go ndéanfar fógra faoi aon ordachán a thabharfaidh sé faoin alt seo—
(a) a chur chuig an gcuideachta lena mbaineann ag a hoifig chláraithe, agus
(b) a sheachadadh ar chláraitheoir na gcuideachtaí,
(c) a fhoilsiú san Iris Oifigiúil agus in dhá nuachtán laethúla ar a laghad,
a luaithe is féidir tar éis an t-ordachán a thabhairt.
Leathnú ar chumhachtaí imscrúdaithe chuig comhlachtaí áirithe atá corpraithe lasmuigh den Stát.
17.—Beidh feidhm ag ailt 8 go 11, 13, 18 agus 22 maidir leis na comhlachtaí corpraithe go léir atá corpraithe lasmuigh den Stát agus atá ag seoladh gnó sa Stát nó a sheol gnó tráth ar bith ann amhail is dá mba chuideachtaí iad a bhí cláraithe faoin bPríomh-Acht, faoi réir aon mhodhnuithe is gá.
Nithe áirithe a bheith inghlactha i bhfianaise.
18.—Maidir le freagra a thabharfaidh duine ar cheist a chuirfear air i bhfeidhmiú cumhachtaí a thugtar—
(a) le halt 10;
(b) le halt 10 arna chur chun feidhme le hailt 14 agus 17; nó
(c) le rialacha arna ndéanamh maidir le cuideachtaí a fhoirceannadh cibé acu ag an gcúirt nó go saorálach faoi alt 68 den Acht Cúirteanna Breithiúnais, 1936, arna leathnú le halt 312 den Phríomh-Acht;
féadfar é a úsáid i bhfianaise ina aghaidh agus féadfar ráiteas is gá a thabhairt le halt 224 den Phríomh-Acht a úsáid i bhfianaise in aghaidh aon duine a dhéanfaidh é nó a chomhthoileoidh lena dhéanamh.
Cumhacht an Aire chun a cheangal doiciméid a thabhairt ar aird.
19.—(1) Féadfaidh an tAire, faoi réir fho-alt (2), ordacháin a thabhairt d'aon chomhlacht—
(a) ar cuideachta é a foirmíodh agus a cláraíodh faoi Achtanna na gCuideachtaí;
(b) ar cuideachta láithreach é de réir bhrí na nAchtanna sin;
(c) ar cuideachta é lena mbaineann an Príomh-Acht de bhua alt 325 den chéanna nó atá cláraithe faoin Acht sin de bhua Chuid IX den chéanna;
(d) ar comhlacht corpraithe é atá corpraithe sa Stát agus a bhfuil príomh-áit ghnó aige sa Stát, ar comhlacht é lena mbaineann aon cheann d'fhorálacha an Achta a dúradh maidir le réamheolairí agus leithrannta de bhua alt 377 den Acht sin;
(e) ar comhlacht corpraithe é atá corpraithe lasmuigh den Stát agus atá ag seoladh gnó sa Stát nó a sheol gnó ann tráth ar bith;
(f) ar comhlacht ar bith eile é, cibé acu corpraithe nó gan bheith, ar gnóthas árachais é nó ar dealraitheach don Aire gur gnóthas árachais é a mbeadh feidhm ag na hAchtanna Árachais, 1909 go 1990, nó ag rialacháin faoi árachas a rinneadh faoi Acht na gComhphobal Eorpach, 1972, maidir leis;
á cheangal ar an gcomhlacht, cibé tráth agus áit a bheidh sonraithe sna hordacháin, cibé leabhair nó doiciméid a bheidh sonraithe amhlaidh a thabhairt ar aird, nó féadfaidh sé tráth ar bith, má cheapann sé go bhfuil cúis mhaith aige le déanamh amhlaidh, a údarú d'aon oifigeach dá chuid, ar fhianaise faoina údarás a thabhairt ar aird (má cheanglaítear air déanamh amhlaidh), a cheangal ar aon chomhlacht den sórt sin mar a dúradh aon leabhair nó doiciméid a thabhairt ar aird dó láithreach a shonróidh an t-oifigeach.
(2) Féadfaidh an tAire ordacháin a thabhairt más dóigh leis go bhfuil imthosca ann a thugann le tuiscint—
(a) gur gá leabhair agus doiciméid an chomhlachta a scrúdú d'fhonn a chinneadh cibé acu ba cheart cigire a cheapadh chun imscrúdú ar an gcomhlacht a stiúradh faoi Achtanna na gCuideachtaí; nó
(b) go bhfuil nó go raibh cúrsaí an chomhlachta á stiúradh le hintinn calaois a dhéanamh—
(i) ar a chreidiúnaithe,
(ii) ar chreidiúnaithe aon duine eile, nó
(iii) ar a chuid comhaltaí; nó
(c) go bhfuil nó go raibh cúrsaí an chomhlachta á stiúradh chun críche calaoisí seachas mar a thuairiscítear i mír (b); nó
(d) go bhfuil nó go raibh cúrsaí an chomhlachta á stiúradh ar shlí a dhéanann dochar míchothrom do chuid éigin dá chomhaltaí; nó
(e) go ndéanann nó go ndéanfadh aon ghníomh nó neamhghníomh, nó sraith de ghníomhartha nó neamhghníomhartha, iarbhír nó beartaithe, de chuid an chomhlachta nó thar a cheann dochar míchothrom do chuid éigin dá chomhaltaí; nó
(f) go bhfuil, nó gur dóigh go bhfuil, aon ghníomh nó neamhghníomh, nó sraith de ghníomhartha nó neamhghníomhartha, iarbhír nó beartaithe, de chuid an chomhlachta nó thar a cheann neamhdhleathach; nó
(g) gur foirmíodh an comhlacht chun aon chríche calaoisí; nó
(h) gur foirmíodh an comhlacht chun aon chríche neamhdhleathaí.
(3) Más rud é de bhua fho-alt (1) go mbeidh cumhacht ag an Aire nó ag oifigeach a bheidh údaraithe ag an Aire a cheangal ar aon chomhlacht aon leabhair nó doiciméid a thabhairt ar aird beidh cumhacht dá samhail ag an Aire nó ag an oifigeach a cheangal ar aon duine ar dealraitheach don Aire nó don oifigeach na leabhair nó na doiciméid sin a bheith ina sheilbh iad a thabhairt ar aird; ach má éilíonn aon duine den sórt sin lian ar leabhair nó doiciméid a bheidh tugtha ar aird aige, déanfar iad a thabhairt ar aird gan dochar don lian.
(4) Aon chumhacht a thugtar leis an alt seo nó de bhua an ailt seo chun a cheangal ar chomhlacht nó ar dhuine eile leabhair nó doiciméid a thabhairt ar aird folóidh sí cumhacht—
(a) i gcás na leabhair nó na doiciméid a thabhairt ar aird—
(i) chun cóipeanna díobh nó sleachta astu a thógáil; agus
(ii) chun a cheangal ar an duine sin, nó ar aon duine eile ar oifigeach láithreach nó iaroifigeach é don chomhlacht áirithe nó atá nó a bhí fostaithe tráth ar bith ag an gcomhlacht áirithe míniú a thabhairt ar aon cheann díobh;
(b) mura dtabharfar na leabhair nó na doiciméid ar aird, chun a cheangal ar an duine ar ceanglaíodh air iad a thabhairt ar aird a lua, de réir mar is fearr is eol dó agus mar a chreideann sé, cá bhfuil siad.
(5) Mura gcomhlíonfar ceanglas chun leabhair nó doiciméid a thabhairt ar aird nó míniú a sholáthar nó ráiteas a dhéanamh a fhorchuirtear de bhua an ailt seo, beidh an comhlacht nó an duine eile ar ar forchuireadh an ceanglas amhlaidh ciontach i gcion; ach i gcás go gcúiseofar duine i gcion faoin bhfo-alt seo i leith ceanglais chun aon leabhair nó doiciméid a thabhairt ar aird, is cosaint a chruthú nach raibh siad ina sheilbh ná faoina rialú agus nárbh fhéidir leis le réasún an ceanglas a chomhlíonadh.
(6) Féadfar ráiteas a dhéanfaidh duine agus ceanglas a fhorchuirtear de bhua an ailt seo á chomhlíonadh aige a úsáid mar fhianaise ina aghaidh.
(7) Ní choiscfidh aon ní san alt seo ar an Aire duine seachas oifigeach dá chuid a údarú chun na feidhmeanna a fheidhmiú a fhéadfaidh oifigeach dá chuid a fheidhmiú faoin alt seo agus, i gcás go n-údaróidh an tAire amhlaidh, beidh na cearta céanna ag an duine sin agus na dualgais agus na hoibleagáidí céanna air amhail is dá mba é an t-oifigeach sin é.
Dul isteach agus áitreabh a chuardach.
20.—(1) Más deimhin le Breitheamh Dúiche ar fhaisnéis faoi mhionn a bheidh curtha i láthair ag oifigeach a d'údaraigh an tAire nó a bheidh curtha i láthair faoi údarás an Aire, go bhfuil foras réasúnach le drochamhras a bheith ann an bhfuil aon leabhair nó doiciméid ar aon áitreabh ar ceanglaíodh iad a thabhairt ar aird faoi alt 14, 15 nó 19, agus nár tugadh ar aird i gcomhlíonadh an cheanglais sin, féadfaidh an Breitheamh barántas a eisiúint á údarú d'aon chomhalta den Gharda Síochána agus d'aon daoine eile a bheidh ainmnithe sa bharántas agus d'aon chomhaltaí eile den Gharda Síochána dul isteach san áitreabh a bheidh sonraithe san fhaisnéis (agus cibé forneart a úsáid is gá le réasún chun na críche) agus an t-áitreabh a chuardach agus seilbh a ghabháil ar aon leabhair nó doiciméid ar dealraitheach gur leabhair nó doiciméid den sórt sin a dúradh iad, nó, i ndáil le haon leabhair nó doiciméid is dealraitheach dóibh amhlaidh, aon bhearta eile a dhéanamh is dealraitheach dóibh a bheith riachtanach chun na leabhair nó na doiciméid sin a chaomhnú agus le nach mbainfí leo.
(2) Leanfaidh gach barántas a eiseofar faoin alt seo i bhfeidhm go dtí deireadh tréimhse míosa tar éis dáta a eisiúna.
(3) Féadfar aon leabhair nó doiciméid a ngabhfar seilbh orthu faoin alt seo a choimeád ar feadh tréimhse trí mhí nó, i gcás aon imeachtaí coiriúla den sórt atá luaite in alt 21 (1) (a) nó (1) (b) (ar imeachtaí iad lena mbaineann na leabhair nó na doiciméid) a bheith tosaithe laistigh den tréimhse sin, go dtí críoch na n-imeachtaí sin.
(4) Duine a bhacfaidh ceart dul isteach nó cuardaigh a fheidhmiú a thugtar de bhua barántais a eisítear faoin alt seo nó a bhacfaidh ceart a fheidhmiú a thugtar amhlaidh chun seilbh a ghabháil ar aon leabhair nó doiciméid, beidh sé ciontach i gcion.
Foráil d'fhonn faisnéis a shlánchoimeád.
21.—(1) Ní dhéanfar aon fhaisnéis, leabhar nó doiciméad a bhaineann le comhlacht agus a gheofar faoi alt 19 nó 20 a fhoilsiú ná a nochtadh, gan toiliú roimh ré i scríbhinn ón gcomhlacht sin, ach amháin d'údarás inniúil, mura n-éilítear an foilsiú nó an nochtadh—
(a) d'fhonn aon imeachtaí coiriúla a thionscnamh, nó thairis sin chun críocha aon imeachtaí den sórt sin, de bhun nó de dhroim Achtanna na gCuideachtaí nó i leith ciona lena ngabhann mí-iompar i dtaca le cúrsaí an chomhlachta a bhainistiú nó lena chuid maoine a mhífheidhmiú nó a choinneáil go héagórach;
(b) d'fhonn aon imeachtaí coiriúla a thionscnamh, nó thairis sin chun críocha aon imeachtaí den sórt sin, de bhun nó de dhroim na nAchtanna um Rialú Iomlaoide, 1954 go 1986, nó na nAchtanna Árachais, 1909 go 1990, nó rialachán faoi árachas a rinneadh faoi Acht na gComhphobal Eorpach, 1972;
(c) d'fhonn aon cheanglas a chomhlíonadh nó aon chumhacht a fheidhmiú a fhorchuirtear nó a thugtar leis an gCuid seo maidir le tuarascálacha a thugann cigirí a bheidh ceaptha fúithi ag an gcúirt nó ag an Aire;
(d) d'fhonn an tAire do thionscnamh imeachtaí chun an comhlacht a fhoirceannadh faoin bPríomh-Acht nó thairis sin chun críocha imeachtaí a bheidh tionscanta aige chun na críche sin;
(e) chun críocha imeachtaí faoi alt 20.
(2) Aon duine a fhoilseoidh nó a nochtfaidh aon fhaisnéis, leabhar nó doiciméad de shárú ar an alt seo beidh sé ciontach i gcion.
(3) Chun críocha an ailt seo folaíonn “údarás inniúil”—
(a) an tAire,
(b) duine arna údarú ag an Aire,
(c) cigire a cheapfar faoin Acht seo,
(d) an tAire Airgeadais,
(e) oifigeach arna údarú ag an Aire Airgeadais,
(f) aon chúirt dlínse inniúla,
(g) údarás maoirseachta de réir bhrí rialachán a bhaineann le hárachas a rinneadh faoi Acht na gComhphobal Eorpach, 1972, agus
(h) an Banc Ceannais.
Tuarascálacha cigirí a bheith ina bhfianaise.
22.—Beidh doiciméad a airbheartóidh a bheith ina chóip de thuarascáil ó chigire a cheapfar faoi fhorálacha na Coda seo inghlactha in aon imeachtaí sibhialta mar fhianaise—
(a) ar na fíorais a bheidh leagtha amach inti gan a thuilleadh cruthúnais mura gcruthófar a mhalairt, agus
(b) ar thuairim an chigire i ndáil le haon ní sa tuarascáil.
Cosaint d'fhaisnéis faoi phribhléid.
23.—(1) Ní chuirfidh aon ní sa Chuid seo d'iallach ar aon duine aon fhaisnéis a nochtadh a mbeadh sé, i dtuairim na cúirte, i dteideal diúltú í a thabhairt ar aird ar fhoras a bhaineann le pribhléid ghairmiúil dhlíthiúil ná ní údaróidh aon ní sa Chuid seo seilbh a ghlacadh ar aon doiciméad ina mbeidh faisnéis den sórt sin a bheidh ina sheilbh.
(2) Ní cheanglóidh an tAire ar dhuine, faoi alt 19, ná ní údaróidh sé d'oifigeach dá chuid a cheangal ar dhuine, a sheolann gnó baincéireachta doiciméad a thabhairt ar aird a bhaineann le cúrsaí custaiméara dá chuid mura dealraitheach don Aire gur gá sin a dhéanamh chun cúrsaí an duine chéadluaite a imscrúdú nó gur duine é an custaiméir ar ar forchuireadh ceanglas de bhua an ailt sin.
(3) Beidh foilsiú aon tuarascála, faisnéise, leabhair nó doiciméid, de bhun aon fhorála den Chuid seo, faoi phribhléid.
Cumhacht chun rialacháin fhorlíontacha a dhéanamh.
24.—(1) Má bhíonn aon deacracht ann, in aon slí, aon fhoráil den Chuid seo a thabhairt i ngníomh nó i ndáil le hoibriú aon fhorála den sórt sin, féadfaidh an tAire le rialacháin aon ní a dhéanamh is dealraitheach dó a bheith riachtanach nó fóirsteanach chun deireadh a chur leis an deacracht sin, chun an fhoráil a thabhairt i ngníomh, nó chun a gníomhú a áirithiú nó a urasú, agus féadfaidh aon rialacháin den sórt sin aon fhoráil den Chuid seo a mhodhnú a mhéid a bheidh riachtanach nó fóirsteanach chun foráil den sórt sin a chur in éifeacht chun na gcríoch a dúradh.
(2) Gach rialachán a dhéanfaidh an tAire faoin alt seo leagfar é faoi bhráid gach Tí den Oireachtas a luaithe is féidir tar éis a dhéanta agus má dhéanann ceachtar Teach, laistigh den 21 lá a shuífidh an Teach sin tar éis an rialachán a leagan faoina bhráid, rún a rith ag neamhniú an rialacháin, beidh an rialachán ar neamhní dá réir sin, ach sin gan dochar do bhailíocht aon ní a rinneadh roimhe sin faoin rialachán.
CUID III
Idirbhearta a Bhaineann le Stiúrthóirí
Réamhráiteach
Léiriú ar Chuid III.
25.—(1) Sa Chuid seo, mura n-éilíonn an comhthéacs a mhalairt—
tá le “idirbhearta creidmheasa” an bhrí a shanntar dó le fo-alt (3);
folaíonn “ráthaíocht” slánaíocht;
tá le “quasi-iasacht” an bhrí a shanntar dó le fo-alt (2);
ciallaíonn “banc ceadúnaithe” sealbhóir ceadúnais faoi alt 9 d'Acht an Bhainc Ceannais, 1971.
(2) Chun críocha na Coda seo—
(a) is éard is quasi-iasacht ann idirbheart faoina gcomhaontaíonn páirtí amháin (“an creidiúnaí”) suim a íoc do pháirtí eile (“an t-iasachtaí”) nó faoina n-íocann sé suim amhlaidh ar shlí seachas de bhun comhaontú, nó faoina gcomhaontaíonn sé caiteachas a thabhaigh páirtí amháin a aisíoc do pháirtí eile (“an t-iasachtaí”) nó faoina ndéanann sé aisíoc amhlaidh seachas de bhun comhaontú—
(i) ar théarmaí go ndéanfaidh an t-iasachtaí (nó duine thar a cheann) aisíoc leis an gcreidiúnaí: nó
(ii) in imthosca faoina mbeidh an t-iasachtaí faoi dhliteanas aisíoc a dhéanamh leis an gcreidiúnaí;
(b) is tagairt don iasachtaí aon tagairt don duine a dtabharfar quasi-iasacht dó; agus
(c) folaíonn dliteanais iasachtaí faoi quasi-iasacht dliteanais aon duine a chomhaontaigh aisíoc a dhéanamh leis an gcreidiúnaí thar ceann an iasachtaí.
(3) Chun críocha na Coda seo is é is idirbheart creidmheasa ann idirbheart faoina ndéanann páirtí amháin (“an creidiúnaí”)—
(a) aon earraí a sholáthar nó aon talamh a dhíol faoi chomhaontú fruilcheannaigh nó faoi chomhaontú coinníollach díola;
(b) úsáid talún a léasú nó a cheadúnú nó carraí a fhruiliú, i gcomaoin íocaíochtaí tréimhsiúla;
(c) talamh a dhiúscairt ar shlí eile nó earraí nó seirbhísí a sholáthar ar shlí eile ar an mbonn tuisceana go ndéanfar íocaíocht (cibé acu ina cnapshuim nó i dtráthchodanna nó ar mhodh íocaíochtaí tréimhsiúla nó ar shlí eile) a chur siar.
(4) Chun críocha na Coda seo is é is luach d'idirbheart nó do chomhshocraíocht—
(a) i gcás iasachta, príomhshuim na hiasachta;
(b) i gcás quasi-iasachta, an méid nó an t-uasmhéid a mbeidh an duine a dtabharfar an quasi-iasacht dó faoi dhliteanas a aisíoc leis an gcreidiúnaí;
(c) i gcás idirbhirt nó comhshocraíochta, seachas iasacht nó quasi-iasacht nó idirbheart nó comhshocraíocht faoi mhír (d) nó (e), an praghas a d'fhéadfaí a bheith ag súil le réasún a fháil ar na hearraí, ar an talamh nó ar na seirbhísí lena mbaineann an t-idirbheart nó an chomh shocraíocht dá soláthrófaí iad an tráth a ndearnadh an t-idirbheart nó an chomhshocraíocht i ngnáthchúrsa gnó agus ar na téarmaí céanna (ar leith ón bpraghas) ar soláthraíodh nó a soláthrófar iad faoin idirbheart nó faoin gcomhshocraíocht áirithe;
(d) i gcás ráthaíochta nó urrúis, an méid a ráthaíodh nó a urraíodh;
(e) i gcás comhshocraíochta lena mbaineann alt 31 (2) nó 31 (3) luach an idirbhirt lena mbaineann an chomhshocraíocht lúide aon mhéid trínar laghdaíodh dliteanais an duine, dá ndearnadh an t-idirbheart, faoin gcomhshocraíocht nó faoin idirbheart.
(5) Chun críocha fho-alt (4), measfar, maidir le luach idirbhirt nó comhshocraíochta nach féidir a shainiú mar shuim shonrach airgid (mar nach féidir méid aon dliteanais faoin idirbheart a fhionnadh, nó mar gheall ar aon chúis eile), gur mó é ná £50,000 cibé acu a laghdaíodh nó nár laghdaíodh aon dliteanas faoin idirbheart.
(6) Chun críocha na Coda seo, déanfar idirbheart nó comhshocraíocht do dhuine más rud é—
(a) i gcás iasachta nó quasi-iasachta, go dtugtar dó í;
(b) i gcás idirbhirt creidmheasa, gurb eisean an duine a ndéanfar earraí nó seirbhísí a sholáthar dó, nó talamh a dhíol leis nó a dhiúscairt ar shlí eile, faoin idirbheart;
(c) i gcás ráthaíochta nó urrúis, go ndéanfar é nó go gcuirfear ar fáil é i dtaca le hiasacht nó quasi-iasacht a tugadh dó nó i dtaca le hidirbheart creidmheasa a rinneadh dó;
(d) i gcás comhshocraíochta lena mbaineann alt 31 (2) nó 31 (3), gur dó a rinneadh an t-idirbheart lena mbaineann an chomhshocraíocht; agus
(e) i gcás aon idirbhirt nó chomhshocraíochta eile chun earraí, talamh nó seirbhísí (nó aon leas iontu) a sholáthar nó a aistriú, gurb eisean an duine a soláthrófar na hearraí, an talamh nó na seirbhísí (nó an leas) dó nó a n-aistreofar chuige iad.
(7) Ní bhaineann an Chuid seo, ach amháin ailt 41, 43 agus 44, le comhshocraíochtaí nó idirbhearta a rinneadh roimh thosach feidhme an ailt seo ach, chun a chinneadh cibé acu is comhshocraíocht lena mbaineann alt 31 (2) nó 31 (3) comhshocraíocht, measfar, maidir leis an idirbheart lena mbaineann an chomhshocraíocht, i gcás go ndearnadh é roimh an tosach feidhme sin, gur ina dhiaidh sin a rinneadh é.
(8) Beidh éifeacht leis an gCuid seo i ndáil le comhshocraíocht nó le hidirbheart bíodh sé faoi réir dhlí an Stáit nó dlí tíre eile.
Daoine bainteacha.
26.—(1) Chun críocha na Coda seo tá duine bainteach le stiúrthóir cuideachta más rud é, ach más rud é amháin—
(a) gurb é céile, tuismitheoir, deartháir, deirfiúr nó leanbh an stiúrthóra sin é;
(b) gur duine é a ghníomhaíonn ina cháil mar iontaobhaí aon iontaobhais arb iad na príomhthairbhithe maidir leis an iontaobhas an stiúrthóir, a chéile nó aon leanbh dá chuid nó aon chomhlacht corpraithe a rialaíonn sé: nó
(c) gur comhpháirtí den stiúrthóir sin é;
mura stiúrthóir de chuid na cuideachta an duine sin freisin.
(2) Measfar comhlacht corpraithe a bheith bainteach freisin le stiúrthóir cuideachta más é an stiúrthóir sin a rialaíonn é.
(3) Chun críocha an ailt seo, measfar comhlacht corpraithe a bheith faoi rialú stiúrthóra cuideachta más rud é, ach más rud é amháin go bhfuil, mar dhuine aonair nó i dteannta aon duine de na daoine dá dtagraítear i mír (a), (b) nó (c) d'fho-alt (1), leas aige i mbreis is leath de scairchaipiteal cothromais an chomhlachta sin nó go bhfuil sé i dteideal breis is leath den chumhacht vótála a fheidhmiú nó feidhmiú na coda sin a rialú ag aon chruinniú ginearálta de chuid an chomhlachta sin.
(4) I bhfo-alt (3)—
(a) tá le “scairchaipiteal cothromais” an bhrí chéanna atá leis in alt 155 den Phríomh-Acht; agus
(b) folóidh tagairtí do chumhacht vótála a fheidhmíonn stiúrthóir tagairtí do chumhacht vótála a fheidhmíonn comhlacht corpraithe eile a rialaíonn an stiúrthóir sin.
(5) Beidh éifeacht le forálacha alt 54 chun críocha fho-alt (3) ach na focail “níos mó ná leath” a chur in ionad na bhfocal “an tríú cuid nó níos mó” i bhfo-ailt (5) agus (6) den alt sin.
Cúlstiúrthóirí.
27.—(1) Faoi réir fho-alt (2), maidir le duine ar gnách le stiúrthóirí cuideachta gníomhú de réir a ordachán nó a threoracha (dá ngairtear “cúlstiúrthóir” san Acht seo) déileálfar leis, chun críocha na Coda seo, mar stiúrthóir ar an gcuideachta mura gnách leis na stiúrthóirí gníomhú amhlaidh ar an aonchúis go ndéanann siad amhlaidh ar chomhairle a thugann sé i gcáil ghairmiúil.
(2) Ní bheidh cúlstiúrthóir ciontach i gcion faoi alt 44 (8) de bhua fho-alt (1) amháin.
(3) Beidh feidhm ag alt 194 den Phríomh-Acht i ndáil le cúlstiúrthóir cuideachta mar atá feidhm aige i ndáil le stiúrthóir cuideachta, ach amháin go ndearbhóidh an culstiúrthóir a leas, ní ag cruinniú stiúrthóirí, ach trí fhógra i scríbhinn chuig na stiúrthóirí—
(a) ar fógra sonrach é a thabharfar roimh dháta an chruinnithe ag a gceanglófaí, le fo-alt (2) den alt sin, an dearbhú a dhéanamh dá mba gur stiúrthóir é; nó
(b) ar fógra é atá, faoi fho-alt (3) den alt sin, le háireamh mar leordhearbhú ar an leas sin nó a bheadh le háireamh amhlaidh ar leith ón gcoinníoll;
agus beidh éifeacht le halt 145 den Acht sin amhail is dá ndéanfaí an dearbhú ag an gcruinniú áirithe agus dá réir sin dá mba chuid de na himeachtaí é ag an gcruinniú sin.
Idirbhearta áirithe lena mbaineann easaontacht leasa
Conarthaí fostaíochta stiúrthóirí.
28.—(1) Faoi réir fho-alt (6), ní chorpróidh cuideachta téarma lena mbaineann an t-alt seo in aon chomhaontú mura gceadófar an téarma ar dtús le rún ón gcuideachta i gcruinniú ginearálta agus, i gcás stiúrthóra cuideachta sealbhaíochta, le rún ón gcuideachta sin i gcruinniú ginearálta.
(2) Baineann an t-alt seo le haon téarma lena leanfar nó lena bhféadfar leanúint d'fhostaíocht stiúrthóra leis an gcuideachta arb é an stiúrthóir uirthi é nó, i gcás gur stiúrthóir ar chuideachta shealbhaíochta é, dá chuid fostaíochta laistigh den ghrúpa, ar shlí seachas ar thionscnamh na cuideachta (cibé acu faoin gcomhaontú bunaidh nó faoi chomhaontú nua arna dhéanamh de bhun an chomhaontaithe bunaidh), ar feadh tréimhse is faide ná cúig bliana—
(a) nach féidir leis an gcuideachta an fhostaíocht a fhoirceannadh le fógra lena linn; nó
(b) nach féidir an fhostaíocht a fhoirceannadh amhlaidh lena linn ach amháin in imthosca sonraithe.
(3) In aon chás—
(a) ina bhfuil duine fostaithe, nó le fostú, le cuideachta faoi chomhaontú nach féidir leis an gcuideachta a fhoirceannadh le fógra nó nach féidir a fhoirceannadh amhlaidh ach amháin in imthosca sonraithe; agus
(b) ina ndéanann an chuideachta comhaontú breise (ar dhóigh seachas de bhun cirt a thugtar leis an gcomhaontú bunaidh, nó de bhua an chomhaontaithe bunaidh, don pháirtí eile sa chomhaontú) sé mhí ar a laghad roimh dheireadh na tréimhse a bhfuil sé fostaithe nó le fostú amhlaidh, faoina mbeidh sé le fostú leis an gcuideachta nó, i gcás gur stiúrthóir ar chuideachta shealbhaíochta é, le fostú laistigh den ghrúpa,
beidh feidhm ag fo-alt (2) amhail is dá gcuirfí tréimhse bhreise, ar comhfhad leis an tréimhse neamhchaite den chomhaontú bunaidh, leis an tréimhse a mbeidh sé le fostú lena haghaidh faoin gcomhaontú breise sin.
(4) Ní rithfear, ag cruinniú ginearálta cuideachta, rún ón gcuideachta ag ceadú téarma lena mbaineann an t-alt seo mura mbeidh meabhrán scríofa ina leagfar amach an comhaontú atá beartaithe, agus ina gcorprófar an téarma, ar fáil lena iniúchadh ag comhaltaí na cuideachta—
(a) ag oifig chláraithe na cuideachta ar feadh tréimhse 15 lá ar a laghad dar críoch dáta an chruinnithe; agus
(b) ag an gcruinniú féin.
(5) Aon téarma a bheidh i gcomhaontú de shárú ar an alt seo beidh sé ar neamhní a mhéid a sháraíonn sé an t-alt seo; agus measfar téarma a bheith sa chomhaontú sin agus, i gcás lena mbaineann fo-alt (3), sa chomhaontú bunaidh a thabharfaidh teideal don chuideachta é a fhoirceannadh tráth ar bith trí fhógra réasúnach a thabhairt.
(6) Ní cheanglaítear ar aon chomhlacht corpraithe aon cheadú a thabhairt faoin alt seo mura cuideachta é de réir bhrí an Phríomh-Achta nó cuideachta atá cláraithe faoi Chuid IX den Acht sin nó, chun críocha alt 150 den Acht sin, más fochuideachta ar lánúinéireacht ag aon chomhlacht corpraithe é, cibé áit inar corpraíodh é.
(7) San alt seo—
(a) folaíonn “fostaíocht” fostaíocht faoi chonradh i gcomhair seirbhísí; agus
(b) ciallaíonn “grúpa” i ndáil le stiúrthóir ar chuideachta shealbhaíochta, an grúpa arb é atá ann an chuideachta sin agus a fochuideachtaí.
Idirbhearta substaintiúla maoine a bhaineann le stiúrthóirí, etc.
29.—(1) Faoi réir fho-ailt (6), (7) agus (8), ní dhéanfaidh cuideachta comhshocraíocht—
(a) trína ndéanann nó trína ndéanfaidh stiúrthóir ar an gcuideachta nó ar a cuideachta shealbhaíochta nó duine atá bainteach le stiúrthóir den sórt sin sócmhainn amháin nó níos mó nach sócmhainn airgid, den luach riachtanach, a fháil ón gcuideachta; nó
(b) trína ndéanann nó trína ndéanfaidh an chuideachta sócmhainn amháin nó níos mó nach sócmhainn airgid, den luach riachtanach, a fháil ó stiúrthóir den sórt sin nó ó dhuine atá bainteach amhlaidh;
mura gceadaítear an chomhshocraíocht ar dtús le rún ón gcuideachta i gcruinniú ginearálta agus, más stiúrthóir ar a cuideachta shealbhaíochta nó duine atá bainteach le stiúrthóir den sórt sin an stiúrthóir nó an duine bainteach, le rún i gcruinniú ginearálta den chuideachta shealbhaíochta.
(2) Chun críocha an ailt seo is den luach riachtanach sócmhainn nach sócmhainn airgid más rud é, an tráth a ndéantar an chomhshocraíocht áirithe, gur fiú £1,000 ar a laghad a luach ach, faoina réir sin, gur mó é ná £50,000 nó deich faoin gcéad de mhéid shócmhainní iomchuí na cuideachta, agus chun na gcríoch sin is é méid sócmhainní iomchuí cuideachta—
(a) ach amháin i gcás a thig faoi mhír (b), luach a glansócmhainní arna chinneadh faoi threoir na gcuntas a ullmhaíodh agus a leagadh faoi bhráid an chruinnithe de réir cheanglais alt 148 den Phríomh-Acht maidir leis an mbliain airgeadais dheireanach roimhe sin ar leagadh na cuntais sin faoina bhráid amhlaidh ina leith;
(b) i gcás nár ullmhaíodh nó nár leagadh aon chuntais faoi bhráid an chruinnithe faoin alt sin roimh an am sin, méid a scairchaipitil ghlaoite.
(3) Beidh aon chomhshocraíocht a dhéanfaidh cuideachta de shárú ar an alt seo agus aon idirbheart a dhéanfar de bhun na comhshocraíochta (cibé acu ag an gcuideachta nó ag aon duine eile) inchurtha ar neamhní ar thionscnamh na cuideachta—
(a) mura féidir a thuilleadh aiseag aon airgid nó sócmhainne eile is ábhar don chomhshocraíocht nó don idirbheart a dhéanamh, nó mura slánóidh duine ar bith eile an chuideachta de bhun fho-alt (4) (b) ar an gcaillteanas nó ar an damáiste a bhain di; nó
(b) mura ndéanfaí difear trína neamhniú d'aon chearta a fuair aon duine nach páirtí sa chomhshocraíocht nó san idirbheart agus a fuair sé ar mhodh bona fide ar luach-chomaoin agus d'éagmais fógra iarbhír faoin sárú; nó
(c) mura ndaingneoidh an chuideachta an chomhshocraíocht i gcruinniú ginearálta laistigh de thréimhse réasúnach agus, más comhshocraíocht í chun sócmhainn a aistriú chuig nó ag stiúrthóir dá cuideachta shealbhaíochta nó chuig nó ag duine atá bainteach le stiúrthóir den sórt sin, mura ndaingnítear í amhlaidh le ceadú na cuideachta sealbhaíochta arna thabhairt le rún i gcruinniú ginearálta.
(4) Gan dochar d'aon dliteanas a fhorchuirtear ar shlí seachas leis an bhfo-alt seo, ach faoi réir fho-alt (5), i gcás go ndéanfaidh stiúrthóir ar chuideachta nó ar a cuideachta shealbhaíochta nó duine atá bainteach leis comhshocraíocht le cuideachta de shárú ar an alt seo beidh an stiúrthóir sin agus an duine atá bainteach leis amhlaidh agus aon stiúrthóir eile ar an gcuideachta a d'údaraigh an chomhshocraíocht nó aon idirbheart a rinneadh de bhun comhshocraíochta den sórt sin (cibé acu a cuireadh ar neamhní í nó nár cuireadh de bhun fho-alt (3)) faoi dhliteanas—
(a) cuntas a thabhairt don chuideachta ar aon ghnóchan a rinne sé go díreach nó go neamhdhíreach tríd an gcomhshocraíocht nó an idirbheart; agus
(b) (i gcomhpháirt agus go leithleach le haon duine eile atá faoi dhliteanas faoin bhfo-alt seo) an chuideachta a shlánú ar aon chaillteanas nó damáiste a thig ón gcomhshocraíocht nó ón idirbheart.
(5) I gcás go ndéanfaidh cuideachta agus duine atá bainteach le stiúrthóir ar an gcuideachta nó ar a cuideachta shealbhaíochta, comhshocraíocht de shárú ar an alt seo, ní bheidh an stiúrthóir sin faoi dhliteanas faoi fho-alt (4) má thaispeánann sé go ndearna sé gach beart réasúnach chun comhlíonadh an ailt seo ag an gcuideachta a áirithiú agus, in aon chás, ní bheidh duine atá bainteach amhlaidh ná aon stiúrthóir eile den sórt sin atá luaite san fho-alt sin faoi dhliteanas amhlaidh má thaispeánann sé nárbh eol dó, an tráth a ndearnadh an chomhshocraíocht, na himthosca iomchuí a bhí i gceist sa sárú.
(6) Ní cheanglaítear ar aon chomhlacht corpraithe aon cheadú a thabhairt faoin alt seo mura cuideachta é de réir bhrí an Phríomh-Achta nó cuideachta atá cláraithe faoi Chuid IX den Acht sin nó, chun críocha alt 150 den Acht sin, más fochuideachta ar lánúinéireacht ag aon chomhlacht corpraithe é cibé áit inar corpraíodh é.
(7) Ní bheidh feidhm ag fo-alt (1) i ndáil le haon chomhshocraíocht chun sócmhainn nach sócmhainn airgid a fháil—
(a) más rud é, maidir leis an tsócmhainn nach sócmhainn airgid atá i gceist, go bhfaigheann nó go bhfaighidh cuideachta shealbhaíochta í ó aon cheann dá fochuideachtaí ar lánúinéireacht nó go bhfaigheann nó go bhfaighidh aon cheann dá fochuideachtaí ar lánúinéireacht í ó chuideachta shealbhaíochta nó go bhfaigheann nó go bhfaighidh aon fhochuideachta amháin ar lánúinéireacht de chuid cuideachta sealbhaíochta í ó fhochuideachta eile ar lánúinéireacht de chuid na cuideachta sealbhaíochta céanna sin; nó
(b) más cuideachta atá á foirceannadh a dhéanann an chomhshocraíocht mura foirceannadh toilteanach ag comhaltaí an foirceannadh.
(8) Ní bheidh feidhm ag fo-alt (1) (a) i ndáil le haon chomhshocraíocht trína bhfaigheann nó trína bhfaighidh duine sócmhainn ó chuideachta ar comhalta di é más ina cháil mar chomhalta den sórt sin a dhéantar an chomhshocraíocht leis an duine sin.
(9) San alt seo—
(a) ciallaíonn “sócmhainn nach sócmhainn airgid” aon mhaoin nó leas i maoin seachas airgead agus chun na críche sin folaíonn “airgead” airgeadra coigríche;
(b) folaíonn aon tagairt d'fháil sócmhainne nach sócmhainn airgid tagairt do chruthú nó do mhúchadh eastáit nó leasa in aon mhaoin, nó cirt thar aon mhaoin, mar aon le tagairt d'urscaoileadh dliteanais aon duine seachas dliteanas i leith suime leachtaithe; agus
(c) ciallaíonn “glansócmhainní”, i ndáil le cuideachta, comhiomlán shócmhainní na cuideachta lúide comhiomlán a dliteanas, agus chun na críche sin folaíonn “dliteanais” aon soláthar le haghaidh dliteanas nó muirear de réir mhír 70 den Sceideal a ghabhann le hAcht na gCuideachtaí (Leasú), 1986.
Pionósú mar gheall ar dhéileáil ag stiúrthóir cuideachta i roghanna chun scaireanna áirithe a cheannach nó a dhíol sa chuideachta nó i gcuideachtaí comhlachaithe nó chun bintiúir áirithe den chuideachta nó de chuideachtaí comhlachaithe a cheannach nó a dhíol.
30.—(1) Maidir le stiúrthóir cuideachta a cheannaíonn—
(a) ceart chun glaoch a dhéanamh d'fhonn líon sonraithe de scaireanna iomchuí nó méid sonraithe de bhintiúir iomchuí a sheachadadh ar phraghas sonraithe agus laistigh d'am sonraithe; nó
(b) ceart chun seachadadh a dhéanamh ar líon sonraithe de scaireanna iomchuí nó ar mhéid sonraithe de bhintiúir iomchuí ar phraghas sonraithe agus laistigh d'am sonraithe; nó
(c) ceart (de réir mar a ghlacfaidh sé de rogha) chun glaoch a dhéanamh d'fhonn líon sonraithe de scaireanna iomchuí nó méid sonraithe de bhintiúir iomchuí a sheachadadh ar phraghas sonraithe agus laistigh d'am sonraithe nó chun seachadadh a dhéanamh ar an gcéanna ar phraghas sonraithe agus laistigh d'am sonraithe;
beidh sé ciontach i gcion.
(2) I bhfo-alt (1)—
(a) ciallaíonn “scaireanna iomchuí” i ndáil le stiúrthóir cuideachta, scaireanna sa chuideachta nó in aon chomhlacht corpraithe eile, arb é fochuideachta nó cuideachta shealbhaíochta na cuideachta nó fochuideachta do chuid eachta shealbhaíochta na cuideachta é, agus ar scaireanna iad a bhfuil saoráidí déileála curtha ar fáil dóibh ag stocmhalartán (cibé acu laistigh den Stát nó in áit eile); agus
(b) ciallaíonn “bintiúir iomchuí” i ndáil le stiúrthóir cuideachta, bintiúir de chuid na cuideachta nó d'aon chomhlacht corpraithe eile, arb é fochuideachta nó cuideachta shealbhaíochta na cuideachta nó fochuideachta do chuideachta shealbhaíochta na cuideachta é, agus ar bintiúir iad a bhfuil cibé saoráidí déileála a dúradh tugtha maidir leo.
(3) Ní mheasfar go gcuirfidh aon ní san alt seo pionós ar dhuine a cheannaíonn ceart chun suibscríobh le haghaidh scaireanna i gcomhlacht corpraithe nó bintiúr de chuid comhlachta chorpraithe nó a cheannaíonn bintiúir de chuid comhlachta chorpraithe a thugann ceart do shealbhóir an chéanna suibscríobh le haghaidh scaireanna an chomhlachta nó na bintiúir a chomhshó (go hiomlán nó go páirteach) i scaireanna an chomhlachta.
(4) Chun críocha an ailt seo déanfar aon tagairt, cibé slí a bheidh sí sainráite, d'aon phraghas a íocadh, a tugadh nó a fuarthas maidir le haon leas i scaireanna nó i mbintiúir, a fhorléiriú mar thagairt a fholaíonn tagairt d'aon chomaoin seachas airgead a tugadh nó a fuarthas maidir le haon leas den sórt sin, agus folaíonn aon tagairt do phraghas sonraithe tagairt do réimse praghas sonraithe.
(5) Bainfidh an t-alt seo freisin le haon duine (nach stiúrthóir ar an gcuideachta)—
(a) a cheannaíonn ceart dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1), agus
(b) a dhéanann amhlaidh thar ceann stiúrthóra de chuid na cuideachta nó ar a chomhairle.
Cosc ar iasachtaí etc. a thabhairt do stiúrthóirí agus do dhaoine bainteacha.
31.—(1) Ach amháin mar a fhoráiltear le hailt 32 go 37—
(a) ní thabharfaidh cuideachta iasacht ná quasi-iasacht do stiúrthóir ar an gcuideachta nó ar a cuideachta shealbhaíochta ná do dhuine atá bainteach le stiúrthóir den sórt sin;
(b) ní dhéanfaidh cuideachta idirbheart creidmheasa mar chreidiúnaí do stiúrthóir den sórt sin nó do dhuine atá bainteach amhlaidh;
(c) ní dhéanfaidh cuideachta ráthaíocht ná aon úrrús a sholáthar i ndáil le hiasacht, quasi-iasacht ná idirbheart creidmheasa a thug aon duine eile do stiúrthóir den sórt sin nó do dhuine atá bainteach amhlaidh.
(2) Ní dhéanfaidh cuideachta comhshocraíocht chun aon chearta, oibleagáidí nó dliteanais a shannadh di nó a ghabháil uirthi féin faoi idirbheart a sháródh fo-alt (1) dá ndéanfadh an chuideachta é; ach chun críocha na Coda seo déileálfar leis an idirbheart mar idirbheart a rinneadh ar dháta na comhshocraíochta.
(3) Ní ghlacfaidh cuideachta páirt in aon chomhshocraíocht—
(a) trína ndéanfaidh duine eile idirbheart a sháródh fo-alt (1) nó (2) dá ndéanfadh an chuideachta é; agus
(b) trína bhfaigheann nó trína bhfaighidh an duine eile sin, de bhun na comhshocraíochta, aon sochar ón gcuideachta nó óna cuideachta shealbhaíochta nó ó fhochuideachta de chuid na cuideachta nó a cuideachta shealbhaíochta.
Comhshocraíochtaí de luach cinnte.
32.—(1) Ní thoirmiscfidh alt 31 ar chuideachta comhshocraíocht a dhéanamh le stiúrthóir nó duine atá bainteach le stiúrthóir más rud é—
(a) go bhfuil luach na comhshocraíochta, agus
(b) an méid iomlán atá gan íoc faoi aon chomhshocraíochtaí eile a rinne an chuideachta le haon stiúrthóir de chuid na cuideachta, nó le haon duine atá bainteach le stiúrthóir,
níos lú, le chéile, ná deich faoin gcéad de shócmhainní iomchuí na cuideachta.
(2) Chun críocha an ailt seo—
(a) déanann cuideachta comhshocraíocht le duine má thugann sí iasacht nó quasi-iasacht don duine sin nó má dhéanann sí idirbheart creidmheasa mar chreidiúnaí dó, agus
(b) cinnfear méid sócmhainní iomchuí cuideachta de réir alt 29 (2).
Laghdú ar mhéid sócmhainní iomchuí cuideachta.
33.—(1) Baineann an t-alt seo le cuideachta a dtarlaíonn maidir léi, go bhfuil an méid iomlán atá gan íoc faoi aon chomhshocraíochtaí dá dtagraítear in alt 32 níos mó ná 10 faoin gcéad de shócmhainní iomchuí na cuideachta ar aon chúis, ach go háirithe, ar an gcúis gur thit luach na sócmhainní sin.
(2) Nuair is léir do stiúrthóirí cuideachta, nó nuair ba chóir le réasún gur léir dóibh, go bhfuil staid ann dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1) beidh sé de dhualgas ar an gcuideachta, a stiúrthóirí agus aon daoine dá ndearnadh na comhshocraíochtaí dá dtagraítear san fho-alt sin, téarmaí na gcomhshocraíochtaí lena mbaineann a leasú laistigh de dhá mhí ionas go mbeidh arís an méid iomlán a bheidh gan íoc faoi na comhshocraíochtaí laistigh de theorainn an chéatadáin dá dtagraítear san fho-alt sin.
Iasachtaí idir cuideachtaí sa ghrúpa céanna.
34.—I gcás cuideachta a bheith ina comhalta de ghrúpa cuideachtaí, arb é atá ann cuideachta shealbhaíochta agus a fochuideachtaí, ní thoirmiscfear ar an gcuideachta sin le halt 31—
(a) iasacht nó quasi-iasacht a thabhairt do chomhalta eile den ghrúpa sin; nó
(b) ráthaíocht a dhéanamh nó aon urrús a sholáthar i dtaca le hiasacht nó quasi-iasacht a thug aon duine do chomhalta eile den ghrúpa;
de bhíthin amháin go bhfuil stiúrthóir de chuid comhalta amháin den ghrúpa bainteach le comhalta eile.
Idirbhearta le cuideachta shealbhaíochta.
35.—Ní thoirmiscfidh alt 31 ar chuideachta—
(a) iasacht nó quasi-iasacht a thabhairt dá cuideachta shealbhaíochta nó ráthaíocht a dhéanamh nó aon urrús a sholáthar i dtaca le hiasacht nó quasi-iasacht a thug aon duine do chuideachta shealbhaíochta na cuideachta;
(b) idirbheart creidmheasa a dhéanamh mar chreidiúnaí dá cuideachta shealbhaíochta nó ráthaíocht a dhéanamh nó aon urrús a sholáthar i dtaca le haon idirbheart creidmheasa a dhéanfaidh aon duine eile do chuideachta shealbhaíochta na cuideachta.
Caiteachais stiúrthóirí.
36.—(1) Ní thoirmiscfidh alt 31 ar chuideachta aon ní a dhéanamh chun cistí a chur ar fáil d'aon duine dá cuid stiúrthóirí faoi chomhair caiteachais dheimhnithe a thabhaigh nó a thabhóidh sé go cuí chun críocha na cuideachta nó le go bhféadfaidh sé a dhualgais a chomhlíonadh go cuí mar oifigeach don chuideachta nó aon ní a dhéanamh le go bhféadfaidh aon duine dá stiúrthóirí tabhú caiteachais den sórt sin a sheachaint.
(2) I gcás go ndéanfaidh cuideachta aon idirbheart de bhun fho-alt (1) déanfaidh aon duine ar a dtitfidh aon dliteanas a d'eascair ó aon idirbheart den sórt sin an dliteanas sin a urscaoileadh laistigh de shé mhí ón dáta a tabhaíodh é.
(3) Beidh duine a sháraíonn fo-alt (2) ciontach i gcion.
Idirbhearta gnó.
37.—Ní thoirmiscfidh alt 31 ar chuideachta aon iasacht nó quasi-iasacht a thabhairt nó aon idirbheart creidmheasa a dhéanamh mar chreidiúnaí d'aon duine—
(a) má dhéanann an chuideachta an t-idirbheart áirithe i ngnáthchúrsa a gnó; agus
(b) mura mó luach an idirbhirt agus mura fabhraí na téarmaí ar a ndearnadh é, i leith an duine dá ndearnadh an t-idirbheart, ná an luach sin nó na téarmaí sin—
(i) a thairgeann an chuideachta de ghnáth, nó
(ii) a mbeifí ag súil leis le réasún a bheith tairgthe ag an gcuideachta,
do dhuine nó i leith duine a bhfuil an seasamh airgeadais céanna aige leis an duine sin ach nach duine é atá bainteach leis an gcuideachta.
Leigheasanna sibhialta mar gheall ar alt 31 a shárú.
38.—(1) I gcás go ndéanfaidh cuideachta idirbheart nó comhshocraíocht de shárú ar alt 31 beidh an t-idirbheart nó an chomhshocraíocht inchurtha ar neamhní ar thionscnamh na cuideachta—
(a) mura féidir a thuilleadh aiseag aon airgid nó sócmhainne eile is ábhar don chomhshocraíocht nó don idirbheart a dhéanamh, nó mura slánófar an chuideachta de bhun fho-alt (2) (b) ar an gcaillteanas nó ar an damáiste a bhain di; nó
(b) mura ndéanfaí difear trína neamhniú d'aon chearta a fuair aon duine, ar mhodh bona fide ar luach-chomaoin agus d'éagmais fógra iarbhír faoin sárú, seachas an duine dá ndearnadh an t-idirbheart nó an chomhshocraíocht.
(2) Gan dochar d'aon dliteanas a fhorchuirtear ar shlí seachas leis an bhfo-alt seo ach faoi réir fho-alt (3), i gcás go ndéanfaidh cuideachta comhshocraíocht nó idirbheart do stiúrthóir ar an gcuideachta nó ar a cuideachta shealbhaíochta nó do dhuine atá bainteach le stiúrthóir den sórt sin de shárú ar alt 31, beidh an stiúrthóir sin agus an duine atá bainteach leis amhlaidh agus aon stiúrthóir eile ar an gcuideachta a d'údaraigh an t-idirbheart nó an chomhshocraíocht (cibé acu a cuireadh ar neamhní iad nó nár cuireadh de bhun fho-alt (1)) faoi dhliteanas—
(a) cuntas a thabhairt don chuideachta ar aon ghnóchan a rinne sé go díreach nó go neamhdhíreach tríd an gcomhshocraíocht nó an idirbheart; agus
(b) (i gcomhpháirt agus go leithleach le haon duine eile atá faoi dhliteanas faoin bhfo-alt seo) an chuideachta a shlánú ar aon chaillteanas nó damáiste a thig ón gcomhshocraíocht nó ón idirbheart.
(3) I gcás go ndéanfaidh cuideachta agus duine atá bainteach le stiúrthóir ar an gcuideachta nó ar a cuideachta shealbhaíochta comhshocraíocht nó idirbheart de shárú ar alt 31 ní bheidh an stiúrthóir sin faoi dhliteanas faoi fho-alt (2) má thaispeánann sé go ndearna sé gach beart réasúnach chun comhlíonadh an ailt sin ag an gcuideachta a áirithiú agus, in aon chás, ní bheidh duine atá bainteach amhlaidh ná aon stiúrthóir eile den sórt sin atá luaite san fho-alt sin (2) faoi dhliteanas amhlaidh má thaispeánann sé nárbh eol dó, an tráth a ndearnadh an chomhshocraíocht nó an t-idirbheart, na himthosca iomchuí a bhí i gceist sa sárú.
Dliteanas pearsanta maidir le fiacha cuideachta i gcásanna áirithe.
39.—(1) Má tá cuideachta á foirceannadh agus nach bhfuil sí in ann a fiacha a íoc agus go measann an chúirt go raibh aon chomhshocraíocht de chineál a thuairiscítear in alt 32 ina cionchúis go hábhartha le neamhábaltacht na cuideachta a fiacha a íoc, nó go raibh an chomhshocraíocht ina bac substaintiúil ar fhoirceannadh ordúil na cuideachta, féadfaidh an chúirt, más cuí léi déanamh amhlaidh, ar iarratas ón leachtaitheoir nó ó aon chreidiúnaí nó ó ranníocóir de chuid na cuideachta, a dhearbhú maidir le haon duine ar ar mhaithe leis a rinneadh an chomhshocraíocht, go mbeidh sé faoi dhliteanas go pearsanta, gan aon teorainn dliteanais, i leith fiacha agus dliteanais eile go léir na cuideachta nó cibé cuid díobh a bheidh sonraithe ag an gcúirt.
(2) Le linn di a bheith ag cinneadh an ndéanfaidh sí dearbhú faoi fho-alt (1), tabharfaidh an chúirt aird ar leith ar cibé acu a glanadh, agus cá mhéid ar glanadh, roimh thosach feidhme an fhoirceanta, aon dliteanais a bhí gan íoc a thig faoi aon chomhshocraíocht dá dtagraítear san fho-alt sin.
(3) Le linn di a bheith ag cinneadh méid aon dliteanais phearsanta faoin alt seo tabharfaidh an chúirt aird ar leith ar a mhéid a bhí an chomhshocraíocht i gceist ina cionchúis go hábhartha le neamhábaltacht na cuideachta a fiacha a íoc nó ar a mhéid a bhí an chomhshocraíocht ina bac substaintiúil ar fhoirceannadh ordúil na cuideachta.
Píonóis choiriúla i leith sárú ar alt 31.
40.—(1) Aon oifigeach don chuideachta a údaraíonn nó a cheadaíonn don chuideachta idirbheart nó comhshocraíocht a dhéanamh agus a fhios aige go raibh an chuideachta, nó go raibh cúis réasúnach aige lena chreidiúint go raibh an chuideachta, ag sárú alt 31 dá chionn sin, beidh sé ciontach i gcion.
(2) Aon duine a thugann ar chuideachta idirbheart nó comhshocraíocht a dhéanamh agus a fhios aige go raibh an chuideachta, nó go raibh cúis réasúnach aige lena chreidiúint go raibh an chuideachta, ag sárú alt 31 dá chionn sin, beidh sé ciontach i gcion.
Idirbhearta a bhaineann le stiúrthóirí agus daoine eile a nochtadh
Conarthaí substaintiúla etc. le stiúrthóirí agus le daoine eile le nochtadh i gcuntais.
41.—(1) Faoi réir fho-ailt (5) agus (6) agus alt 45, maidir le grúpchuntais a ullmhóidh cuideachta shealbhaíochta de réir cheanglais alt 150 den Phríomh-Acht i leith na tréimhse iomchuí, beidh iontu na sonraí a shonraítear in alt 42, eadhon—
(a) sonraí i dtaobh aon idirbhirt nó comhshocraíochta de chineál a thuairiscítear in alt 31 a rinne an chuideachta nó fochuideachta de chuid na cuideachta do dhuine a bhí, aon tráth i rith na tréimhse iomchuí, ina stiúrthóir ar an gcuideachta nó ar a cuideachta shealbhaíochta nó a bhí bainteach le stiúrthóir den sórt sin;
(b) sonraí i dtaobh aon chomhaontaithe ag an gcuideachta nó ag fochuideachta de chuid na cuideachta chun aon idirbheart nó comhshocraíocht den sórt sin a dhéanamh do dhuine a bhí. aon tráth i rith na tréimhse iomchuí, ina stiúrthóir ar an gcuideachta nó ar a cuideachta shealbhaíochta nó a bhí bainteach le stiúrthóir den sórt sin:
(c) sonraí i dtaobh aon idirbhirt nó comhshocraíochta eile leis an gcuideachta nó le fochuideachta de chuid na cuideachta ina raibh leas ábhartha, go díreach nó go neamhdhíreach, ag duine a bhí, aon tráth i rith na tréimhse iomchuí, ina stiúrthóir ar an gcuideachta nó ar a cuideachta shealbhaíochta.
(2) Faoi réir mar a dúradh, maidir le cuntais a ullmhóidh aon chuideachta seachas cuideáchta shealbhaíochta i leith na tréimhse iomchuí, beidh iontu na sonraí a shonraítear in alt 42, eadhon—
(a) sonraí i dtaobh aon idirbhirt nó comhshocraíochta de chineál a thuairiscítear in alt 31 a rinne an chuideachta do dhuine a bhí, aon tráth i rith na tréimhse iomchuí, ina stiúrthóir ar an gcuideachta nó ar a cuideachta shealbhaíochta nó a bhí bainteach le stiúrthóir den sórt sin;
(b) sonraí i dtaobh aon chomhaontaithe ag an gcuideachta chun aon idirbheart nó comhshocraíocht den sórt sin a dhéanamh do dhuine a bhí, aon tráth i rith na tréimhse iomchuí, ina stiúrthóir ar an gcuideachta nó ar a cuideachta shealbhaíochta nó a bhí bainteach le stiúrthóir den sórt sin;
(c) sonraí i dtaobh aon idirbhirt nó comhshocraíochta eile leis an gcuideachta ina raibh leas ábhartha, go díreach nó go neamhdhíreach, ag duine a bhí, aon tráth i rith na tréimhse iomchuí, ina stiúrthóir ar an gcuideachta nó ar a cuideachta shealbhaíochta.
(3) Aon sonraí a cheanglaítear le fo-alt (1) nó (2) a bheith ar áireamh in aon chuntais tabharfar iad ar mhodh nótaí leis na cuntais sin.
(4) I gcás nach ndéanfaidh cuideachta, de bhua ailt 150 (2) agus 154 den Phríomh-Acht. grúpchuntais a thabhairt ar aird i ndáil le haon bhliain airgeadais, beidh éifeacht le fo-alt (1) i ndáil leis an gcuideachta agus leis an mbliain airgeadais sin amhail is dá bhfágfaí an focal “grúp” ar lár.
(5) Chun críocha fho-ailt (1) (c) agus (2) (c)—
(a) déileálfar le hidirbheart nó comhshocraíocht idir cuideachta agus stiúrthóir ar an gcuideachta nó ar a cuideachta shealbhaíochta nó duine atá bainteach le stiúrthóir den sórt sin (mura ndéileálfaí leis amhlaidh thairis sin) mar idirbheart, comhshocraíocht nó comhaontu ina bhfuil leas ag an stiúrthóir sin; agus
(b) ní bheidh leas in idirbheart ná i gcomhshocraíocht den sórt sin ábhartha más é tuairim thromlach stiúrthóirí (seachas an stiúrthóir sin) na cuideachta atá ag ullmhú na gcuntas i gceist nach bhfuil sé ábhartha (ach gan dochar don cheist cibé acu atá nó nach bhfuil leas den sórt sin ábhartha in aon chás nár bhreithnigh na stiúrthóirí sin an t-ábhar).
(6) Ní bheidh feidhm ag fo-ailt (1) agus (2), chun críocha aon chuntas a ullmhóidh aon chuideachta ar banc ceadúnaithe nó cuideachta shealbhaíochta de bhanc ceadúnaithe í, i ndáil le hidirbheart nó comhshocraíocht de chineál a thuairiscítear in alt 31, nó comhaontú chun idirbheart nó comhshocraíocht den sórt sin a dhéanamh ar páirtí ann an banc ceadúnaithe sin.
(7) Ní bheidh feidhm ag fo-ailt (1) agus (2) i ndáil leis na hidirbhearta, na comhshocraíochtaí agus na comhaontuithe seo a leanas—
(a) idirbheart, comhshocraíocht nó comhaontú idir cuideachta amháin agus cuideachta eile agus nach bhfuil leas ag stiúrthóir na chéad chuideachta nó a fochuideachta nó a cuideachta shealbhaíochta iontu ach amháin de bhua go bhfuil sé ina stiúrthóir ar an gceann eile;
(b) conradh seirbhíse idir cuideachta agus duine dá cuid stiúrthóirí nó stiúrthóir ar a cuideachta shealbhaíochta nó idir stiúrthóir cuideachta agus aon cheann d'fhochuideachtaí na cuideachta sin;
(c) idirbheart, comhshocraíocht nó comhaontú nach ndearnadh le linn na tréimhse iomchuí le haghaidh na gcuntas i gceist agus nach raibh ar marthain ag aon tráth le linn na tréimhse sin; agus
(d) idirbheart, comhshocraíocht nó comhaontú a rinneadh roimh thosach feidhme an ailt seo agus nach bhfuil ar marthain dá éis sin.
(8) Beidh feidhm ag fo-ailt (1) agus (2)—
(a) cibé acu a toirmisceadh an t-idirbheart nó an chomhshocraíocht nó nár toirmisceadh le halt 31;
(b) cibé acu ba stiúrthóir ar an gcuideachta an duine dá ndearnadh é nó nárbh ea nó cibé acu a bhí sé bainteach le stiúrthóir ar an gcuideachta an tráth a ndearnadh é nó nach raibh;
(c) i gcás idirbhirt nó comhshocraíochta a rinne cuideachta ar fochuideachta í do chuideachta eile tráth ar bith le linn tréimhse iomchuí, cibé acu ba fhochuideachta don chuideachta eile sin í nó nárbh ea an tráth a ndearnadh an t-idirbheart nó an chomhshocraíocht.
(9) San alt seo agus in ailt 43 agus 45, ciallaíonn “tréimhse iomchuí” i ndáil le cuideachta, bliain airgeadais de chuid na cuideachta dar críoch tráth nach luaithe ná 6 mhí tar éis thosach feidhme an ailt lena mbaineann.
Sonraí a cheanglaítear, le halt 41, a chur isteach sna cuntais.
42.—Na sonraí faoi idirbheart, comhshocraíocht nó comhaontú a cheanglaítear le halt 41 a chur isteach sna cuntais bhliantúla a ullmhaíonn cuideachta is sonraí iad faoi phríomhthéarmaí an idirbhirt, na comhshocraíochta nó an chomhaontaithe agus (gan dochar do ghinearáltacht na forála sin roimhe seo)—
(a) ráiteas faoin bhfíoras go ndearnadh an t-idirbheart, an chomhshocraíocht nó an comhaontú nó go raibh siad ar marthain, de réir mar a bheidh, i rith na bliana airgeadais a bhfuil na cuntais sin déanta amach ina leith;
(b) ainm an duine dá ndearnadh an t-idirbheart, an chomhshocraíocht nó an comhaontú agus, i gcás an duine sin a bheith bainteach nó i gcás go raibh sé bainteach le stiúrthóir ar an gcuideachta nó ar a cuideachta shealbhaíochta, ainm an stiúrthóra sin;
(c) in aon chás lena mbaineann fo-alt (1) (c) nó (2) (c) d'alt 41, ainm an stiúrthóra leis an leas ábhartha agus cineál an leasa sin;
(d) i gcás iasachta nó comhaontaithe le haghaidh iasachta nó comhshocraíochta de réir alt 31 (2) nó 31 (3) a bhaineann le hiasacht—
(i) méid dhliteanas an duine dár tugadh an iasacht nó a ndearnadh comhaontú an iasacht a thabhairt dó, maidir le príomhshuim agus ús, ag tús agus ag deireadh na tréimhse sin;
(ii) méid uasta an dliteanais sin le linn na tréimhse sin;
(iii) méid aon úis a bhí le híoc agus nár íocadh; agus
(iv) méid aon soláthair (de réir bhrí an Séú Sceideal a ghabhann leis an bPríomh-Acht nó le hAcht na gCuideachtaí (Leasú), 1986) a rinneadh maidir le haon mhainneachtain nó mainneachtain réamh-mheasta ag an iasachtaí iomlán na hiasachta nó cuid di a aisíoc nó iomlán aon úis uirthi nó cuid de a íoc;
(e) i gcás ráthaíochta nó urrúis nó comhshocraíochta de réir alt 31 (2) a bhaineann le ráthaíocht nó urrús—
(i) an méid a raibh an chuideachta (nó a fochuideachta) faoi dhliteanas maidir leis faoin ráthaíocht nó i leith an urrúis ag tús agus ag deireadh na bliana airgeadais i gceist;
(ii) an méid uasta a bhféadfaidh an chuideachta (nó a fochuideachta) teacht chun bheith faoi dhliteanas amhlaidh maidir leis; agus
(iii) aon mhéid a d'íoc agus aon dliteanas a thabhaigh an chuideachta (nó a fochuideachta) chun an ráthaíocht a chomhall nó an t-urrús a urscaoileadh (lena n-áirítear aon chaillteanas a tabhaíodh de bhíthin an ráthaíocht nó an t-urrús a chur i bhfeidhm); agus
(f) i gcás aon idirbhirt, comhshocraíochta nó comhaontaithe seachas iadsin a luaitear i míreanna (d) agus (e), luach an idirbhirt nó na comhshocraíochta nó, de réir mar a bheidh, luach an idirbhirt nó na comhshocraíochta lena mbaineann an comhaontú; agus
(g) i gcás comhshocraíochtaí lena mbaineann alt 32, luach comhiomlán na gcomhshocraíochtaí sin ag deireadh na bliana airgeadais áirithe, i ndáil le haon daoine a shonraítear san alt sin, a shloinntear mar chéatadán de shócmhainní iomchuí na cuideachta an tráth sin: agus
(h) aon leasú ar théarmaí aon chomhshocraíochta den sórt sin de réir alt 33.
Sonraí faoi na méideanna atá gan íoc a bheith le cur isteach sna cuntais.
43.—(1) Beidh feidhm ag an alt seo i ndáil leis na haicmí idirbheart, comhshocraíochtaí agus comhaontuithe seo a leanas—
(a) iasachtaí, ráthaíochtaí agus urrúis a bhaineann le hiasachtaí, comhshocraíochtaí de chineál a thuairiscítear in alt 31 (2) nó 31 (3) a bhaineann le hiasachtaí, agus comhaontuithe chun aon cheann de na hidirbhearta agus de na comhshocraíochtaí roimhe seo a dhéanamh;
(b) quasi-iasachtaí, ráthaíochtaí agus urrúis a bhaineann le quasi-iasachtaí, comhshocraíochtaí de chineál a thuairiscítear sna fo-ailt sin a bhaineann le quasi-iasachtaí agus comhaontuithe chun aon cheann de na hidirbhearta agus de na comhshocraíochtaí roimhe seo a dhéanamh;
(c) idirbhearta creidmheasa, ráthaíochtaí agus urrúis a bhaineann le hidirbhearta creidmheasa agus comhshocraíochtaí de chineál a thuairiscítear sna fo-ailt sin a bhaineann le hidirbhearta creidmheasa agus comhaontuithe chun aon cheann de na hidirbhearta agus de na comhshocraíochtaí roimhe seo a dhéanamh.
(2) Maidir leis na grúpchuntais de chuid cuideachta sealbhaíochta a ullmhófar de réir cheanglais alt 150 den Phríomh-Acht agus na cuntais de chuid aon chuideachta eile a ullmhófar de réir cheanglais alt 148 den Phríomh-Acht i leith na tréimhse iomchuí, beidh ráiteas iontu i ndáil le hidirbhearta, comhshocraíochtaí agus comhaontuithe a rinne an chuideachta agus, i gcás cuideachta sealbhaíochta, a rinne fochuideachta don chuideachta do dhaoine arbh oifigigh don chuideachta (ach nár stiúrthóirí) iad aon tráth le linn na tréimhse iomchuí, ar ráiteas é i dtaobh na méideanna comhiomlána a bheidh gan íoc ag deireadh na tréimhse iomchuí faoi idirbhearta, comhshocraíochtaí agus comhaontuithe faoi réim aon mhíre d'fho-alt (1) agus an líon oifigeach dá ndearnadh na hidirbhearta, na comhshocraíochtaí agus na comhaontuithe a thig faoi gach ceann de na míreanna sin.
(3) Ní bheidh feidhm ag fo-alt (2), i ndáil leis na cuntais a ullmhóidh aon chuideachta i leith aon tréimhse iomchuí, maidir le hidirbhearta, comhshocraíochtaí agus comhaontuithe a rinne an chuideachta nó aon cheann dá cuid fochuideachtaí d'aon oifigeach don chuideachta mura mó ná £2,500 an méid comhiomlán a bheidh gan íoc ag deireadh na tréimhse sin faoi na hidirbhearta, na comhshocraíochtaí agus na comhaontuithe a rinneadh amhlaidh don oifigeach sin.
(4) Ní bheidh feidhm ag fo-alt (2) i ndáil le haon idirbheart, comhshocraíocht nó comhaontú a rinne banc ceadúnaithe d'aon duine dá chuid oifigeach nó d'aon duine d'oifigigh a chuideachta sealbhaíochta.
(5) Maidir le grúpchuntais cuideachta, ar banc ceadúnaithe nó cuideachta shealbhaíochta bainc cheadúnaithe í, a ullmhófar de réir cheanglais alt 150 den Phríomh-Acht agus cuntais aon chuideachta eile ar banc ceadúnaithe í a ullmhófar de réir cheanglais alt 148 den Phríomh-Acht i leith na tréimhse iomchuí, beidh ráiteas iontu i ndáil le hidirbhearta, comhshocraíochtaí nó comhaontuithe a rinne an chuideachta a bheidh ag ullmhú na gcuntas, más banc ceadúnaithe í, agus (i gcás cuideachta sealbhaíochta) a rinne aon cheann dá cuid fochuideachtaí ar banc ceadúnaithe í, do dhaoine ar stiúrthóirí ar an gcuideachta iad aon tráth i rith na tréimhse iomchuí, ar ráiteas é i dtaobh na méideanna comhiomlána a bheidh gan íoc ag deireadh na tréimhse iomchuí faoi idirbhearta, comhshocraíochtaí agus comhaontuithe faoi réim aon mhíre d'fho-alt (1) agus an líon daoine dá ndearnadh na hidirbhearta, na comhshocraíochtaí agus na comhaontuithe a thig faoi gach ceann de na míreanna sin.
(6) (a) Beidh ar áireamh freisin ar leithligh sa ráiteas dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (5) an fhaisnéis chéanna dá dtagraítear san fho-alt sin i ndáil le hidirbhearta, comhshocraíochtaí nó comhaontuithe a rinneadh do dhaoine a bhí bainteach le stiúrthóir ar an gcuideachta aon tráth i rith na tréimhse iomchuí.
(b) Ní gá idirbheart, comhshocraíocht ná comhaontú lena mbaineann mír (a) a chur isteach sa ráiteas—
(i) má dhéanann an chuideachta lena mbaineann é i ngnáthchúrsa a gnó, agus
(ii) mura mó a luach agus mura fabhraí na téarmaí ann i leith an duine dá ndearnadh é ná an luach sin nó na téarmaí sin—
(I) a thairgeann an chuideachta de ghnáth, nó
(II) a mbeifí ag súil leis le réasún a bheith tairgthe ag an gcuideachta.
do dhuine nó i leith duine a bhfuil an seasamh airgeadais céanna aige ach nach duine é atá bainteach leis an gcuideachta.
(7) Aon sonraí a cheanglaítear le fo-alt (2), (5) nó (6) a bheith ar áireamh in aon chuntais tabharfar iad ar mhodh nótaí leis na cuntais sin.
(8) I gcás nach ndéanfaidh cuideachta, de bhua ailt 150 (2) agus 154 den Phríomh-Acht, grúpchuntais a thabhairt ar aird i ndáil le haon bhliain airgeadais, beidh éifeacht le fo-ailt (2), (5) agus (6) i ndáil leis an gcuideachta agus leis an mbliain airgeadais sin amhail is dá bhfágfaí an focal “grúp” ar lár.
(9) Ní bheidh feidhm ag fo-ailt (2), (5) agus (6) i ndáil le hidirbheart, comhshocraíocht nó comhaontú a dhéantar roimh thosach feidhme an ailt seo agus nach bhfuil ar marthain dá éis sin.
(10) Chun críocha an ailt seo ciallaíonn “méid a bheidh gan íoc” méid na ndliteanas a bheidh gan íoc ag an duine dá ndearnadh an t-idirbheart, an chomhshocraíocht nó an comhaontú i gceist, nó, i gcás ráthaíochta nó urrúis, an méid a ráthaíodh nó a urraíodh.
Tuilleadh forálacha a bhaineann le bainc cheadúnaithe.
44.—(1) Faoi réir alt 45, coimeádfaidh cuideachta, ar banc ceadúnaithe nó cuideachta shealbhaíochta bainc cheadúnaithe í, clár ina mbeidh cóip de gach idirbheart, comhshocraíocht nó comhaontú a gceanglófaí, murach alt 41 (6), sonraí díobh a nochtadh le fo-alt (1) nó (2) den alt sin i gcuntais nó i ngrúpchuntais na cuideachta don bhliain airgeadais reatha agus do gach bliain de na deich mbliana airgeadais roimhe sin (ach gan aon bhliain airgeadais a chríochnaíonn roimh dháta rite an Achta seo a áireamh) nó, mura bhfuil idirbheart, comhshocraíocht nó comhaontú den sórt sin i scríbhinn, coimeádfaidh sí meabhrán scríofa ina leagfar amach a téarmaí.
(2) Ní cheanglóidh fo-alt (1) ar chuideachta cóip d'aon idirbheart, comhshocraíocht nó comhaontú a rinneadh do dhuine bainteach a choimeád ina clár—
(a) má rinneadh é i ngnáthchúrsa gnó na cuideachta, agus
(b) mura mó a luach agus mura fabhraí na téarmaí ann i leith an duine dá ndearnadh é ná an luach sin nó na téarmaí sin—
(i) a thairgeann an chuideachta de ghnáth, nó
(ii) a mbeifí ag súil leis le réasún a bheith tairgthe ag an gcuideachta,
do dhuine nó i leith duine a bhfuil an seasamh airgeadais céanna aige ach nach duine é atá bainteach leis an gcuideachta.
(3) Faoi réir alt 45, déanfaidh cuideachta, ar banc ceadúnaithe nó cuideachta shealbhaíochta bainc cheadúnaithe í, ráiteas a chur ar fáil roimh a cruinniú ginearálta bliantúil, ag oifig chláraithe na cuideachta ar feadh tréimhse nach lú ná 15 lá dar críoch dáta an chruinnithe, lena iniúchadh ag comhaltaí na cuideachta, ar ráiteas é ina mbeidh sonraí idirbheart, comhshocraíochtaí agus comhaontuithe a gceanglófaí, murach alt 41 (6), ar an gcuideachta le fo-alt (1) nó (2) den alt sin iad a nochtadh ina cuid cuntas nó grúpchuntas don bhliain airgeadais iomlán dheireanach roimh an gcruinniú sin agus cuirfear an ráiteas sin ar fáil freisin lena iniúchadh ag na comhaltaí ag an gcruinniú ginearálta bliantúil.
(4) Ní cheanglóidh fo-alt (3) go mbeidh sonraí faoi aon idirbheart, comhshocraíocht nó comhaontú le cur isteach sa ráiteas—
(a) má dhéantar é i ngnáthchúrsa gnó na cuideachta, agus
(b) mura mó a luach agus mura fabhraí na téarmaí ann i leith an duine dá ndearnadh é ná an luach sin nó na téarmaí sin—
(i) a thairgeann an chuideachta de ghnáth, nó
(ii) a mbeifí ag súil leis le réasún a bheith tairgthe ag an gcuideachta.
do dhuine nó i leith duine a bhfuil an seasamh airgeadais céanna aige ach nach duine é atá bainteach leis an gcuideachta.
(5) Beidh sé de dhualgas ar iniúchóirí na cuideachta aon ráiteas den sórt sin a scrúdú sula gcuirfear ar fáil é do chomhaltaí na cuideachta de réir fho-alt (3) agus tuarascáil a thabhairt do na comhaltaí faoin ráiteas sin; agus déanfar an tuarascáil a chur i gceangal leis an ráiteas sula gcuirfear ar fáil amhlaidh é.
(6) Sonróidh tuarascáil faoi fho-alt (5) cibé acu atá nó nach bhfuil, i dtuairim na n-iniúchóirí, na sonraí a cheanglaítear le fo-alt (3) sa ráiteas agus más é a dtuairim nach bhfuil, déanfaidh siad, a mhéid is féidir leo amhlaidh le réasún, ráiteas ag tabhairt na sonraí is gá, a chur isteach sa tuarascáil.
(7) Ní bheidh feidhm ag fo-alt (3) i ndáil le banc ceadúnaithe ar fochuideachta ar lánúinéireacht í, chun críocha alt 150 den Phríomh-Acht, de chuid cuideachta atá corpraithe sa Stát.
(8) I gcás go mainneoidh cuideachta fo-alt (1) nó (3) a chomhlíonadh, beidh an chuideachta agus gach duine ar stiúrthóir ar an gcuideachta é tráth na mainneachtana sin ciontach i gcion agus dlífear fíneáil a chur orthu.
(9) Is cosaint in imeachtaí i leith ciona faoi fho-alt (8) don chosantóir a chruthú go ndearna sé gach beart réasúnach chun a áirithiú go ndéanfaí fo-alt (1) nó (3), de réir mar a bheidh, a chomhlíonadh.
Comhshocraíochtaí atá eisiata ó ailt 41 agus 44.
45.—(1) Ní bheidh feidhm ag alt 41 (1) agus (2) ná ag alt 44 maidir le comhshocraíochtaí den chineál a luaitear in alt 32 (2) a rinne cuideachta nó fochuideachta de chuid na cuideachta do dhuine ar stiúrthóir ar an gcuideachta, nó ar a cuideachta shealbhaíochta, é nó a bhí bainteach leis an stiúrthóir sin aon tráth i rith na tréimhse iomchuí, más rud é nár mhó ná £2,500 aon tráth i rith na tréimhse iomchuí comhiomlán luachanna gach comhshocraíochta a rinneadh amhlaidh don stiúrthóir sin nó d'aon duine atá bainteach leis, lúide an méid (más ann) ar laghdaíodh dliteanais an duine dá ndearnadh an chomhshocraíocht.
(2) Ní bheidh feidhm ag fo-ailt (1) (c) agus (2) (c) d'alt 41, i ndáil le haon chuntais a d'ullmhaigh cuideachta i leith aon tréimhse iomchuí, maidir le haon idirbheart nó comhshocraíocht le cuideachta nó le haon cheann dá cuid fochuideachtaí ina raibh leas ábhartha ag stiúrthóir ar an gcuideachta nó ar a cuideachta shealbhaíochta, go díreach nó go neamhdhíreach, más rud é—
(a) maidir le luach gach idirbhirt nó comhshocraíochta faoi réim fho-alt (1) (c) nó (2) (c), de réir mar a bheidh, ina raibh leas ábhartha ag an stiúrthóir sin, go díreach nó go neamhdhíreach, agus a rinneadh tar éis thosach na tréimhse iomchuí sin leis an gcuideachta nó le haon cheann dá cuid fochuideachtaí; agus
(b) maidir le luach gach idirbhirt nó comhshocraíochta den sórt sin a rinneadh roimh thosach na tréimhse sin lúide an méid (más ann) ar laghdaíodh dliteanais an duine dá ndearnadh an t-idirbheart nó an chomhshocraíocht;
nár mhó é san iomlán aon tráth i rith na tréimhse iomchuí ná £1,000 nó, i gcás gur mhó, nár mhó é ná £5,000 nó aon faoin gcéad de luach ghlansócmhainní na cuideachta a bheidh ag ullmhú na gcuntas i gceist amhail ag deireadh na tréimhse iomchuí do na cuntais sin, cibé acu is lú agus chun na críche sin, tá le “glansócmhainní” an bhrí chéanna atá leis in alt 29 (9).
Dualgas iniúchóirí cuideachta má sháraítear alt 41 nó 43.
46.—Más rud é i gcás aon ghrúpchuntas nó cuntas eile de chuid cuideachta nach gcomhlíontar ceanglais alt 41 nó 43, beidh sé de dhualgas ar iniúchóirí na cuideachta a scrúdaíonn na cuntais ráiteas, ina dtugtar na sonraí is gá, a chur isteach ina dtuarascáil faoi chlár comhardaithe na cuideachta a mhéid atá siad in ann é sin a dhéanamh le réasún.
Stiúrthóirí do nochtadh leasanna i gconarthaí. etc.
47.—(1) Forléireofar aon tagairt in alt 194 den Phríomh-Acht do chonradh mar thagairt a fholaíonn tagairt d'aon idirbheart nó comhshocraíocht (cibé acu ar conradh é nó nach ea) a dhéantar ar thosach feidhme an ailt seo nó dá éis.
(2) Chun críocha an ailt sin 194, déileálfar le hidirbheart nó comhshocraíocht de chineál a thuairiscítear in alt 31 a rinne cuideachta do stiúrthóir ar an gcuideachta nó do dhuine atá bainteach le stiúrthóir den sórt sin, mura ndéileálfaí leis amhlaidh thairis sin (agus cibé acu atá sé toirmiscthe leis an alt sin nó nach bhfuil), mar idirbheart nó comhshocraíocht ina bhfuil leas ag an stiúrthóir sin.
(3) Cuirfear an méid seo a leanas in ionad fho-alt (3) den alt sin 194—
“(3) Faoi réir fho-alt (4), má thugann stiúrthóir fógra ginearálta do stiúrthóirí cuideachta á chur in iúl—
(a) gur comhalta é de chuideachta nó de ghnólacht sonraithe agus go bhfuil sé le háireamh mar dhuine a bhfuil leas aige in aon chonradh a dhéanfaí, tar éis dháta an fhógra, leis an gcuideachta sin nó leis an ngnólacht sin; nó
(b) go bhfuil sé le háireamh mar dhuine a bhfuil leas aige in aon chonradh a dhéanfaí, tar éis dháta an fhógra, le duine sonraithe atá bainteach leis (de réir bhrí alt 26 d'Acht na gCuideachtaí, 1990),
measfar, chun críocha an ailt seo, gur leordhearbhú é sin ar a leas i ndáil le haon chonradh den sórt sin.”.
Forlíontach
Cumhacht chun teorainneacha airgeadais a athrú faoi Chuid III.
48.—(1) Féadfaidh an tAire, le hordú, aon cheann de na teorainneacha airgeadais a shonraítear sa Chuid seo a athrú.
(2) Gach ordú a dhéanfar faoin alt seo, leagfar é faoi bhráid gach Tí den Oireachtas a luaithe is féidir tar éis a dhéanta agus má dhéanann ceachtar Teach, laistigh den 21 lá a shuífidh an Teach sin tar éis an t-ordú a leagan faoin bhráid, rún a rith ag neamhniú an ordaithe, beidh an t-ordú ar neamhní dá réir sin, ach sin gan dochar do bhailíocht aon ní a rinneadh roimhe sin faoin ordú sin.
Alt 192 den Phríomh-Acht a scor.
49.—Scoirfidh alt 192 den Phríomh-Acht d'éifeacht a bheith leis ach amháin—
(a) i ndáil le cuntais agus tuarascálacha stiúrthóirí a ullmhaítear i leith aon bhliana airgeadais a chríochnaíonn roimh thosach feidhme an ailt seo; agus
(b) i ndáil le cuntais agus tuarascálacha stiúrthóirí a ullmhaítear i leith na chéad bhliana airgeadais a chríochnaíonn tar éis thosach feidhme an ailt seo ach sin i ndáil le hiasachtaí agus conarthaí a bheidh déanta roimh thosach feidhme an ailt seo agus nach bhfuil ar marthain an lá sin nó dá éis agus i ndáil leo sin amháin.
Conarthaí seirbhíse stiúrthóirí a iniúchadh.
50.—(1) Faoi réir fhorálacha an ailt seo coimeádfaidh gach cuideachta in áit iomchuí—
(a) i gcás gach stiúrthóra a bhfuil a chonradh seirbhíse leis an gcuideachta i scríbhinn, cóip den chonradh sin;
(b) i gcás gach stiúrthóra nach bhfuil a chonradh seirbhíse leis an gcuideachta i scríbhinn, meabhrán scríofa ina leagtar amach téarmaí an chonartha sin;
(c) i gcás gach stiúrthóra atá fostaithe faoi chonradh seirbhíse le fochuideachta de chuid na cuideachta, cóip den chonradh sin nó, mura bhfuil sé i scríbhinn, meabhrán scríofa ina leagtar amach téarmaí an chonartha sin;
(d) cóip nó meabhrán scríofa, de réir mar a bheidh, d'aon athrú ar aon chonradh seirbhíse dá dtagraítear i mír (a), (b) nó (c);
agus coimeádfar san áit chéanna gach cóip agus meabhrán a choimeádann cuideachta de bhun an fho-ailt seo.
(2) I gcás nach mbeidh conradh seirbhíse ach go páirteach i scríbhinn beidh feidhm ag míreanna (a), (b), (c) agus (d), de réir mar is iomchuí, d'fho-alt (1), agus ag fo-ailt (4) agus (5), maidir le conradh den sórt sin freisin.
(3) Chun críocha fho-alt (1), is áiteanna iomchuí, maidir le cuideachta, na háiteanna seo a leanas, eadhon—
(a) a hoifig chláraithe;
(b) an áit ina gcoimeádtar clár a comhaltaí más áit é seachas a hoifig chláraithe;
(c) a príomháit ghnó.
(4) Cuirfidh gach cuideachta fógra san fhoirm fhorordaithe chuig cláraitheoir na gcuideachtaí faoin áit a gcoimeádtar cóipeanna agus meabhráin a cheanglaítear uirthi a choimeád le fo-alt (1) agus faoi aon athrú san áit sin, ach amháin sa chás go raibh siad, gach tráth, á gcoimeád ag a hoifig chláraithe.
(5) Ní bheidh feidhm ag fo-alt (1) i ndáil le conradh seirbhíse stiúrthóra leis an gcuideachta nó le fochuideachta de chuid na cuideachta má cheangail an conradh sin air oibriú ar fad nó go formhór lasmuigh den Stát, ach coimeádfaidh an chuideachta meabhrán—
(a) i gcás conradh seirbhíse leis an gcuideachta, ina leagfar amach ainm an stiúrthóra agus forálacha an chonartha a bhaineann lena ré saoil;
(b) i gcás conradh seirbhíse le fochuideachta de chuid na cuidachta, ina leagfar amach ainm an stiúrthóra, ainm agus áit chorpraithe na fochuideachta agus forálacha an chonartha a bhaineann lena ré saoil,
san áit chéanna ina gcoimeádann an chuideachta cóipeanna agus na meabhráin de bhun fho-alt (1).
(6) Beidh gach cóip agus meabhrán a cheanglaítear a choimeád le fo-ailt (1) agus (5) ar fáil lena n-iniúchadh le linn uaireanta gnó ag aon chomhalta den chuideachta saor in aisce (faoi réir cibé srianta réasúnacha a fhorchuirfidh an chuideachta i gcruinniú ginearálta ionas go lamhálfar dhá uair an chloig ar a laghad gach lá le haghaidh iniúchadh).
(7) Má mhainnítear fo-alt (1) nó (5) a chomhlíonadh nó má dhiúltaítear iniúchadh a cheanglaítear le fo-alt (6) dlífear fíneáil nach mó ná £1,000 a chur ar an gcuideachta agus ar gach oifigeach don chuideachta a rinne mainneachtain ar é a chiontú go hachomair agus, as sárú leanúnach, fíneáil mhainneachtana laethúil nach mó ná £50 agus má mhainnítear ar feadh 14 lá fo-alt (4) a chomhlíonadh dlífear fíneáil nach mó ná £1,000 a chur ar an gcuideachta agus ar gach oifigeach don chuideachta a rinne mainneachtain agus, as sárú leanúnach, fíneáil mhainneachtana laethúil nach mó ná £50.
(8) I gcás go ndiúltaítear iniúchadh a cheanglaítear le fo-alt (6) ar chóip nó ar mheabhrán, féadfaidh an chúirt iallach a chur le hordú iniúchadh láithreach a dhéanamh ar an gcéanna.
(9) Ní cheanglófar leis an alt seo cóip de chonradh, nó meabhrán ina leagtar amach téarmaí conartha, ná cóip de chonradh, nó meabhrán ina leagtar amach téarmaí i dtaobh athrú conartha, a choimeád tráth ar lú ná trí bliana an chuid neamhchaite den téarma a bhfuil an conradh le bheith i bhfeidhm maidir leis nó tráth a bhféadfaidh an chuideachta, laistigh den chéad trí bliana ina dhiaidh sin, an conradh a fhoirceannadh gan cúiteamh a íoc.
Clár na stiúrthóirí agus na rúnaithe.
51.—Leasaítear leis seo an Príomh-Acht tríd an alt seo a leanas a chur in ionad alt 195—
“195.—(1) Coimeádfaidh gach cuideachta clár a stiúrthóirí agus a rúnaithe ina hoifig chláraithe.
(2) Faoi réir fho-alt (3), beidh na sonraí seo a leanas sa chlár sin maidir le gach stiúrthóir—
(a) a thúsainm agus a shloinne faoi láthair agus aon seantúsainm agus seansloinne: agus
(b) a dháta breithe; agus
(c) seoladh a ghnátháite cónaithe; agus
(d) a náisiúntacht; agus
(e) an tslí ghnó atá aige, má tá; agus
(f) sonraí aon stiúrthóireachtaí eile atá aige nó a bhí aige ar chomhlachtaí corpraithe cibé acu a corpraíodh sa Stát iad nó in áit eile.
(3) Ní gá go mbeadh sa chlár sin, ar aon lá, sonraí aon stiúrthóireachta—
(a) nach raibh ag stiúrthóir aon tráth le linn na ndeich mbliana roimh an lá sin;
(b) atá nó a bhí ag stiúrthóir i gcomhlachtaí corpraithe ar fochuideachta atá nó a bhí ar lánúinéireacht acu an chuideachta nó ar fochuideachtaí iad atá nó a bhí ar lánúinéireacht ag an gcuideachta nó ag comhlacht corpraithe eile ar fochuideachta atá nó a bhí ar lánúinéireacht aige an chuideachta;
agus chun críocha an fho-ailt seo measfar comhlacht corpraithe a bheith ina fhochuideachta ar lánuinéireacht ag comhlacht corpraithe eile mura bhfuil de chomhaltaí aige ach an comhlacht corpraithe eile sin agus na fochuideachtaí ar lánúinéireacht ag an gcomhlacht corpraithe eile sin agus a ainmnithigh féin nó a n-ainmnithigh sin.
(4) Faoi réir fho-alt (5), beidh na sonraí seo a leanas sa chlár sin maidir leis an rúnaí nó, i gcás comhrúnaithe a bheith ann, maidir le gach duine acu—
(a) i gcás pearsan aonair, a thúsainm agus a shloinne faoi láthair, aon sean-túsainm agus seansloinne agus seoladh a ghnátháite cónaithe; agus
(b) i gcás comhlachta chorpraithe, an t-ainm corpraithe agus an oifig chláraithe.
(5) Más comhrúnaithe ar chuideachta na comhpháirtithe go léir i ngnólacht, féadfar ainm agus príomhoifig an ghnólachta a thabhairt in ionad na sonraí sin.
(6) Déanfaidh an chuideachta, laistigh den tréimhse 14 lá tar éis an dáta a tharlóidh—
(a) aon athrú i measc a stiúrthóirí nó ar a rúnaí, nó
(b) aon athrú ar aon cheann de na sonraí sa chlár,
fógra faoin athrú agus faoin dáta ar tharla sé a chur chuig cláraitheoir na gcuideachtaí san fhoirm fhorordaithe.
(7) Beidh ag gabháil le fógra a chuirfear chuig cláraitheoir na gcuideachtaí de bhun fho-alt (6) maidir le duine a cheapadh mar stiúrthóir, rúnaí nó comhrúnaí ar chuideachta, toiliú arna shíniú ag an duine sin chun gníomhú mar stiúrthóir, rúnaí nó comhrúnaí, de réir mar a bheidh.
(8) Gan dochar d'fho-alt (6), féadfaidh duine a scoir de bheith ina stiúrthóir nó rúnaí ar chuideachta fógra san fhoirm fhorordaithe a chur chuig cláraitheoir na gcuideachtaí faoin scor sin agus faoin dáta ar tharla sé.
(9) Ní bheidh feidhm ag fo-alt (6) maidir le haon athrú sna sonraí i gclár stiúrthóirí agus rúnaithe cuideachta a rinneadh d'aontoisc de bhíthin alt 51 d'Acht na gCuideachtaí, 1990, a theacht i bhfeidhm ach más rud é tar éis aon athrú den sórt sin a tharlú agus sula dtugann an chuideachta a céad tuairisceán bliantúil eile go dtarlaíonn aon athrú eile sna sonraí sin, cuirfidh an chuideachta chuig cláraitheoir na gcuideachtaí fógra san fhoirm fhorordaithe faoi aon athruithe den chineál sin is túisce ná sin agus an dáta ar tharla siad an tráth céanna a gcuireann sí fógra faoi na hathruithe iardain chuig an gcláraitheoir de réir an ailt seo.
(10) Beidh an clár a choimeádfar faoin alt seo ar fáil lena iniúchadh, le linn uaireanta gnó (faoi réir cibé srianta réasúnacha a fhorchuirfidh an chuideachta lena hairteagail nó i gcruinniú ginearálta, ionas go lamhálfar 2 uair an chloig ar a laghad gach lá le haghaidh iniúchadh) ag aon chomhalta den chuideachta saor in aisce agus ag aon duine eile ar phunt amháin nó cibé suim faoina bhun sin a fhorordóidh an chuideachta a íoc as gach iniúchadh.
(11) Beidh sé de dhualgas ar gach stiúrthóir agus rúnaí ar chuideachta faisnéis a thabhairt i scríbhinn don chuideachta a luaithe is féidir faoi cibé nithe is gá chun go bhféadfaidh an chuideachta an t-alt seo a chomhlíonadh.
(12) Má dhiúltaítear aon chead iniúchta a cheanglaítear faoin alt seo, nó má mhainnítear fo-alt (1), (2), (4), (6) nó (7) a chomhlíonadh, dlífear fíneáil nach mó ná £1,000 a chur ar an gcuideachta agus ar gach oifigeach don chuideachta a rinne mainneachtain agus, as sárú leanúnach, fíneáil mhainneachtana laethúil nach mó ná £50.
(13) I gcás aon diúltaithe den sórt sin, féadfaidh an chúirt, le hordú, a ordú go gcuirfear an clár faoi iniúchadh láithreach.
(14) Aon duine a mhainníonn fo-alt (11) a chomhlíonadh beidh sé ciontach i gcion agus dlífear fíneáil a chur air.
(15) Chun críocha an ailt seo—
(a) i gcás duine a aithnítear de ghnáth faoi theideal nach ionann agus a shloinne, ciallaíonn an focal ‘sloinne’ an teideal sin;
(b) ní fholaíonn tagairtí do ‘sean-túsainm’ nó do ‘sloinne’—
(i) i gcás duine a aithnítear de ghnáth faoi theideal nach ionann agus a shloinne, an t-ainm faoina raibh aithne air sular ghlac sé an teideal nó sular tháinig sé i gcomharbas an teidil; nó
(ii) i gcás aon duine, sean-túsainm nó seansloinne i gcás inar athraíodh nó inar ligeadh as úsáid an t-ainm nó an sloinne sin sular shlánaigh an duine ar a raibh an t-ainm 18 mbliana d'aois nó ina bhfuil sé athraithe nó ligthe as úsáid le tréimhse nach giorra ná 20 bliain; nó
(iii) i gcás bean phósta, an t-ainm nó an sloinne faoina raibh aithne uirthi roimh an bpósadh.”.
Stiúrthóirí do thabhairt aird ar leasanna fostaithe.
52.—(1) Ar na nithe a dtabharfaidh stiúrthóirí cuideachta aird orthu i gcomhlíonadh a bhfeidhmeanna áireofar leasanna fhostaithe na cuideachta i gcoitinne, chomh maith le leasanna a comhaltaí.
(2) Dá réir sin, an dualgas a fhorchuirtear leis an alt seo ar na stiúrthóirí beidh sé dlite díobh don chuideachta (agus don chuideachta amháin) agus beidh sé infheidhmithe sa tslí chéanna le haon dualgas muiníneach eile a bheidh dlite do chuideachta ag a stiúrthóirí.
CUID IV
Leasanna i Scaireanna a Nochtadh
Caibidil 1
Déileálacha i Scaireanna ag Stiúrthóirí, Rúnaithe agus a dTeaghlaigh
Oibleagáid ar stiúrthóir nó ar rúnaí leasanna i scaireanna nó i mbintiúir cuideachta a fhógairt.
53.—(1) Faoi réir fhorálacha an ailt seo, maidir le duine ar stiúrthóir nó rúnaí ar chuideachta é ag tosach feidhme an ailt seo agus a mbeidh an tráth sin leas aige i scaireanna sa chuideachta nó i mbintiúir dá cuid, nó i scaireanna in aon chomhlacht corpraithe eile nó i mbintiúir dá chuid, arb é fochuideachta nó cuideachta shealbhaíochta na cuideachta nó fochuideachta do chuideachta shealbhaíochta na cuideachta é, nó a thiocfaidh dá éis sin chun bheith ina stiúrthóir nó ina rúnaí ar chuideachta agus, an tráth a dtiocfaidh sé chun bheith ina stiúrthóir nó ina rúnaí ar chuideachta, go mbeidh leas aige amhlaidh, tabharfaidh sé fógra i scríbhinn don chuideachta—
(a) go bhfuil a chuid leasanna ar marthain an tráth sin, agus
(b) an líon scaireanna de gach cineál sa chuideachta agus an méid bintiúr de gach cineál dá cuid, nó an líon scaireanna in aon chomhlacht corpraithe eile den sórt sin, nó an méid bintiúr de chuid an chomhlachta sin, a dúradh ina bhfuil gach leas dá chuid ar marthain an tráth sin.
(2) Déanfaidh stiúrthóir nó rúnaí ar chuideachta fógra i scríbhinn a thabhairt don chuideachta má tharlaíonn, fad a bheidh sé ina stiúrthóir nó ina rúnaí, aon teagmhas díobh seo a leanas, maille le fógra i scríbhinn i dtaobh an dáta ar tharla sé—
(a) aon teagmhas a dtiocfaidh sé dá dhroim chun leas a bheith aige, nó a scoirfidh sé dá dhroim de leas a bheith aige, i scaireanna sa chuideachta nó i mbintiúir dá cuid, nó i scaireanna in aon chomhlacht corpraithe eile nó i mbintiúir dá chuid, arb é fochuideachta nó cuideachta shealbhaíochta na cuideachta nó fochuideachta do chuideachta shealbhaíochta na cuideachta é;
(b) conradh a rinne sé chun aon scaireanna nó bintiúir den sórt sin a dhíol;
(c) sannadh cirt aige a dheonaigh an chuideachta dó chun suibscríobh le haghaidh scaireanna sa chuideachta nó le haghaidh bintiúr de chuid na cuideachta; agus
(d) deonú cirt dó ag comhlacht corpraithe eile, arb é fochuideachta nó cuideachta shealbhaíochta na cuideachta nó fochuideachta do chuideachta shealbhaíochta na cuide achta é, chun suibscríobh le haghaidh scaíreanna sa chomhlacht corpraithe eile sin nó le haghaidh bintiúr de chuid an chomhlachta chorpraithe eile sin, feidhmiú cirt den sórt sin a deonaíodh dó agus sannadh cirt den sórt sin aige a deonaíodh amhlaidh,
agus luafaidh sé líon nó méid, agus cineál, na scaireanna nó na mbintiúr i gceist.
(3) Beidh éifeacht le forálacha alt 54 d'fhonn fo-ailt (1) agus (2) a léiriú agus, thairis sin, i ndáil leo.
(4) Beidh éifeacht le halt 56 maidir leis na tréimhsí nach foláir do dhaoine oibleagáidí a fhorchuirtear orthu le fo-ailt (1) agus (2) a chomhall laistigh díobh.
(5) Beidh éifeacht le halt 57 maidir le himthosca áirithe ina ndéileálfar le hoibleagáidí a fhorchuirtear le fo-ailt (1) agus (2) mar oibleagáidí nár urscaoileadh.
(6) I gcás duine ar stiúrthóir nó rúnaí ar chuideachta é an tráth a thiocfaidh an t-alt seo i ngníomh ní cheanglóidh fo-alt (2) air teagmhas a fhógairt a tharla roimh an tráth sin; agus ní cheanglóidh an fo-alt sin ar dhuine tarlú teagmhais a chur in iúl más tar éis dó scor de bheith ina stiúrthóir nó ina rúnaí a fuair sé eolas faoi.
(7) Duine a mhainneoidh, laistigh den tréimhse chuí, oibleagáid a chomhall a bhfuil sé faoina réir de bhua fho-alt (1) nó (2) beidh sé ciontach i gcion.
(8) Déileálfar le hoibleagáid a fhorchuirtear leis an alt seo mar oibleagáid nár comhalladh mura mbeidh sé sainráite san fhógra trína n-airbheartaítear gur comhalladh í go bhfuil sé á thabhairt mar chomhall ar an oibleagáid sin.
(9) Baineann an t-alt seo le cúlstiúrthóirí chomh maith le stiúrthóirí, ach i gcás go dtugann duine fógra faoin alt seo ní cruthú é sin ann féin gur cúlstiúrthóir an duine a thugann an fógra.
(10) Ní oibreoidh aon ní san alt seo chun oibleagáid a fhorchur maidir le scaireanna i gcomhlacht corpraithe ar fochuideachta ar lán úinéireacht é ag comhlacht corpraithe eile; agus chun na críche seo measfar comhlacht corpraithe a bheith ina fhochuideachta ar lánúinéireacht ag comhlacht corpraithe eile mura bhfuil de chomhaltaí aige ach an comhlacht corpraithe eile sin agus na fochuideachtaí ar lánúinéireacht aige agus ainmnithigh an chomhlachta chorpraithe eile sin nó na bhfochuideachtaí sin.
(11) Beidh éifeacht leis an alt seo agus le hailt 54, 56, 57 agus 59 in ionad alt 190 den Phríomh-Acht agus in ionad an méid d'alt 193 den Acht sin a bhaineann le halt 190, agus scoirfidh an t-alt sin agus an méid d'alt 193 a bhaineann leis, dá réir sin, d'éifeacht a bheith leo.
An cineál leasa de réir alt 53.
54.—(1) Beidh feidhm ag forálacha an ailt seo chun a chinneadh chun críocha alt 53 cibé atá nó nach bhfuil leas ag duine i scaireanna nó i mbintiúir.
(2) Aon tagairt do leas i scaireanna nó i mbintiúir léifear í mar thagairt a fholaíonn tagairt d'aon leas d'aon chineál ar bith i scaireanna nó i mbintiúir; agus dá réir sin tabharfar neamhaird ar aon srianta nó aon choisc a bhfuil, nó a bhféadfadh go mbeadh, feidhmiú aon chirt a ghabhann leis an leas faoina réir.
(3) I gcás go sealbhaítear aon mhaoin ar iontaobhas agus go gcuimsítear aon leas i scaireanna nó i mbintiúir sa mhaoin sin, glacfar leis maidir le haon tairbhí den iontaobhas sin nach bhfuil, ar leith ón bhfo-alt seo, leas aige sna scaireanna nó sna bintiúir mar thairbhí a bhfuil leas den sórt sin aige; ach is fo-alt é an fo-alt seo atá gan dochar do na forálacha ina dhiaidh seo den alt seo.
(4) Glacfar leis go bhfuil leas ag duine i scaireanna nó i mbintiúir—
(a) má dhéanann sé conradh chun iad a cheannach (cibé acu ar airgead tirim nó ar chomaoin eile); nó
(b) má bhíonn sé i dteideal, agus nach é an sealbhóir cláraithe é, aon cheart a fheidhmiú a thugtar de bhíthin na scairanna nó na bintiúir sin a shealbhú, nó má bhíonn sé i dteideal feidhmiú aon chirt den sórt sin a rialú.
(5) Glacfar leis go bhfuil leas ag duine i scaireanna nó i mbintiúir má tá leas ag comhlacht corpraithe iontu agus—
(a) gur gnách leis an gcomhlacht corpraithe nó a stiúrthóirí gníomhú de réir a orduithe nó a threoracha; nó
(b) go bhfuil sé i dteideal an tríú cuid nó níos mó den chumhacht vótála ag cruinnithe ginearálta an chomhlachta chorpraithe sin a fheidhmiú nó an feidhmiú sin a rialú.
(6) I gcás go mbeidh duine i dteideal an tríú cuid nó níos mó den chumhacht vótála ag cruinnithe ginearálta de chomhlacht corpraithe a fheidhmiú nó an feidhmiú sin a rialú agus go mbeidh an comhlacht corpraithe sin i dteideal aon chuid den chumhacht vótála ag cruinnithe ginearálta de chomhlacht corpraithe eile (an “cumhacht vótála iomchuí”) a fheidhmiú nó an feidhmiú sin a rialú, ansin, chun críocha fho-alt (5) (b), glacfar leis go mbeidh an chumhacht vótála iomchuí infheidhmithe ag an duine sin.
(7) Glacfar leis go bhfuil leas ag duine i scaireanna nó i mbintiúir más rud é, ar dhóigh seachas de bhua leas a bheith aige faoi iontaobhas—
(a) go bhfuil ceart aige chun glaoch a dhéanamh d'fhonn na scaireanna nó na bintiúir a sheachadadh air féin nó ar a ordú; nó
(b) go bhfuil ceart aige leas a fháil i scaireanna nó i mbintiúir nó go bhfuil sé faoi oibleagáid leas a ghlacadh i scaireanna nó i mbintiúir;
cibé acu atá nó nach bhfuil an ceart nó an oibleagáid coinníollach nó iomlán i gcás ar bith.
(8) Chun críocha fho-alt (4) (b) glacfar leis go mbeidh duine, maidir le haon cheart a thugtar de bhíthin scaireanna nó bintiúir a shealbhú, i dteideal an ceart sin a fheidhmiú nó an feidhmiú sin a rialú má tá ceart aige (cibé acu faoi réir coinníollacha nó gan a bheith) a ndéanfadh feidhmiú an chirt sin teideal a thabhairt dó amhlaidh nó má tá sé faoi oibleagáid (cibé acu atá sé faoi réir amhlaidh nó nach bhfuil) a ndéanfadh comhall na hoibleagáide sin teideal a thabhairt dó amhlaidh.
(9) Ní ghlacfar leis go bhfuil leas ag duine, de bhua fho-alt (4) (b), in aon scaireanna nó bintiúir de bhíthin amháin gur ceapadh é mar sheachvótálaí chun vótáil ag cruinniú sonraithe de chuid cuideachta nó ag cruinniú de chuid aon chineál dá cuid comhaltaí agus ag aon atráth den chruinniú sin, nó gur ceapadh é ag comhlacht corpraithe chun gníomhú mar a ionadaí ag aon chruinniú de chuideachta nó ag cruinniú de chuid aon chineál dá cuid comhaltaí.
(10) Gan dochar d'fho-alt (2), maidir le haon chearta nó oibleagáidí chun suibscríobh le haghaidh aon scaireanna nó bintiúr, ní ghlacfar leis , chun críocha fho-alt (7), gur cearta ná oibleagáidí iad chun aon leas a fháil nó a ghlacadh i scaireanna nó i mbintiúir.
(11) I gcás comhleas a bheith ag daoine measfar go bhfuil an leas sin ag gach duine acu.
(12) Ní bhaineann sé le hábhar scaireanna nó bintiúir a bhfuil leas ag duine iontu a bheith neamh-inaitheanta.
(13) Aon seachadadh scaireanna nó bintiúr a dhéanfar chun ordú duine mar chomhall ar chonradh iad do cheannach aige nó mar shásamh ar cheart dá chuid chun glaoch a dhéanamh d'fhonn iad a sheachadadh, nó mainneachtain scaireanna nó bintiúir a sheachadadh de réir théarmaí aon chonartha den sórt sin nó ar a mbeidh ceart den sórt sin le sásamh, measfar gurb ionann sin agus teagmhas a scoireann sé dá dhroim de leas a bheith aige iontu, agus measfar gurb amhlaidh cás má théann ceart duine i léig chun glaoch a dhéanamh d'fhonn scaireanna nó bintiúir a sheachadadh.
Neamhaird a thabhairt ar leasanna.
55.—(1) Tabharfar neamhaird ar na leasanna seo a leanas chun críocha alt 54 agus ailt 56 go 58—
(a) i gcás go sealbhaítear maoin ar iontaobhas agus go gcuimsítear leas i scaireanna nó i mbintiúir sa mhaoin sin, leas i bhfrithdhílse nó i bhfuíoll nó leas iontaobhaí ainmniúil agus aon leas lánroghnach;
(b) leas duine atá ar marthain de bhua—
(i) aonaid a bheith á sealbhú aige—
(I) i scéim iontaobhais aonad chláraithe de réir bhrí alt 3 den Acht um Iontaobhais Aonad, 1972;
(II) in iontaobhas aonad lena mbaineann alt 31 den Acht um Cháin Ghnóchan Caipitiúil, 1975, arna leasú le halt 34 den Acht Airgeadais, 1977;
(III) i ngnóthas le haghaidh comhinfheistíochta in urrúis inaistrithe de réir bhrí Rialacháin na gComhphobal Eorpach (Gnóthais le haghaidh Comhinfheistíochta in Urrúis Inaistrithe), 1989 (I.R. Uimh. 78 de 1989);
(ii) scéime a dhéantar faoi alt 46 den Acht Carthanas. 1961;
(c) leas atá ag duine le haghaidh a shaoil féin nó saoil duine eile faoi shocraíocht i gcás gurb éard atá sa mhaoin a chuimsítear sa tsocraíocht, nó i gcás go bhfolaíonn an mhaoin sin, scaireanna nó bintiúir agus go sásaítear na coinníollacha a luaitear i bhfo-alt (3);
(d) leas i scaireanna nó i mbintiúir a shealbhaíonn comhalta de stocmhalartán aitheanta a sheolann gnó mar stocbhróicéir nach séalbhaítear ach amháin ar mhodh urrúis chun críocha idirbhirt a dhéanann an duine nó an comhlacht lena mbaineann i ngnáthchúrsa gnó an duine nó an chomhlachta sin;
(e) cibé leasanna, nó leasanna de cibé cineál, a bheidh forordaithe chun críocha na míre seo le rialacháin arna ndéanamh ag an Aire.
(2) Ní ghlacfar leis go mbeidh leas ag duine, de bhua alt 54 (4) (b), i scaireanna nó i mbintiúir de bhíthin amháin gur ceapadh é mar sheachvótálaí chun vótáil ag cruinniú sonraithe de chuid cuideachta nó ag cruinniú de chuid aon chineál dá cuid comhaltaí agus ag aon atráth den chruinniú sin, nó gur cheap comhlacht corpraithe é chun gníomhú mar a ionadaí ag aon chruinniú de chuid cuideachta nó ag cruinniú de chuid aon chineál dá cuid comhaltaí.
(3) Na coinníollacha dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1) (c) is coinníollacha iad, i ndáil le socraíocht—
(a) gur socraíocht neamh-inchúlghairthe í, agus
(b) nach bhfuil aon leas ag an socraitheoir (de réir bhrí alt 96 den Acht Cánach Ioncaim, 1967) in aon ioncam a thagann faoin tsocraíocht ná in aon mhaoin a chuimsítear inti.
Tréimhsí nach foláir oibleagáidí faoi alt 53 a urscaoileadh laistigh díobh.
56.—(1) Aon oibleagáid a fhorchuirtear ar dhuine le halt 53 (1) chun leas a fhógairt, ní foláir, más eol dó an leas a bheith ann ar an lá iomchuí (is é sin le rá, i gcás é bheith ina stiúrthóir nó ina rúnaí ag tús an lae a thiocfaidh an t-alt sin i ngníomh, an lá is déanaí roimhe sin agus, i gcás go dtagann sé chun bheith ina stiúrthóir nó ina rúnaí ina dhiaidh sin, an lá a thagann sé chun bheith amhlaidh) an oibleagáid sin a chomhall roimh dheireadh na tréimhse cúig lá dar tosach an lá díreach i ndiaidh an lae iomchuí; thairis sin ní foláir í a chomhall roimh dheireadh na tréimhse cúig lá dar tosach an lá díreach i ndiaidh an lae a thiocfaidh sé ar an eolas faoin leas a bheith ann.
(2) Aon oibleagáid a fhorchuirtear ar dhuine lé halt 53 (2) chun teagmhas a tharla a fhógairt, ní foláir, más eol dó ag tráth tarlaithe an teagmhais gur tharla sé, an oibleagáid sin a chomhall roimh dheireadh na tréimhse cúig lá dar tosach an lá díreach i ndiaidh an lae a tharla sé; thairis sin ní foláir í a chomhall roimh dheireadh na tréimhse cúig lá dar tosach an lá díreach i ndiaidh an lae a thiocfaidh sé ar an eolas gur tharla an teagmhas.
Imthosca nach n-urscaoiltear oibleagáid faoi alt 53 maidir leo.
57.—(1) Más rud é, maidir le teagmhas a bhfuil stiúrthóir nó rúnaí, de bhua alt 53 (2) (a), faoi oibleagáid fógra a thabhairt do chuideachta gur tharla sé, gurb éard atá ann ná conradh a rinne sé go gceannódh sé scaireanna nó bintiúir, glacfar leis nach mbeidh an oibleagáid urscaoilte mura mbeidh ráiteas curtha isteach san fhógra i dtaobh an phraghais a bhí le híoc aige faoin gconradh, agus glacfar leis i gcás oibleagáide a fhorchuirtear ar stiúrthóir nó ar rúnaí de bhua alt 53 (2) (b) nach mbeidh sí urscaoilte mura mbeidh an praghas a bhí le fáil aige faoin gconradh curtha isteach san fhógra.
(2) Aon oibleagáid a fhorchuirtear ar stiúrthóir nó ar rúnaí, de bhua alt 53 (2) (c), fógra a thabhairt do chuideachta, glacfar leis nach mbeidh an oibleagáid urscaoilte mura mbeidh ráiteas curtha isteach san fhógra i dtaobh na comaoine le haghaidh an tsannta (nó, i gcás nach bhfuil aon chomaoin i gceist, an fíoras sin), agus más rud é, maidir le teagmhas a bhfuil stiúrthóir, de bhua alt 53 (2) (d), faoi oibleagáid fógra a thabhairt do chuideachta gur tharla sé, gurb éard atá ann ná sannadh cirt aige, glacfar leis nach mbeidh an oibleagáid urscaoilte mura mbeidh ráiteas dá shamhail curtha isteach san fhógra.
(3) Más rud é, maidir le teagmhas a bhfuil stiúrthóir nó rúnaí, de bhua alt 53 (2) (d), faoi oibleagáid fógra a thabhairt do chuideachta gur tharla sé, gurb éard atá ann ceart a dheonú dó chun suibscríobh le haghaidh scaireanna nó bintiúr, glacfar leis nach mbeidh an oibleagáid urscaoilte mura mbeidh ráiteas curtha isteach san fhógra—
(a) i dtaobh an dáta ar deonaíodh an ceart,
(b) i dtaobh na tréimhse a bhfuil an ceart infheidhmithe lena linn nó i dtaobh an ama a bhfuil an ceart infheidhmithe,
(c) i dtaobh na comaoine le haghaidh an deonaithe (nó, i gcás nach bhfuil aon chomaoin i gceist, an fíoras sin), agus
(d) i dtaobh an phraghais a bhí le híoc ar na scaireanna nó ar na bintiúir.
(4) Más rud é, maidir le teagmhas a bhfuil stiúrthóir nó rúnaí, de bhua alt 53 (2) (d), faoi oibleagáid fógra a thabhairt do chuideachta gur tharla sé, gurb éard atá ann ná feidhmiú cirt a deonaíodh dó chun suibscríobh le haghaidh scaireanna nó bintiúr glacfar leis nach mbeidh an oibleagáid urscaoilte mura mbeidh ráiteas curtha isteach san fhógra—
(a) i dtaobh an líon scaireanna nó an méid bintiúr ar feidhmíodh an ceart ina leith, agus
(b) más é an cás é gur cláraíodh iad ina ainm, i dtaobh an fhíorais sin agus más é an cás é nár cláraíodh, i dtaobh ainm nó ainmneacha an duine nó na ndaoine ar cláraíodh iad ina ainm nó ina n-ainmneacha,
maille leis (má cláraíodh iad in ainmneacha beirte nó níos mó) an líon nó an méid díobh a cláraíodh in ainm gach duine acu.
(5) Chun críocha an ailt seo déanfar aon tagairt, cibé slí a mbeidh sí sainráite, d'aon phraghas a íocadh, a tugadh nó a fuarthas maidir le haon leas i scaireanna nó i mbintiúir a fhorléiriú mar thagairt a fholaíonn tagairt d'aon chomaoin seachas airgead a tugadh nó a fuarthas maidir le haon leas den sórt sin.
Forálacha eile a bhaineann le fógra a thabhairt.
58.—(1) I gcás go n-údaraíonn duine d'aon duine eile (“an gníomhaire”) leasanna i scaireanna i gcuideachta nó i mbintiúir dá cuid, a fháil nó a dhiúscairt thar a cheann, áiritheoidh sé go dtabharfaidh an gníomhaire fógra dó láithreach faoi leasanna sna scaireanna nó sna bintiúir sin a bheith faighte nó diúscartha ag an ngníomhaire a bheidh, nó a d'fhéadfadh a bheith, ina chúis le haon oibleagáid , i dtaca leis féin de, fógra a thabhairt faoin gCaibidil seo maidir lena leas sna scaireanna nó sna bintiúir sin.
(2) Aon oibleagáid fógra a thabhairt a fhorchuirtear ar aon duine leis an gCaibidil seo déileálfar leis mar oibleagáid nár comhalladh mura ndéantar, leis an bhfógra ar dá bhíthin a airbheartaítear an oibleagáid sin a chomhall, an duine a aithint agus a sheoladh a thabhairt.
(3) I gcás go mainníonn duine, laistigh den tréimhse chuí, oibleagáid a chomhall a bhfuil sé faoina réir de bhua alt 53, ní bheidh aon cheart ná leas d'aon chineál ar bith maidir leis na scaireanna nó na bintiúir lena mbaineann infheidhmithe aige, cibé acu go díreach nó go neamhdhíreach, le caingean nó le himeacht dlí.
(4) I gcás go gcuirtear srianadh le haon cheart nó-leas faoi fho-alt (3), féadfaidh aon duine a rinne mainneachtain faoin bhfo-alt sin nó aon duine eile a ndearna an srianadh sin difear dó, iarratas a dhéanamh chun na cúirte ar fhaoiseamh ó mhíchumas a fhorchuirtear le fo-alt (3) nó a thig dá dhroim agus féadfaidh an chúirt ar a bheith deimhin di gur de thionóisc nó de thaisme nó gur mar gheall ar chúis leordhóthanach éigin eile a tharla an mhainneachtain nó go bhfuil sé cóir cothromasach faoiseamh a dheonú ar fhorais eile, an faoiseamh sin a dheonú go ginearálta nó maidir le haon cheart nó leas áirithe, ar cibé téarmaí agus coinníollacha is cuí léi.
(5) I gcás gur duine dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (3) iarratasóir ar fhaoiseamh faoi fho-alt (4), ní dheonóidh an chúirt an faoiseamh sin más dealraitheach gur tharla an mhainneachtain mar gheall ar aon ghníomh nó neamhghníomh toiliúil ag an iarratasóir.
(6) Ní bheidh feidhm ag fo-alt (3) maidir le hoibleagáid a bhaineann le duine a scoireann dé leas a bheith aige i scaireanna i gcuideachta nó i mbintiúir dá cuid.
(7) Duine a mhainníonn fo-alt (1) a chomhlíonadh gan leithscéal réasúnach beidh sé ciontach i gcion.
Clár leasanna.
59.—(1) Coimeádfaidh gach cuideachta clár chun críocha alt 53.
(2) Aon uair a fhaigheann an chuideachta faisnéis ó stiúrthóir nó ó rúnaí de dhroim oibleagáid a chomhall a fhorchuirtear air leis an alt sin, taifeadfaidh an chuideachta an fhaisnéis sin, agus dáta an taifid, sa chlár os coinne ainm an duine sin.
(3) Déanfaidh gach cuideachta, aon uair a dheonaíonn sí ceart do stiúrthóir nó do rúnaí chun suibscríobh le haghaidh scaireanna sa chuideachta nó bintiúr dá cuid, an méid seo a leanas a thaifeadadh sa chlár os coinne a ainm—
(a) an dáta a ndeonaítear an ceart,
(b) an tréimhse a bhfuil an ceart infheidhmithe lena linn nó an t-am a bhfuil sé infheidhmithe,
(c) an chomaoin le haghaidh an deonaithe (nó, más é an cás é nach bhfuil aon chomaoin i gceist, an fíoras sin), agus
(d) tuairisc ar na scaireanna nó ar na bintiúir í gceist agus an líon nó an méid díobh agus an praghas atá le híoc orthu.
(4) Aon uair a fheidhmíonn stiúrthóir nó rúnaí ceart den sórt a luaitear i bhfo-alt (3), taifeadfaidh an chuideachta sa chlár a dúradh os coinne a ainm an fíoras sin (ag sainaithint an chirt), an líon nó an méid scaireanna nó bintiúr ar feidhmíodh an ceart ina leith agus más é an cás é gur cláraíodh iad ina ainm, an fíoras sin, agus más é an cás é nár cláraíodh, ainm nó ainmneacha an duine nó na ndaoine ar cláraíodh iad ina ainm nó ina n-ainmneacha, maille leis (má cláraíodh iad in ainm beirte nó níos mó) an líon nó an méid díobh a cláraíodh in ainm gach duine díobh.
(5) Beidh feidhm ag an alt seo maidir le cúlstiúrthóirí amhail mar atá feidhm aige maidir le stiúrthóirí.
Forálacha a bhaineann leis an gclár.
60.—(1) Ní foláir an clár a bheidh le coimeád faoi alt 59 a bheith curtha le chéile sa dóigh go dtaispeánfar na taifid ann, os coinne na n-ainmneacha ar leithligh a bheidh inscríofa ann, in ord cróineolaíoch.
(2) Déanfar oibleagáid a fhorchuirtear le halt 59 (2) go (4) a chomhall roimh dheireadh na tréimhse 3 lá dar tosach an lá díreach i ndiaidh an lae a dtagann sí i gceist.
(3) Déanfar nádúr agus réim aon leasa a bheidh taifeadta sa chlár a dúradh, ar leas é de chuid stiúrthóra nó rúnaí in aon scaireanna nó bintiúir, a thaifeadadh sa chlár a dúradh má éilíonn an stiúrthóir nó an rúnaí amhlaidh.
(4) Ní bheidh an chuideachta, de bhua aon ní a dhéanfar chun críocha an ailt seo, faoi admhálacht maidir le fógra i dtaobh, ná inchurtha faoi fhiosrú i dtaobh, cearta aon duine maidir le haon scaireanna nó bintiúir.
(5) Déanfar an clár a dúradh—
(a) má choimeádtar clár chomhaltaí na cuideachta ina hoifig chláraithe, a choimeád san áit sin;
(b) mura gcoimeádtar clár chomhaltaí na cuideachta amhlaidh, a choimeád in oifig chláraithe na cuideachta nó san áit a gcoimeádtar a clár comhaltaí;
agus beidh sé ar fáil lena iniúchadh le linn uaireanta gnó ag aon chomhalta den chuideachta saor in aisce agus ag aon duine eile ach 30p a íoc nó cibé suim faoina bhun sin a fhorordóidh an chuideachta le haghaidh gach iniúchta (faoi réir cibé srianta réasúnacha a fhorchuirfidh an chuideachta i gcruinniú ginearálta ionas go lamhálfar dhá uair an chloig ar a laghad gach lá le haghaidh iniúchadh).
(6) Cuirfidh an chuideachta fógra chuig cláraitheoir na gcuideachtaí faoin áit a gcoimeádtar an clár a dúradh agus faoi aon athrú san áit sin, ach amháin i gcás ar coimeádadh gach tráth é ina hoifig chláraithe.
(7) Mura mbeidh an clár a dúradh i gcruth de shórt gur treoirleabhar ann féin é coimeádfaidh an chuideachta treoirleabhar de na hainmneacha a thaifeadfar ann—
(a) ina mbeidh, maidir le gach ainm, léiriú leordhóthanach chun go bhféadfar an fhaisnéis a bheidh inscríofa sa treoirleabhar os a choinne a fháil go héasca; agus
(b) a choimeádfar san áit chéanna leis an gclár a dúradh;
agus déanfaidh an chuideachta, laistigh de 14 lá tar éis an dáta a dtaifeadfar ainm sa chlár a dúradh, aon athrú is gá sa treoirleabhar.
(8) Féadfaidh aon chomhalta de chuid na cuideachta nó duine eile cóip den chlár sin, nó d'aon chuid de, a éileamh, ach 15p nó cibé suim faoina bhun sin a fhorordóidh an chuideachta, a íoc ar gach céad focal nó codán de chéad focal is gá a chóipeáil.
Cuirfidh an chuideachta faoi deara go ndéanfar aon chóip a éileoidh aon duine amhlaidh a chur chuig an duine sin laistigh den tréimhse 10 lá dar tosach an lá tar éis an lae a gheobhaidh an chuideachta an t-éileamh.
(9) Beidh an clár sin ar oscailt freisin agus fágfar ar oscailt agus ar fáil é, ceathrú uaire an chloig ar a laghad roimh an am atá ceaptha do thosú chruinniú ginearálta bliantúil na cuideachta, agus le linn an chruinnithe, d'aon duine a bheidh ag freastal ar an gcruinniú.
(10) Má mhainnítear fo-alt (9) a chomhlíonadh beidh an chuideachta agus gach oifigeach don chuideachta a rinne mainneachtain ciontach i gcion agus dlífear fíneáil nach mó ná £1,000 a chur orthu; agus má mhainnítear fo-alt (6) a chomhlíonadh ar feadh 14 lá dlífear fíneáil nach mó ná £1,000 a chur ar an gcuideachta agus ar gach oifigeach don chuideachta a rinne mainneachtain; agus má mhainnítear alt 59 nó fo-alt (1), (2) nó (7) den alt seo a chomhlíonadh nó má dhiúltaítear aon chead iniúchta a éileofar faoin alt seo nó mura gcuirfear amach laistigh den tréimhse chuí aon chóip a éileofar faoin alt seo dlífear fíneáil nach mó ná £1,000 a chur ar an gcuideachta agus ar gach oifigeach don chuideachta a rinne mainneachtain.
(11) I gcás go ndiúltaítear cead iniúchadh, a éilítear faoin alt seo, a dhéanamh ar an gclár sin féadfaidh an chúirt, le hordú, iallach a chur iniúchadh a dhéanamh láithreach air; agus i gcás mainneachtain a dhéanamh cóip a éilíodh leis an alt seo a chur ar aghaidh laistigh den tréimhse chuí, féadfaidh an chúirt, le hordú, a ordú go ndéanfar an chóip a éilíodh a chur chuig an duine a d'éiligh í.
Taifid a bhaint den chlár.
61.—(1) Féadfaidh cuideachta taifead os coinne ainm duine a bhaint den chlár leasanna i scaireanna agus i mbintiúir a choimeádtar faoi alt 59 má tá níos mó ná 6 bliana caite ón dáta a ndearnadh an taifead, agus—
(a) gur taifeadadh sa taifead sin gur scoir an duine i gceist de leas is infhógartha faoin gCaibidil seo a bheith aige i scaireanna sa chuideachta nó i mbintiúir de chuid na cuideachta; nó
(b) gur cuireadh taifead níos déanaí ina ionad faoin alt sin 59 os coinne ainm an duine chéanna;
agus féadfaidh an chuideachta i gcás faoi mhír (a) ainm an duine sin a bhaint den chlár freisin.
(2) I gcás go mbainfear ainm, de bhun fho-alt (1), de chlár cuideachta i dtaobh leasanna i scaireanna nó i mbintiúir déanfaidh an chuideachta laistigh de 14 lá ón dáta a ndearnadh an t-ainm sin a bhaint den chlár aon athruithe is gá in aon treoirleabhar comhbhainteach.
(3) Má mhainnítear fo-alt (2) a chomhlíonadh beidh an chuideachta agus gach oifigeach dá cuid a rinne mainneachtain ciontach i gcion agus dlífear fíneáil a chur orthu.
An tráth nach bhfuil taifid le baint den chlár.
62.—(1) Ní scriosfar taifid i gclár cuideachta i dtaobh leasanna i scaireanna agus i mbintiúir faoin gCaibidil seo ach amháin de réir alt 61.
(2) Má scriostar taifead as clár cuideachta i dtaobh leasanna i scaireanna de shárú ar fho-alt (1) cuirfidh an chuideáchta an taifead sin ar ais ar an gclár a luaithe is féidir é de réir réasúin.
(3) Má mhainnítear fo-alt (1) nó (2) a chomhlíonadh beidh an chuideachta agus gach oifigeach di a rinne mainneachtain ciontach i gcion agus dlífear fíneáil a chur orthu.
Leasanna a nochtadh i dtuarascáil na stiúrthóirí.
63.—(1) Faoi réir fho-alt (2), luafar i dtuarascáil na stiúrthóirí nó sna nótaí a ghabhann le cuntais na cuideachta i leith bliana airgeadais, maidir le gach duine a bhí, ag deireadh na bliana sin, ina stiúrthóir ar an gcuideachta—
(a) cibé acu a bhí nó nach raibh, ag deireadh na bliana sin, leas aige i scaireanna sa chuideachta nó i mbintiúir dá cuid nó i scaireanna in aon chomhlacht corpraithe eile nó i mbintiúir dá chuid, arb é fochuideachta nó cuideachta shealbhaíochta na cuideachta nó fochuideachta do chuideachta shealbhaíochta na cuideachta é;
(b) má bhí leas aige amhlaidh—
(i) an líon agus an méid scaireanna i ngach comhlacht (agus an comhlacht sin a shonrú), agus an líon agus an méid bintiúr de chuid an chéanna, a raibh leas aige iontu an tráth sin,
(ii) cibé acu a bhí nó nach raibh leas aige ag tús na bliana sin (nó, murar stiúrthóir é an tráth sin, nuair a tháinig sé chun bheith ina stiúrthóir) i scaireanna sa chuideachta nó i mbintiúir dá cuid nó i scaireanna in aon chomhlacht corpraithe eile den sórt sin, nó i mbintiúir dá chuid, agus,
(iii) má bhí, an líon agus an méid scaireanna i ngach comhlacht (agus an comhlacht sin a shonrú), agus an líon agus an méid bintiúr dá chuid, ina raibh leas aige ag tús na bliana sin nó, de réir mar a bheidh, nuair a tháinig sé chun bheith ina stiúrthóir.
(2) An tagairt i bhfo-alt (1) do thuarascáil na stiúrthóirí agus do na nótaí a ghabhann le cuntais na cuideachta is tagairtí iad don tuarascáil agus do na nótaí faoi seach a éilítear de bhua Acht na gCuideachtaí (Leasú), 1986, a chur i gceangal leis an Tuairisceán Bliantúil agus i gcás nach gcuirfidh cuideachta tuarascáil na stiúrthóirí i gceangal, mar a cheadaítear le halt 10 (2) den Acht réamhluaite, beidh an fhaisnéis a éilítear i bhfo-alt (1) ar fáil sna nótaí a ghabhann le cuntais na cuideachta.
(3) Déanfar na tagairtí i bhfo-alt (1) don tráth a tháinig duine chun bheith ina stiúrthóir a fhorléiriú, i gcás duine a tháinig chun bheith ina stiúrthóir níos mó ná aon uair amháin, mar thagairtí don tráth a tháinig sé chun bheith ina stiúrthóir den chéad uair.
(4) Chun críocha an ailt seo ciallaíonn “tuarascáil na stiúrthóirí” an tuarascáil ó stiúrthóirí cuideachta a cheanglaítear le halt 158 (1) den Phríomh-Acht a bheith ag gabháil le gach clár comhordaithe de chuid na cuideachta.
(5) An fhaisnéis a cheanglaítear a thabhairt le fo-alt (1) maidir le stiúrthóirí na cuideachta tabharfar í freisin maidir leis an duine a bhí ina rúnaí ar an gcuideachta ag deireadh na bliana airgeadais lena mbaineann.
Alt 53 a leathnú chuig céilí agus leanaí.
64.—(1) Chun críocha alt 53—
(a) áireofar leas céile stiúrthóra nó rúnaí ar chuideachta (nach stiúrthóir nó rúnaí ar an gcuideachta é féin nó í féin) i scaireanna nó i mbintiúir mar leas an stiúrthóra nó an rúnaí, agus
(b) baineann an céanna le leas linbh mhionaoisigh stiúrthóra nó rúnaí ar chuideachta (nach stiúrthóir nó rúnaí ar an gcuideachta é féin nó í féin) i scaireanna nó i mbintiúir.
(2) Chun na gcríoch sin—
(a) aon chonradh, sannadh nó ceart suibscríofa a rinne nó a d'fheidhmigh céile stiúrthóra nó rúnaí ar chuideachta nó aon deonú a rinneadh don chéile sin (nach stiúrthóir nó rúnaí ar an gcuideachta é féin nó í féin) áireofar é mar chonradh. mar shannadh nó mar cheart suibscríofa a rinne nó a d'fheidhmigh an stiúrthóir nó an rúnaí nó, de réir mar a bheidh, mar dheonú a rinneadh don stiúrthóir nó don rúnaí, agus
(b) baineann an céanna le conradh, sannadh nó ceart suibscríofa a rinne nó a d'fheidhmigh leanbh mionaoiseach stiúrthóra nó rúnaí ar chuideachta nó le haon deonú a rinneadh don leanbh sin (nach stiúrthóir nó rúnaí ar an gcuideachta é féin nó í féin).
(3) Beidh stiúrthóir nó rúnaí ar chuideachta faoi oibleagáid fógra i scríbhinn a thabhairt don chuideachta má tharlaíonn, fad a bheidh sé nó sí ina stiúrthóir nó ina rúnaí, ceachtar de na teagmhais seo a leanas—
(a) an chuideachta do dheonú cirt chun suibscríobh le haghaidh scaireanna sa chuideachta nó le haghaidh bintiúr dá cuid dá chéile nó dá leanbh mionaoiseach; agus
(b) an céile nó an leanbh mionaoiseach d'fheidhmiú cirt den chineál a dúradh a dheonaigh an chuideachta don chéile nó don leanbh.
(4) Luafar i bhfógra a thabharfar don chuideachta faoi fho-alt (3)—
(a) i gcás deonú cirt, an fhaisnéis chéanna a cheanglaítear le halt 53 ar an stiúrthóir nó ar an rúnaí a lua ar chomhlacht corpraithe eile do dheonú cirt dó chun suibscríobh le haghaidh scaireanna sa chomhlacht corpraithe eile sin nó le haghaidh bintiúr dá chuid, agus
(b) i gcás feidhmiú cirt, an fhaisnéis chéanna a cheanglaítear leis an alt sin ar an stiúrthóir nó ar an rúnaí a lua ar fheidhmiú cirt a dheonaigh comhlacht corpraithe eile dó chun suibscríobh le haghaidh scaireanna sa chomhlacht corpraithe eile sin nó le haghaidh bintiúr dá chuid.
(5) Ní foláir do stiúrthóir nó do rúnaí oibleagáid a fhorchuirtear air le fo-alt (3) a chomhall roimh dheireadh na tréimhse 5 lá dar tosach an lá díreach i ndiaidh an lae a thiocfaidh sé ar an eolas gur tharla an teagmhas ba bhun leis an oibleagáid.
(6) Duine a mhainníonn oibleagáid a bhfuil sé faoina réir faoi fho-alt (3) a chomhall laistigh den tréimhse chuí, beidh sé ciontach i gcion.
(7) Beidh éifeacht leis na forálacha atá leagtha amach in ailt 54 agus 55 d'fhonn fo-ailt (1) agus (2) a léiriú agus thairis sin i ndáil leis na fo-ailt sin, agus chun críocha an ailt seo beidh éifeacht le fo-ailt (8) agus (9) d'alt 53, fara aon mhodhnaithe is gá, amhail mar atá éifeacht leo chun críocha an ailt sin.
(8) Chun críocha alt 59 áireofar oibleagáid a fhorchuirtear ar stiúrthóir nó ar rúnaí leis an alt seo amhail is dá bhforchuirfí í le halt 53.
Dualgas cuideachta fógra a thabhairt don stocmhalartán.
65.—(1) Aon uair a dhéanfaidh stiúrthóir nó rúnaí, dé dhroim oibleagáid a chomhall a fhorchuirtear air le hailt 53 nó 64, fógra i dtaobh aon ní a thabhairt do chuideachta a bhfuil saoráidí déileála curtha ar fáil dá cuid scaireanna nó bintiúr ag stocmhalartán aitheanta agus go mbaineann an ní sin le scaireanna nó le bintiúir a bhfuil na saoráidí sin curtha ar fáil dóibh, beidh an chuideachta faoi oibleagáid fógra i dtaobh an ní sin a thabhairt don stocmhalartán sin; agus féadfaidh an stocmhalartán aon fhaisnéis a gheobhaidh sé faoin bhfo-alt seo a fhoilsiú i cibé slí a chinnfidh sé.
(2) Ní foláir oibleagáid a fhorchuirtear le fo-alt (1) a chomhall roimh dheireadh an lae díreach i ndiaidh an lae a dtagann sí i gceist.
(3) Má mhainnítear an t-alt seo a chomhlíonadh beidh an chuideachta agus gach oifigeach di a rinne mainneachtain ciontach i gcion.
Déileáil i scaireanna a imscrúdú.
66.—(1) Má fheictear don Aire go bhfuil imthosca ann a thugann le tuiscint go bhféadfadh go bhfuil sáruithe déanta, i ndáil le scaireanna i gcuideachta nó i mbintiúir dá cuid, ar alt 30, 53 nó 64 (3) go (5), féadfaidh sé cigire inniúil amháin nó níos mó a cheapadh chun cibé imscrúduithe a dhéanamh a bheidh riachtanach chun a shuíomh cibé acu a tharla nó nár tharla sáruithe mar a dúradh agus chun torthaí a n-imscrúduithe a thuairisciú don Aire.
(2) Féadfar le ceapachán cigire faoin alt seo an tréimhse a theorannú a mbeidh réim ag a imscrúdú maidir léi nó an t-imscrúdú a chur ag baint go heisiach le scaireanna nó le bintiúir de chineál áirithe nó iad araon.
(3) Chun críocha aon imscrúdaithe faoin alt seo beidh feidhm ag alt 10—
(a) trí thagairt d'aon chomhlacht corpraithe eile arb é, nó arbh é aon tráth iomchuí, fochuideachta nó cuideachta shealbhaíochta na cuideachta é a chur in ionad tagairtí d'aon chomhlacht corpraithe eile a mbeidh a chúrsaí á n-imscrúdú de bhua alt 9, agus
(b) leis an modhnú is gá ar an tagairt, in alt 10 (5), do chúrsaí na cuideachta nó an chomhlachta chorpraithe eile sa chaoi, áfach, go mbeidh feidhm aige maidir le comhaltaí de stocmhalartán aitheanta ar pearsana aonair iad agus le hoifigigh (iaroifigigh agus oifigigh láithreacha) do chomhaltaí de mhalartán den sórt sin ar comhlachtaí corpraithe iad amhail mar atá feidhm aige maidir le hoifigigh don chuideachta nó don chomhlacht corpraithe eile.
(4) Féadfaidh na cigirí, agus má ordaíonn an tAire dóibh amhlaidh ní foláir dóibh, tuarascálacha eatramhacha a thabhairt don Aire agus ar chríoch a chur leis an imscrúdú tabharfaidh siad tuarascáil chríochnaitheach don Aire.
(5) Scríobhfar nó clóifear aon tuarascáil den sórt sin, mar a ordóidh an tAire, agus cuirfidh an tAire faoi deara í a fhoilsiú.
(6) Beidh feidhm ag ailt 9, 16 go 18, 22, 23 (1) agus 23 (3), fara aon mhodhnuithe is gá, chun críocha an ailt seo.
(7) Íocfaidh an tAire costais imscrúdaithe faoin alt seo.
(8) I gcás go gciontófar duine i gcion ar ionchúiseamh a thionscnófar de bharr an imscrúdaithe féadfaidh an Ard-Chúirt, ar iarratas ón Aire, a ordú don duine sin na costais sin a íoc go feadh cibé méid a ordóidh an chúirt.
Caibidil 2
Fáltais Aonair agus Grúpfháltais
Oibleagáid nochtadh a dhéanamh agus na cásanna ina ndéanfar é.
67.—(1) I gcás—
(a) go bhfaighidh duine go bhfios dó leas i scaireanna a chuimsítear i scairchaipiteal iomchuí cuideachta poiblí teoranta nó go scoireann sé de leas a bheith aige i scaireanna a chuimsítear amhlaidh (cibé acu a choimeádann sé leas i scaireanna eile a chuimsítear amhlaidh nó nach gcoimeádann), nó
(b) go bhfaigheann duine amach go bhfuil leas i scaireanna a chuimsítear amhlaidh faighte aige nó gur scoir sé de leas a bheith aige i scaireanna a chuimsítear amhlaidh a raibh leas aige iontu roimhe sin,
ansin, faoi réir fhorálacha ailt 68 go 79, beidh sé faoi oibleagáid (“an oibleagáid nochtadh a dhéanamh”) fógra a thabhairt don chuideachta maidir leis na leasanna atá nó a bhí aige ina cuid scaireanna.
(2) I ndáil le cuideachta phoiblí theoranta, ciallaíonn “scairchaipiteal iomchuí” scairchaipiteal eisithe na cuideachta de chineál a ngabhann cearta vótála leis sna himthosca go léir ag cruinnithe ginearálta na cuideachta agus dearbhaítear leis seo chun amhras a sheachaint—
(a) i gcás go roinntear scairchaipiteal iomchuí cuideachta i gcineálacha éagsúla scaireanna, aon tagairtí sa Chaibidil seo do chéatadán de luach ainmniúil a scairchaipitil iomchuí, is tagairtí iad do chéatadán de luach ainmniúil na scaireanna eisithe a chuimsítear i ngach ceann de na cineálacha arna dtógáil ar leithligh, agus
(b) nach ndéanann fionraíocht shealadach ar chearta vótála maidir le scaireanna a chuimsítear i scairchaipiteal eisithe cuideachta d'aon chineál den sórt sin difear d'fheidhmiú na Caibidle seo i ndáil le leasanna sna scaireanna sin nó in aon scaireanna eile a chuimsítear sa chineál sin.
(3) Más rud é, seachas in imthosca i bhfo-alt (1)—
(a) go bhfuil a fhios ag duine an tráth a tharlaíonn sé, go bhfuil athrú ar bith ar imthosca a dhéanann difear d'fhíorais is iomchuí don alt díreach ina dhiaidh seo a chur i bhfeidhm maidir le leas láithreach dá chuid i scaireanna a chuimsítear i scairchaipiteal de thuairisc ar bith de chuid cuideachta, nó
(b) go dtagann duine, thairis sin, chun fios a bheith aige i dtaobh aon fhíoras den sórt sin (cibé acu de dhroim aon athrú den sórt sin ar aon imthosca nó nach ea),
ansin, faoi réir fhorálacha ailt 68 go 79, beidh sé faoin oibleagáid nochtadh a dhéanamh.
(4) Measfar, maidir le haon duine d'fháil leasa i scaireanna nó i mbintiúir cuideachta atá cláraithe sa Stát, gurb ionann an fháil sin agus an duine sin do thoiliú aon fhaisnéis do nochtadh aige féin, ag a ghníomhairí nó ag a idirghabhálaithe, is faisnéis a cheanglaítear a nochtadh i ndáil le scaireanna nó bintiúir le hAchtanna na gCuideachtaí.
Leasanna atá le nochtadh.
68.—(1) Chun críocha na hoibleagáide nochtadh a dhéanamh, is iad na leasanna a chuirfear san áireamh ná leasanna i scairchaipiteal iomchuí de chuid na cuideachta lena mbaineann.
(2) Beidh leas infhógartha ag duine aon tráth a mbeidh leas aige i scaireanna a chuimsítear sa scairchaipiteal sin de luach ainmniúil comhiomlán atá comhionann leis an gcéatadán, nó níos mó ná an céatadán, de luach ainmniúil an scairchaipitil sin arb é an céatadán infhógartha é de thuras na huaire.
(3) Na fíorais uile is iomchuí chun a chinneadh cibé acu atá nó nach bhfuil leas infhógartha ag duine aon tráth (nó leibhéal a leasa de réir céatadáin) glacfar leis gurb é atá iontu ná na fíorais de réir mar is eol dó iad an tráth sin.
(4) Beidh an oibleagáid ann nochtadh a dhéanamh faoi alt 67 (1) nó (3) i gcás go bhfuil leas infhógartha ag an duine díreach tar éis an trátha iomchuí ach nach raibh leas den sórt sin aige díreach roimh an tráth sin.
(5) Beidh an oibleagáid ann freisin faoi alt 67 (1)—
(a) i gcás leas infhógartha a bheith ag an duine roimh an tráth iomchuí, ach nach mbeidh leas den sórt sin aige go díreach ina dhiaidh, nó
(b) i gcás leas infhógartha a bheith aige díreach roimh an tráth sin, agus leas den sórt sin a bheith aige díreach ina dhiaidh sin, ach gan leibhéil a leasa de réir céatadáin díreach roimh an tráth sin agus go díreach ina dhiaidh a bheith comhionann.
(6) Chun críocha an ailt seo ciallaíonn “an tráth iomchuí“—
(a) i gcás faoi alt 67 (1) (a) nó (3) (a), tráth an teagmhais nó an athraithe ar imthosca a luaitear ansin, agus
(b) i gcás faoi alt 67 (1) (b) nó (3) (b), an tráth ar tháinig an duine chun fios a bheith aige i dtaobh na bhfíoras i gceist.
“Leibhéal de réir céatadáin” i ndáil le leasanna infhógartha.
69.—(1) Faoi réir an agúis thíosluaite ciallaíonn “leibhéal de réir céatadáin”, in alt 68 (5) (b), an figiúr céatadáin a fhaightear trí luach ainmniúil comhiomlán na scaireanna go léir a chuimsítear sa scairchaipiteal lena mbaineann ina bhfuil leas ag an duine díreach roimh nó (de réir mar a bheidh) díreach i ndiaidh an trátha iomchuí a shloinneadh mar chéatadán de luach ainmniúil an scairchaipitil sin agus an figiúr sin a chothromú síos, mura slánuimhir í, go dtí an chéad slánuimhir eile.
(2) I gcás luach ainmniúil an scairchaipitil a bheith níos mó díreach i ndiaidh an trátha iomchuí ná mar a bhí sé díreach roimhe, cinnfear leibhéal de réir céatadáin leas an duine díreach roimh an tráth sin (chomh maith le díreach ina dhiaidh) faoi threoir an méid is mó.
An céatadán infhógartha.
70.—(1) An tagairt in alt 68 (2) don chéatadán infhógartha is tagairt í do 5 faoin gcéad nó cibé céatadán eile a bheidh forordaithe ag an Aire faoin alt seo.
(2) Féadfaidh an tAire an céatadán a fhorordú a bheidh le cur chun feidhme nuair a bheifear ag cinneadh cibé acu atá nó nach bhfuil leas duine i scaireanna cuideachta infhógartha faoi alt 67; agus féadfar céatadáin éagsúla a fhorordú i ndáil le cuideachtaí de chineálacha éagsúla nó de thuairiscí éagsúla.
(3) Más rud é de dhroim laghdaithe a fhorordaítear faoin alt seo sa chéatadán a leagtar síos leis an ordú sin go dtagann leas duine i scaireanna cuideachta chun bheith infhógartha, tiocfaidh sé ansin faoin oibleagáid nochtadh a dhéanamh maidir leis; agus ní foláir an oibleagáid a chomhlíonadh laistigh den tréimhse 10 lá díreach i ndiaidh an lae a dtagann sí i gceist.
Na sonraí a bheidh san fhógra.
71.—(1) Faoi réir alt 70 (3) ní foláir oibleagáid atá ar dhuine fógra a thabhairt faoi alt 67 a chomhlíonadh laistigh den tréimhse 5 la díreach i ndiaidh an lae a dtagann an oibleagáid i gceist, agus ní foláir an fógra chuig an gcuideachta a bheith i scríbhinn.
(2) Ní foláir don fhógra an scairchaipiteal lena mbaineann sé a shonrú, agus ní foláir dó freisin—
(a) an líon scaireanna a lua a chuimsítear sa scairchaipiteal sin arb eol don duine a thugann an fógra leas a bheith aige iontu díreach i ndiaidh an trátha ar tháinig an oibleagáid i gceist, nó
(b) i gcás nach mbeidh, níos mó, leas infhógartha ag an duine i scaireanna a chuimsítear sa scairchaipiteal sin, a lua nach bhfuil an leas sin aige níos mó.
(3) In aon fhógra maidir le leas duine i scairchaipiteal iomchuí cuideachta (ar leith ó fhógra a luann nach bhfuil aige níos mó aon leas infhógartha i scaireanna a chuimsítear sa scairchaipiteal sin) áireofar sonraí—
(a) faoi chéannacht gach sealbhóra chláraithe scaireanna lena mbaineann an fógra, agus
(b) faoi líon na scaireanna sin a shealbhaíonn gach sealbhóir cláraithe den sórt sin,
a mhéid is eol don duine a thugann an fógra ar an dáta a thugtar an fógra.
(4) Duine a bhfuil leas aige i scaireanna a chuimsítear i scairchaipiteal iomchuí cuideachta, agus a mbeidh an leas sin infhógartha, beidh sé faoi oibleagáid fógra a thabhairt don chuideachta i scríbhinn—
(a) i dtaobh aon sonraí i ndáil leis na scaireanna sin a shonraítear i bhfo-alt (3), agus
(b) i dtaobh aon athraithe ar na sonraí sin,
a dtagann sé. i gceachtar cás, chun fios a bheith aige ina dtaobh aon tráth tar éis aon dáta chun leas a fhógairt agus roimh an gcéad ócáid i ndiaidh an dáta sin a dtagann sé faoi aon oibleagáid eile chun nochtadh a dhéanamh maidir lena leas i scaireanna a chuimsítear sa scairchaipiteal sin.
Ní foláir oibleagáid faoin alt seo a chomhlíonadh laistigh den tréimhse 5 lá díreach i ndiaidh an lae a dtagann sí i gceist.
(5) An tagairt i bhfo-alt (4) do dháta chun leas a fhógairt, i ndáil le leas duine i scaireanna a chuimsítear i scairchaipiteal iomchuí cuideachta poiblí teoranta, is tagairt í do cheachtar díobh seo a leanas—
(a) dáta aon fhógra a thugann sé maidir lena leas faoin gCuid seo, agus
(b) i gcás gur mhainnigh sé fógra a thabhairt, an dáta ar tháinig deireadh leis an tréimhse a cheadaítear chun é a thabhairt.
(6) Duine a bhfuil leas i scaireanna aige tráth ar bith, ar leas infhógartha é, measfar faoi fho-alt (4) go bhfuil sé ag leanúint de leas infhógartha a bheith aige iontu mura dtagann sé agus go dtí go dtagann sé faoi oibleagáid fógra a thabhairt á lua nach bhfuil leas den sórt sin aige a thuilleadh sna scaireanna sin.
Fógra a thabhairt faoi leasanna teaghlaigh agus leasanna corpraithe.
72.—(1) Chun críocha ailt 67 go 71 glacfar leis go bhfuil leas ag duine in aon scaireanna a bhfuil leas ag a bhanchéile nó ag aon leanbh mionaoiseach leis iontu.
(2) Chun na gcríoch seo, glacfar leis go bhfuil leas ag duine i scaireanna má tá leas ag comhlacht corpraithe iontu agus—
(a) gur gnách leis an gcomhlacht sin nó a chuid stiúrthóirí gníomhú de réir a orduithe nó a threoracha, nó
(b) go bhfuil sé i dteideal an tríú cuid nó níos mó den chumhacht vótála ag cruinnithe ginearálta an chomhlachta chorpraithe sin a fheidhmiú nó an feidhmiú sin a rialú.
(3) I gcás go bhfuil duine i dteideal an tríú cuid nó níos mó den chumhacht vótála ag cruinnithe ginearálta comhlachta chorpraithe a fheidhmiú nó an feidhmiú sin a rialú agus go bhfuil an comhlacht corpraithe sin i dteideal aon chuid den chumhacht vótála ag cruinnithe ginearálta comhlachta chorpraithe eile (“an chumhacht vótála éifeachtach”) a fheidhmiú nó an feidhmiú sin a rialú, ansin, chun críocha fho-alt (2) (b), glacfar leis go bhfuil an chumhacht vótála éifeachtach infheidhmithe ag an duine sin.
(4) Chun críocha fho-ailt (2) agus (3) beidh duine i dteideal cumhacht vótála a fheidhmiú nó an feidhmiú sin a rialú—
(a) má tá ceart aige (bíodh sé faoi réir coinníollacha nó ná bíodh) a dtabharfadh a fheidhmiú an teideal sin dó amhlaidh, nó
(b) má tá sé faoi oibleagáid (bíodh sé faoina réir amhlaidh nó ná bíodh) a dtabharfadh a comhall an teideal sin dó amhlaidh.
Comhaontú chun leasanna a fháil i gcuideachta phoiblí theoranta.
73.—(1) Faoi réir na bhforálacha seo a leanas den alt seo, maidir le comhaontú idir beirt nó níos mó ina bhfolaítear foráil chun leasanna i scaireanna a fháil, ag aon pháirtí nó páirtithe sa chomhaontú, is leasanna i scaireanna a chuimsítear i scairchaipiteal iomchuí cuideachta poiblí teoranta áirithe (“an sprioc-chuideachta”), is comhaontú é lena mbaineann an t-alt seo más rud é—
(a) go bhfolaítear ann freisin forálacha lena bhforchuirtear oibleagáidí nó srianta ar aon pháirtí nó ar aon pháirtithe sa chomhaontú maidir le húsáid, coimeád nó diúscairt leasanna i scaireanna na cuideachta sin a fuarthas de bhun an chomhaontaithe (cibé acu i dteannta aon leasanna eile dá gcuid i scaireanna na cuideachta sin lena mbaineann an comhaontú nó nach ea); agus
(b) go bhfaigheann, iarbhír, aon cheann de na páirtithe aon leas i scaireanna na cuideachta de bhun an chomhaontaithe;
agus, i ndáil le comhaontú den sórt sin, aon tagairtí san alt seo agus in ailt 74 agus 75 don sprioc-chuideachta is tagairtí iad don chuideachta arb í an sprioc-chuideachta í le haghaidh an chomhaontaithe sin de réir an ailt seo.
(2) An tagairt i bhfo-alt (1) (a) d'úsáid leasanna i scaireanna sa sprioc-chuideachta is tagairt í d'fheidhmiú aon cheart nó aon rialaithe nó tionchair a thig ó na leasanna sin (lena n-áirítear an ceart aon chomhaontú a dhéanamh chun aon cheann de na cearta sin a fheidhmiú, nó chun feidhmiú aon cheann de na cearta sin a rialú, ag duine eile).
(3) Aon uair a gheofar aon leas i scaireanna sa sprioc-chuideachta de bhun comhaontaithe den sórt sin mar atá thuasluaite, leanfaidh an t-alt seo d'fheidhm a bheith aige maidir leis an gcomhaontú sin gan spleáchas—
(a) do cibé acu a fhaightear nó nach bhfaightear aon leasanna breise i scaireanna na cuideachta de bhun an chomhaontaithe, agus
(b) d'aon athrú ar na daoine ar páirtithe iad de thuras na huaire ann, agus
(c) d'aon athrú ar an gcomhaontú,
fad a fholófar i gcónaí sa chomhaontú forálacha d'aon tuairisc a luaitear i bhfo-alt (1) (a).
Aon tagairtí san fho-alt seo don chomhaontú folaíonn siad tagairtí d'aon chomhaontú a bhfuil éifeacht leis (cibé acu go díreach nó go neamhdhíreach) in ionad an chomhaontaithe bunaidh.
(4) San alt seo, agus i dtagairtí freisin in áiteanna eile sa Chuid seo do chomhaontú lena mbaineann an t-alt seo, folaíonn “comhaontú” aon chomhaontú nó comhshocraíocht; agus maidir le tagairtí san alt seo d'fhorálacha de chomhaontú—
(a) folaíonn siad, dá réir sin, gealltanais, ionchais nó tuiscintí a bhfuil feidhm acu faoi aon chomhshocraíocht, agus
(b) (gan dochar don mhéid thuasluaite) folaíonn siad freisin aon fhorálacha, bídís sainráite nó intuigthe agus bídís daingean nó ná bíodh.
(5) Ní bheidh feidhm ag an alt seo maidir le comhaontú nach ceangal dlíthiúil é mura mbeidh frithpháirteachas i ngealltanais, in ionchais nó i dtuiscintí na bpáirtithe ann i gceist leis; ná ní bheidh feidhm ag an alt maidir le comhaontú chun aon tairiscint scaireanna i gcuideachta a fhrithghealladh nó a fho-fhrithghealladh, ar choinníoll nach mbaineann an comhaontú ach leis an gcuspóir sin agus le haon ábhair a ghabhann leis.
Oibleagáid nochtadh a dhéanamh a thig faoi alt 73.
74.—(1) I gcás comhaontú lena mbaineann alt 73, glacfar leis go bhfuil leas (chun críocha na hoibleagáide nochtadh a dhéanamh) ag gach páirtí sa chomhaontú sna scaireanna go léir sa sprioc-chuideachta ina bhfuil leas ar leith ón gcomhaontú ag aon pháirtí eile ann (cibé acu a fuarthas nó nach bhfuarthas leas an pháirtí eile i gceist, nó cibé acu a fholaíonn sé nó nach bhfolaíonn sé aon leas a fuarthas, de bhun an chomhaontaithe).
(2) Chun na gcríoch sin, agus chun críocha alt 75 freisin, is leas ar leith ón gcomhaontú leas páirtí i gcomhaontú den sórt sin i scaireanna sa sprioc-chuideachta más ar shlí seachas de bhua alt 73 agus an t-alt seo a fheidhmiú i ndáil leis an gcomhaontú, atá leas aige sna scaireanna sin.
(3) Dá réir sin, folaíonn aon leas den sórt sin de chuid an duine (ar leith ón gcomhaontú), chun na gcríoch sin, aon leas a ndéileáiltear leis mar leas dá chuid faoi alt 72 nó trí alt 73 agus an t-alt seo a fheidhmiú i ndáil le haon chomhaontú eile maidir le scaireanna sa sprioc-chuideachta ar páirtí ann é.
(4) Maidir le fógra i dtaobh a leasa i scaireanna sa sprioc-chuideachta a thabharfar don chuideachta sin faoin gCuid seo ag duine ar páirtí é de thuras na huaire i gcomhaontú lena mbaineann alt 73—
(a) dearbhóidh sé gur páirtí i gcomhaontú den sórt sin an duine a thug an fógra,
(b) folóidh sé ainmneacha agus (a mhéid is eol dó) seoltaí na bpáirtithe eile sa chomhaontú agus déanfaidh sé iad a aithint sa cháil sin, agus
(c) dearbhóidh sé cibé acu is scaireanna a bhfuil leas aige iontu de bhua alt 73 agus an ailt seo aon cheann de na scaireanna lena mbaineann an fógra nó nach ea agus más ea, líon na scaireanna sin.
(5) I gcás go dtugann duine fógra do chuideachta faoin gCuid seo de dhroim é do scor de leas a bheith aige in aon scaireanna de chuid na cuideachta sin de bhua gur scoir sé féin nó aon duine eile de bheith ina pháirtí i gcomhaontú lena mbaineann alt 73, folóidh an fógra ráiteas gur scoir sé féin nó an duine eile sin de bheith ina pháirtí sa chomhaontú (de réir mar a éileoidh an cás) agus freisin (sa chás deiridh sin) ainm agus (más eol dó é) seoladh an duine eile sin.
Oibleagáid ar dhaoine a ghníomhaíonn le chéile scéala a thabhairt dá chéile.
75.—(1) Beidh duine is páirtí i gcomhaontú lena mbaineann alt 73 faoi réir cheanglais an ailt seo tráth ar bith—
(a) nuair is cuideachta phoiblí theoranta an sprioc-chuideachta, agus gurb eol dó é sin a bheith amhlaidh, agus
(b) nuair is éard atá sna scaireanna sa chuideachta sin lena mbaineann an comhaontú, nó go bhfolaíonn siad, scaireanna a chuimsítear i scairchaipiteal iomchuí na cuideachta, agus gurb eol dó gur mar sin atá an cás, agus
(c) nuair is eol dó na fíorais ar dá dtoradh is comhaontú lena mbaineann alt 73 an comhaontú.
(2) Beidh duine den sórt sin faoi oibleagáid fógra a thabhairt i scríbhinn do gach páirtí eile sa chomhaontú i dtaobh sonraí iomchuí a leasa (más ann), ar leith ón gcomhaontú, i scaireanna a chuimsítear i scairchaipiteal iomchuí na sprioc-chuideachta—
(a) ar é do theacht chun bheith faoi réir cheanglais an ailt seo i gcéaduair, agus
(b) gach uair i ndiaidh an trátha sin, fad a bheidh sé fós faoi réir na gceanglas sin, a tharlaíonn aon teagmhas nó imthosca faoi réim alt 67 (1) (mar a bhaineann sé lena chás ar shlí eile seachas faoi threoir leasanna a ndéileáiltear leo mar leasanna dá chuid faoi alt 74 mar a bhaineann leis an gcomhaontú sin).
(3) Is iad na sonraí iomchuí a bhfuil fógra le tabhairt maidir leo faoi fho-alt (2)—
(a) an líon scaireanna (más ann) a chuimsítear i scairchaipiteal iomchuí na sprioc-chuideachta ina gceanglófaí ar an duine a bheadh ag tabhairt an fhógra a leas a lua i gcás go mbeadh sé faoin oibleagáid nochtadh a dhéanamh maidir leis an leas sin (ar leith ón gcomhaontú) díreach i ndiaidh an trátha ar tháinig an oibleagáid chun fógra a thabhairt faoi fho-alt (2) i gceist, agus
(b) na sonraí iomchuí maidir le húinéireacht chláraithe na scaireanna sin, a mhéid ab eol dó iad ar dháta an fhógra.
(4) Beidh duine atá de thuras na huaire faoi réir cheanglais an ailt seo faoi oibleagáid fógra a thabhairt do gach páirtí eile sa chomhaontú, i scríbhinn—
(a) i dtaobh aon sonraí iomchuí maidir le húinéireacht chláraithe aon scaireanna a chuimsítear i scairchaipiteal iomchuí na sprioc-chuideachta ina bhfuil leas aige ar leith ón gcomhaontú, agus
(b) i dtaobh aon athraithe ar na sonraí sin,
a dtagann sé, i gceachtar cás, chun fios a bheith aige ina dtaobh aon tráth tar éis aon dáta chun leas a fhógairt agus roimh an gcéad ócáid i ndiaidh an dáta sin a dtagann sé faoi aon oibleagáid eile chun fógra a thabhairt faoi fho-alt (2) maidir lena leas i scaireanna a chuimsítear sa scairchaipiteal sin.
(5) An tagairt i bhfo-alt (4) do dháta chun leas a fhógairt, i ndáil le leas duine i scaireanna a chuimsítear i scairchaipiteal iomchuí na sprioc-chuideachta, is tagairt í do cheachtar díobh seo a leanas—
(a) dáta aon fhógra a thugann sé maidir lena leas faoi fho-alt (2), agus
(b) i gcás gur mhainnigh sé an fógra sin a thabhairt, an dáta ar tháinig deireadh leis an tréimhse a cheadaítear leis an alt seo chun an fógra a thabhairt.
(6) Beidh duine ar páirtí é i gcomhaontú lena mbaineann alt 73 faoi oibleagáid fógra a thabhairt do gach páirtí eile sa chomhaontú, i scríbhinn, faoina sheoladh reatha—
(a) ar é do theacht chun bheith faoi réir cheanglais an ailt seo i gcéaduair, agus
(b) ar aon athrú a theacht ar a sheoladh i ndiaidh an trátha sin agus fad a bheidh sé fós faoi réir na gceanglas sin.
(7) Aon tagairt do na sonraí iomchuí maidir le húinéireacht chláraithe scaireanna is tagairt í do cibé sonraí i ndáil leis na scaireanna sin atá luaite in alt 71 (3) (a) nó (b).
(8) An oibleagáid atá ar dhuine aon fhógra a cheanglaítear leis an alt seo a thabhairt d'aon duine eile, ní foláir í a chomhall laistigh den tréimhse 5 lá díreach i ndiaidh an lae ar tháinig an oibleagáid i gceist.
Leasanna i scaireanna a chur i leith duine.
76.—(1) I gcás go dtagraíonn alt 67 nó 68 do dhuine a fhaigheann leas i scaireanna nó a scoireann de leas a bheith aige i scaireanna folaíonn an tagairt sin i gcásanna áirithe é do theacht chun leas a bheith aige sna scaireanna sin nó é do scor de leas a bheith aige sna scaireanna sin de bhua leasa duine eile.
(2) Beidh feidhm ag an alt seo i gcás go dtagann sé chun leas a bheith aige nó go scoireann sé de leas a bheith aige de bhua alt 72 nó (de réir mar a bheidh) alt 74 cibé acu—
(a) de bhua an fhíorais go dtagann an duine a bhfuil leas aige sna scaireanna chun bheith, nó go scoireann sé de bheith, ina dhuine a ndéileálfar lena chuid leasanna (más ann), de bhua ceachtar alt, mar leasanna dá chuid, nó
(b) de dhroim an fhíorais gur tháinig duine den sórt sin chun leas a bheith aige, nó gur scoir sé de leas a bheith aige, sna scaireanna, nó
(c) de dhroim an fhíorais go dtagann sé féin chun bheith, nó go scoireann sé de bheith, ina pháirtí i gcomhaontú lena mbaineann alt 73 ar páirtí ann de thuras na huaire an duine a bhfuil leas aige sna scaireanna, nó
(d) de dhroim an fhíorais go dtagann comhaontú ar páirtithe ann é féin agus an duine sin chun bheith, nó go scoireann sé de bheith, ina chomhaontú lena mbaineann an t-alt sin 73.
(3) Déileálfar leis an duine faoi alt 67 mar dhuine arb eol dó go bhfuair sé leas sna scaireanna nó (de réir mar a bheidh) gur scoir sé de leas a bheith aige iontu, más eol dó agus nuair is eol dó—
(a) na fíorais iomchuí maidir le leas an duine eile sna scaireanna, agus
(b) na fíorais iomchuí ar dá mbua a tháinig sé féin chun leas a bheith aige iontu nó ar scoir sé de leas a bheith aige iontu, de réir alt 72 nó 74.
(4) Measfar go mbeidh na fíorais iomchuí dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (3) (a) ar eolas aige más eol dó (cibé acu go comhthráthach nó nach ea) leas an duine eile a bheith ar marthain aon tráth ábhartha nó an fíoras gur tháinig an duine eile chun leas a bheith aige sna scaireanna, nó gur scoir sé de leas a bheith aige iontu, aon tráth den sórt sin; agus is éard is “tráth ábhartha” ann aon tráth ar déileáladh nó a ndéileáiltear le leasanna (más ann) an duine eile mar leasanna dá chuid faoi alt 72 nó 74.
(5) Measfar go mbeidh eolas ag duine ar leas duine eile i scaireanna a bheith ar marthain nó (de réir mar a bheidh) gur tháinig duine eile chun leas a bheith aige, nó gur scoir sé de leas a bheith aige, i scaireanna má tugadh fógra dó faoi alt 75 i dtaobh fíoras maidir le leas an duine eile a léiríonn go bhfuil leas aige sna scaireanna (cibé acu ar a chuntas féin nó de bhua leasa tríú páirtí iontu) nó gur tháinig sé chun leas a bheith aige iontu nó gur scoir sé de leas a bheith aige iontu.
Leasanna i scaireanna atá le fógairt.
77.—(1) Beidh feidhm ag an alt seo, faoi réir alt 78, agus cinneadh á dhéanamh chun críocha ailt 67 go 71 cibé acu atá nó nach bhfuil leas infhógartha, ag duine i scaireanna.
(2) Déanfar aon tagairt do leas i scaireanna a léamh mar thagairt a fholaíonn leas d'aon chineál ar bith sna scaireanna. Dá réir sin tabharfar neamhaird ar aon srianta nó aon choisc a bhfuil, nó a bhféadfadh go mbeadh, feidhmiú aon chirt a ghabhann leis an leas faoina réir.
(3) I gcás go sealbhaítear maoin ar iontaobhas agus go gcuimsítear leas i scaireanna sa mhaoin glacfar leis, maidir le tairbhí den iontaobhas nach bhfuil, ar leith ón bhfo-alt seo, leas aige sna scaireanna, go bhfuil an leas sin aige; ach is fo-alt é an fo-alt seo atá gan dochar do na forálacha ina dhiaidh seo den alt seo.
(4) Glacfar leis go bhfuil leas ag duine i scaireanna—
(a) má dhéanann sé conradh chun iad a cheannach (cibé acu ar airgead tirim nó ar chomaoin eile), nó
(b) má bhíonn sé i dteideal, agus nach é an sealbhóir cláraithe é, aon cheart a fheidhmiú a thugtar de bhíthin na scaireanna a shealbhú, nó má bhíonn sé i dteideal feidhmiú aon chirt den sórt sin a rialú.
(5) Chun críocha fho-alt (4) (b), beidh duine i dteideal aon cheart a fheidhmiú a thugtar de bhíthin scaireanna a shealbhú, nó an feidhmiú sin a rialú—
(a) má tá ceart aige (bíodh sé faoi réir coinníollacha nó ná bíodh) a dtabharfadh a fheidhmiú an teideal sin dó amhlaidh, nó
(b) má tá sé faoi oibleagáid (bíodh sé faoina réir amhlaidh nó ná bíodh) a dtabharfadh a comhall an teideal sin dó amhlaidh.
(6) Glacfar leis go bhfuil leas ag duine i scaireanna más rud é, ar dhóigh seachas de bhua leas a bheith aige faoi iontaobhas—
(a) go bhfuil ceart aige chun glaoch a dhéanamh d'fhonn na scaireanna a sheachadadh air féin nó ar a ordú, nó
(b) go bhfuil ceart aige leas a fháil i scaireanna nó go bhfuil sé faoi oibleagáid leas a ghlacadh i scaireanna,
cibé acu atá nó nach bhfuil an ceart nó an oibleagáid coinníollach nó iomlán i gcás ar bith.
(7) Gan dochar d'fho-alt (2), ní ghlacfar le cearta ná oibleagáidí chun suibscríobh le haghaidh scaireanna ar bith chun críocha fho-alt (6), mar chearta chun aon leas a fháil i scaireanna ná mar oibleagáidí chun aon leas a ghlacadh i scaireanna.
(8) I gcás comhleas a bheith ag daoine measfar go bhfuil an leas sin ag gach duine acu.
(9) Ní bhaineann sé le hábhar scaireanna a bhfuil leas ag duine iontu a bheith neamh-inaitheanta.
(10) Aon seachadadh scaireanna a dhéanfar chun ordú duine mar chomhall ar chonradh iad do cheannach aige nó mar shásamh ar cheart dá chuid chun glaoch a dhéanamh d'fhonn iad a sheachadadh, nó mainneachtain scaireanna a sheachadadh de réir théarmaí aon chonartha den sórt sin nó ar a mbeidh ceart den sórt sin le sásamh, measfar gurb ionann sin agus teagmhas a scoireann sé dá dhroim de leas a bheith aige iontu, agus measfar gurb amhlaidh cás má théann ceart duine i léig chun glaoch a dhéanamh d'fhonn scaireanna a sheachadadh.
Leasanna a dtabharfar neamhaird orthu.
78.—(1) Tabharfar neamhaird ar na leasanna seo a leanas i scaireanna chun críocha ailt 67 go 71—
(a) i gcás go sealbhaítear maoin ar iontaobhas agus go gcuimsítear leas i scaireanna sa mhaoin sin, leas i bhfrithdhílse nó i bhfuíoll nó leas iontaobhaí ainmniúil agus aon leas lánroghnach;
(b) leas duine atá ar marthain de bhua—
(i) aonaid a bheith á sealbhú aige—
(I) i scéim iontaobhais aonad chláraithe de réir bhrí alt 3 den Acht um Iontaobhais Aonad, 1972;
(II) in iontaobhas aonad lena mbaineann alt 31 den Acht um Cháin Ghnóchan Caipitiúil, 1975, arna leasú le halt 34 den Acht Airgeadais, 1977;
(III) i ngnóthas le haghaidh comhinfheistíochta in urrúis inaistrithe de réir bhrí Rialacháin na gComhphobal Eorpach (Gnóthais le haghaidh Comhinfheistíochta in Urrúis Inaistrithe), 1989 (I.R. Uimh. 78 de 1989);
nó
(ii) scéime a dhéantar faoi alt 46 den Acht Carthanas, 1961;
(c) leas atá ag duine le haghaidh a shaoil féin nó saoil duine eile faoi shocraíocht i gcás gurb éard atá sa mhaoin a chuimsítear sa tsocraíocht, nó i gcás go bhfolaíonn an mhaoin sin, scaireanna agus go sásaítear na coinníollacha a luaitear i bhfo-alt (3);
(d) leas urrúis díolmhaithe;
(e) leas de chuid Uachtarán na hArd-Chúirte atá ar marthain de bhua alt 13 den Acht Comharbais, 1965;
(f) leas de chuid Chuntasóir na hArd-Chúirte i scaireanna a shealbhaíonn sé de réir rialacha cúirte;
(g) cibé leasanna, nó leasanna de cibé cineál, a bheidh forordaithe chun críocha na míre seo le rialacháin arna ndéanamh ag an Aire.
(2) Ní ghlacfar leis go mbeidh leas i scaireanna ag duine, de bhua alt 77 (4) (b), de bhíthin amháin gur ceapadh é mar sheachvótálaí chun vótáil ag cruinniú sonraithe de chuid cuideachta nó ag cruinniú de chuid aon chineál dá cuid comhaltaí agus ag aon atráth den chruinniú sin. nó gur cheap comhlacht corpraithe é chun gníomhú mar a ionadaí ag aon chruinniú de chuid cuideachta nó ag cruinniú de chuid aon chineál dá cuid comhaltaí.
(3) Na coinníollacha dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1) (c) is coinníollacha iad, i ndáil le socraíocht—
(a) gur socraíocht neamh-inchúlghairthe í, agus
(b) nach bhfuil aon leas ag an socraitheoir (de réir bhrí alt 96 den Acht Cánach Ioncaim, 1967) in aon ioncam a thagann faoin tsocraíocht nó in aon mhaoin a chuimsítear inti.
(4) Is leas urrúis díolmhaithe chun críocha fho-alt (1) (d) leas i scaireanna—
(a) más leas é a shealbhaíonn—
(i) sealbhóir ceadúnais faoi alt 9 d'Acht an Bhainc Ceannais, 1971, nó cuideachta árachais de réir bhrí na nAchtanna Árachais, 1909 go 1990,
(ii) banc taisce iontaobhais (de réir bhrí na nAchtanna um Bainc Thaisce Iontaobhais, 1863 go 1979) nó Banc Taisce an Phoist de réir bhrí na nAchta um Bainc Thaisce an Phoist, 1861 go 1958,
(iii) Corparáid an Chairde Talmhaíochta cpt nó Corparáid an Chairde Tionscail cpt,
(iv) comhalta de stocmhalartán aitheanta a sheolann gnó mar stocbhróicéir, agus
(b) más ar mhodh urrúis amháin a shealbhaítear é chun críocha idirbhirt arna dhéanamh ag an duine nó ag an gcomhlacht áirithe i ngnáthchúrsa gnó an duine nó an chomhlachta sin.
Forálacha eile a bhaineann le fógra a thabhairt.
79.—(1) I gcás go n-údaraíonn duine d'aon duine eile (“an gníomhaire”) leasanna i scaireanna a fháil nó a dhiúscairt thar a cheann, ar scaireanna iad a chuimsítear i scairchaipiteal iomchuí cuideachta poiblí teoranta, áiritheoidh sé go dtabharfaidh an gníomhaire fógra dó láithreach i dtaobh leasanna i scaireanna atá cuimsithe amhlaidh a bheith faighte nó diúscartha ag an ngníomhaire a bheidh, nó a fhéadfaidh a bheith, ina chúis le haon oibleagáid, i dtaca leis féin de, fógra a thabhairt faoin gCaibidil seo maidir lena leas sa scairchaipiteal sin.
(2) Aon oibleagáid aon fhógra a thabhairt a fhorchuirtear ar aon duine leis an gCaibidil seo déileálfar leis mar oibleagáid nár comhalladh mura ndéantar, leis an bhfógra ar dá bhíthin a airbheartaítear an oibleagáid sin a chomhall, an duine a aithint agus a sheoladh a thabhairt agus, i gcás gur stiúrthóir nó rúnaí ar an gcuideachta é, mura ndeirtear go sainráite ann go bhfuil sé á thabhairt mar chomhall ar an oibleagáid sin.
(3) Maidir le duine—
(a) a mhainníonn, laistigh den tréimhse chuí, oibleagáid a chomhall aon fhógra a thabhairt a éilítear leis an gCaibidil seo; nó
(b) a thugann ráiteas do chuideachta, mar chomhall airbheartaithe ar aon oibleagáid den sórt sin, arb eol dó é a bheith bréagach, nó a thugann go meargánta ráiteas atá bréagach do chuideachta; nó
(c) a mhainníonn, laistigh den tréimhse chuí, oibleagáid a chomhall aon fhógra a thabhairt d'aon duine eile a éilítear le halt 75,
ní bheidh aon cheart ná leas d'aon chineál ar bith maidir le haon scaireanna sa chuideachta áirithe atá á sealbhú aige, infheidhmithe aige, cibé acu go díreach nó go neamhdhíreach, le caingean nó le himeacht dlí.
(4) I gcás go gcuirtear srianadh le haon cheart nó leas faoi fho-alt (3), féadfaidh aon duine a rinne mainneachtain faoin bhfo-alt sin nó aon duine eile a ndearna an srianadh sin difear dó, iarratas a dhéanamh chun na cúirte ar fhaoiseamh ó mhíchumas a fhorchuirtear le fo-alt (3) nó a thig dá dhroim agus féadfaidh an chúirt ar a bheith deimhin di gur de thionóisc nó de thaisme nó gur mar gheall ar chúis leordhóthanach éigin eile a tharla an mhainneachtain nó go bhfuil sé cóir cothromasach faoiseamh a dheonú ar fhorais eile, an faoiseamh sin a dheonú go ginearálta nó maidir le haon cheart nó leas áirithe, ar cibé téarmaí agus coinníollacha is cuí léi.
(5) I gcás gur duine dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (3) iarratasóir ar fhaoiseamh faoi fho-alt (4), ní dheonóidh an chúirt an faoiseamh sin más dealraitheachdóigh gur tharla an mhainneachtain mar gheall ar aon ghníomh nó neamhghníomh toiliúil ag an iarratasóir.
(6) Ní bheidh feidhm ag fo-alt (3) maidir le hoibleagáid a bhaineann le duine a scoireann de leas a bheith aige i scaireanna in aon chuideachta.
(7) Beidh duine—
(a) a mhainníonn, laistigh den tréimhse chuí, oibleagáid a chomhall nochtadh a dhéanamh a fhorchuirtear air leis an gCaibidil seo, nó
(b) a mhainníonn, laistigh den tréimhse chuí, oibleagáid a chomhall fógra a éilítear le halt 75 a thabhairt d'aon duine eile, nó
(c) a mhainníonn fo-alt (1) a chomhlíonadh gan leithscéal réasúnach.
ciontach i gcion.
(8) Is cosaint é do dhuine a chúisítear i gcion faoi fho-alt (7) (b) a chruthú nárbh fhéidir leis, laistigh den tréimhse chuí, an fógra a éilítear le halt 75 a thabhairt don duine eile sin, agus—
(a) nárbh fhéidir leis ó shin an fógra a éilítear amhlaidh a thabhairt; nó
(b) gur thug sé an fógra sin a luaithe ab fhéidir leis sin a dhéanamh tar éis dheireadh na tréimhse sin.
Clár leasanna i scaireanna.
80.—(1) Coimeádfaidh gach cuideachta phoiblí theoranta clár chun críocha ailt 67 go 71 agus aon uair a gheobhaidh an chuideachta faisnéis ó dhuine de dhroim oibleagáid a chomhall a fhorchuirtear air le haon alt de na hailt sin, beidh sí faoi oibleagáid an fhaisnéis sin agus an dáta ar inscríobhadh í a inscríobh sa chlár os comhair ainm an duine sin.
(2) Gan dochar d'fho-alt (1), i gcás go bhfaighidh cuideachta fógra faoin gCuid seo a mbeidh ráiteas ann gur scoir an duine a thugann an fógra, nó aon duine eile, de bheith ina pháirtí i gcomhaontú lena mbaineann alt 73, beidh an chuideachta faoi oibleagáid an fhaisnéis sin a thaifeadadh os comhair ainm an duine sin gach áit ina bhfuil a ainm ar fáil sa chlár mar pháirtí sa chomhaontú sin (lena n-áirítear aon taifead a bhaineann leis a rinneadh os comhair ainm duine eile).
(3) Ní foláir aon oibleagáid a fhorchuirtear le fo-alt (1) nó (2) a chomhall laistigh den tréimhse 3 lá díreach i ndiaidh an lae a dtagann sí i gceist.
(4) Déanfar nádúr agus réim leasa duine in aon scaireanna, ar leas é atá taifeadta sa chlár sin, a thaifeadadh sa chlár sin má éilíonn sé amhlaidh.
(5) Ní bheidh an chuideachta, de bhua aon ní a dhéanfar chun críocha an ailt seo, faoi admhálacht maidir le fógra i dtaobh, ná inchurtha faoi fhiosrú i dtaobh, cearta aon duine i ndáil le haon scaireanna.
(6) Ní foláir an clár a bheith curtha le chéile sa dóigh go dtaispeánfar na taifid ann, os coinne na n-ainmneacha ar leithligh a bheidh taifeadta ann, in ord cróineolaíoch.
(7) Mura mbeidh an clár i gcruth de shórt gur treoirleabhar ann féin é coimeádfaidh an chuideachta treoirleabhar de na hainmneacha a thaifeadfar sa chlár ina mbeidh, maidir le gach ainm, léiriú leordhóthanach chun go bhféadfar an fhaisnéis a bheidh taifeadta sa treoirleabhar os a choinne a fháil go héasca; agus déanfaidh an chuideachta, laistigh de 10 lá tar éis an dáta a dtaifeadfar ainm sa chlár, aon athrú is gá ar an treoirleabhar.
(8) Má scoireann an chuideachta de bheith ina cuideachta phoiblí theoranta leanfaidh sí de bheith ag coimeád an chláir agus aon treoirleabhair atá bainteach leis go dtí deireadh na tréimhse 6 bliana ag tosú leis an lá díreach i ndiaidh an lae sin a scoireann sí de bheith ina cuideachta den sórt sin.
(9) Déanfar an clár agus aon treoirleabhar comhbhainteach—
(a) a choimeád ag an áit a gcoiméadtar an clár a cheanglaítear ar an gcuideachta a choimeád le halt 59 (clár leasanna stiúrthóirí agus rúnaithe), agus
(b) a chur ar fáil lena iniúchadh de réir alt 88.
(10) Má mhainnítear aon cheann d'fhorálacha an ailt seo a chomhlíonadh, dlífear fíneáil nach mó ná £1,000 a chur ar an gcuideachta agus ar gach oifigeach di a rinne mainneachtain agus, as sárú leanúnach, fíneáil mhainneachtana laethúil nach mó ná £50.
Imscrúduithe cuideachta.
81.—(1) Féadfaidh cuideachta phoiblí theoranta le fógra i scríbhinn a cheangal ar dhuine arb eol don chuideachta, nó a bhfuil cúis réasúnach aici lena chreidiúint, go bhfuil leas aige i scaireanna a chuimsítear i scairchaipiteal iomchuí na cuideachta nó, tráth ar bith le linn na 3 bliana díreach roimh an dáta a n-eiseofar an fógra (ach gan tráth ar bith roimh thosach feidhme an ailt seo a áireamh) go raibh leas aige sna scaireanna sin—
(a) an fíoras sin a dhearbhú nó (de réir mar a bheidh) a léiriú cibé acu atá an cás amhlaidh nó nach bhfuil, agus
(b) i gcás go sealbhaíonn nó gur shealbhaigh sé leas le linn an trátha sin i scaireanna a chuimsítear amhlaidh, cibé faisnéis bhreise a thabhairt a éileofar de réir an fho-ailt sin ina dhiaidh seo.
(2) Féadfaidh fógra faoin alt seo a cheangal ar an duine chuig a seolfar é—
(a) sonraí a thabhairt faoina iar-leas nó a leas láithreach féin i scaireanna a chuimsítear i scairchaipiteal iomchuí na cuideachta (a shealbhaigh sé aon tráth le linn na tréimhse 3 bliana a luaitear i bhfo-alt (1)),
(b) i gcás gur leas láithreach an leas agus go bhfuil aon leas eile i scaireanna ar marthain nó, in aon chás, i gcás go raibh leas eile sna scaireanna ar marthain le linn na tréimhse 3 bliana sin tráth ar bith nuair a bhí a leas féin ar marthain, cibé sonraí a thabhairt (chomh fada agus is eol dó) maidir leis an leas eile sin a cheanglófar leis an bhfógra,
(c) i gcás gur iar-leas a leas, sonraí a thabhairt (chomh fada agus is eol dó) i dtaobh chéannacht an duine a raibh an leas sin á shealbhú aige díreach agus é ag scor den leas sin a shealbhú.
(3) Folaíonn na sonraí dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (2) (a) agus (2) (b) sonraí i dtaobh chéannacht na ndaoine a bhfuil leas acu sna scaireanna i gceist agus i dtaobh cibé acu is páirtithe, nó ba pháirtithe, daoine a bhfuil leas acu sna scaireanna céanna in aon chomhaontú lena mbaineann alt 73 nó in aon chomhaontú nó comhshocraíocht a bhaineann le haon chearta a fheidhmiú a thugtar de bhíthin na scaireanna a shealbhú.
(4) Ceanglófar le fógra faoin alt seo gur i scríbhinn, agus laistigh de cibé tráth réasúnach a bheidh sonraithe san fhógra, a thabharfar aon fhaisnéis mar fhreagra ar an bhfógra.
(5) Beidh feidhm ag ailt 72 go 74 agus 77 chun tagairtí san alt seo do dhaoine a bhfuil leas acu i scaireanna agus do leasanna i scaireanna, faoi seach, a fhorléiriú amhail mar atá feidhm acu i ndáil le hailt 67 go 70 (ach gan aon tagairt d'alt 78 a chur san áireamh).
(6) Beidh feidhm ag an alt seo i ndáil le duine a bhfuil ceart aige, nó a raibh ceart aige roimhe sin, nó atá nó a bhí i dteideal ceart a fháil, chun suibscríobh le haghaidh scaireanna i gcuideachta phoiblí theoranta a chuimseofaí tráth eisiúna i scairchaipiteal iomchuí na cuideachta sin amhail mar atá feidhm aige i ndáil le duine a bhfuil, nó a raibh, leas aige i scaireanna a chuimsítear amhlaidh; agus déanfar tagairtí san alt seo do leas i scaireanna a chuimsítear amhlaidh agus do scaireanna a chuimsítear amhlaidh a léamh dá réir sin in aon chás den sórt sin mar thagairtí a fholaíonn faoi seach aon cheart agus aon scaireanna den sórt sin a chuimseofaí amhlaidh tráth eisiúna.
Leasanna a nochtadh faoi alt 81 a chlárú.
82.—(1) Más rud é, de bhun ceanglais a fhorchuirtear ar dhuine faoi alt 81, go bhfaigheann cuideachta faisnéis lena mbaineann an t-alt seo maidir le scaireanna a chuimsítear ina scairchaipiteal iomchuí, beidh sí faoi oibleagáid—
(a) an fíoras gur forchuireadh an ceanglas agus an dáta ar forchuireadh é, agus
(b) aon fhaisnéis lena mbaineann an t-alt seo a fhaightear de bhun an cheanglais,
a thaifeadadh os comhair ainm shealbhóir cláraithe na scaireanna sin i gcuid ar leithligh dá clár leasanna i scaireanna.
(2) Beidh feidhm ag an alt seo maidir le haon fhaisnéis a fhaightear de bhun ceanglais a fhorchuirtear le halt 81 a bhaineann leis na leasanna láithreacha a shealbhaíonn aon daoine i scaireanna a chuimsítear i scairchaipiteal iomchuí na cuideachta i gceist.
(3) Beidh feidhm ag fo-ailt (3) go (10) d'alt 80 i ndáil le haon chuid den chlár a choimeádtar de réir fho-alt (1) den alt seo, agus tagairtí d'fho-alt (1) den alt sin a léamh mar thagairtí a fholaíonn fo-alt (1) den alt seo.
Imscrúduithe cuideachta ar fhoréileamh o chomhaltaí.
83.—(1) Féadfar a cheangal ar chuideachta a cuid cumhachtaí a fheidhmiú faoi alt 81 má fhaightear foréileamh ó chomhaltaí den chuideachta ag a mbeidh ar dháta an fhoréilimh a thaisceadh an deichiú cuid ar a laghad den chaipiteal íoctha sin de chuid na cuideachta lena ngabhann ar an dáta sin ceart vótála ag cruinnithe ginearálta na cuideachta.
(2) Ní foláir don fhoréileamh—
(a) a lua go bhfuil na foréilitheoirí ag éileamh ar an gcuideachta a cuid cumhachtaí a fheidhmiú faoi alt 81,
(b) an modh a shonrú ina n-éilíonn siad na cumhachtaí sin a fheidhmiú, agus
(c) forais réasúnacha a thabhairt chun éileamh ar an gcuideachta na cumhachtaí sin a fheidhmiú ar an modh a shonraítear.
agus ní foláir é a bheith sínithe ag na foréilitheoirí agus é a thaisceadh in oifig chláraithe na cuideachta.
(3) Féadfaidh doiciméid leithleacha san fhoirm chéanna a bheith san fhoréileamh agus gach ceann acu sínithe ag foréilitheoir amháin nó níos mó.
(4) Ar fhoréileamh a thaisceadh i gcomhlíonadh an ailt seo feidhmeoidh an chuideachta a cuid cumhachtaí faoi alt 81 ar an modh a bheidh sonraithe san fhoréileamh.
(5) Má mhainnítear fo-alt (4) a chomhlíonadh féadfaidh an chúirt, ar iarratas ó na foréilitheoirí, nó ó aon duine acu, agus ar a bheith deimhin di go bhfuil sé réasúnach déanamh amhlaidh, a cheangal ar an gcuideachta a cuid cumhachtaí a fheidhmiú faoi alt 81 ar mhodh a bheidh sonraithe san ordú.
Tuarascáil ón gcuideachta do chomhaltaí.
84.—(1) Ar imscrúdú a dhéanfaidh cuideachta de bhun foréilimh faoi alt 83 a bheith críochnaithe, beidh sé de dhualgas ar an gcuideachta a chur faoi deara tuarascáil faoin bhfaisnéis a fuarthas de bhun an imscrúdaithe sin a ullmhú agus cuirfear an tuarascáil ar fáil ag oifig chláraithe na cuideachta laistigh de thréimhse réasúnach tar éis an t-imscrúdú sin a chríochnú.
(2) Más rud é—
(a) go ngabhann cuideachta imscrúdú de láimh de bhun foréilimh faoi alt 83, agus
(b) nach mbeidh an t-imscrúdú críochnaithe roimh dheireadh 3 mhí dar tosach an dáta díreach tar éis dháta taiscthe an fhoréilimh,
cuirfidh an chuideachta faoi deara tuarascáil eatramhach a ullmhú i leith na tréimhse sin, agus gach tréimhse leanúnach 3 mhí a chríochnóidh roimh an imscrúdú bheith tugtha chun críche, maidir leis an bhfaisnéis a fuarthas le linn na tréimhse sin de bhun an imscrúdaithe. Cuirfear gach tuarascáil den sórt sin ar fáil ag oifig chláraithe na cuideachta laistigh de thréimhse réasúnach tar éis dheireadh na tréimhse lena mbaineann sí.
(3) An tréimhse chun aon tuarascáil a ullmhaítear faoin alt seo a chur ar fáil mar a cheanglaítear le fo-alt (1) nó (2), ní rachaidh sí thar 15 lá.
(4) Déanfaidh an chuideachta, laistigh de 3 lá ó aon tuarascáil a ullmhófar faoin alt seo a bheith curtha ar fáil ag a hoifig chláraithe, scéala a thabhairt do na foréilitheoirí go bhfuil an tuarascáil ar fáil amhlaidh.
(5) Measfar maidir le himscrúdú a dhéanfaidh cuideachta de bhun foréilimh faoi alt 83 go mbeidh sé, chun críocha an ailt seo, tugtha chun críche nuair a bheidh na fiosruithe sin go léir is gá nó is fóirsteanach chun críocha an fhoréilimh déanta ag an gcuideachta agus, i gcás gach fiosraithe den sórt sin, nuair a bheidh freagra faighte ag an gcuideachta nó nuair a bheidh an t-am a cheadaítear le freagra a thabhairt caite.
(6) Déanfar tuarascáil a ullmhófar faoin alt seo—
(a) a choimeád ag oifig chláraithe na cuideachta ón lá a mbeidh sí ar fáil inti ar dtús de réir fho-alt (1) nó (2) go dtí go mbeidh 6 bliana caite ag tosú leis an lá díreach i ndiaidh an lae sin, agus
(b) a chur ar fáil lena hiniúchadh de réir alt 88 fad a bheidh sí á coimeád amhlaidh.
(7) Má mhainnítear fo-alt (1), (2), (3), (4) nó (6) (a), a chomhlíonadh beidh an chuideachta agus gach oifigeach don chuideachta a rinne mainneachtain ciontach i gcion agus dlífear fíneáil a chur orthu.
Pionós de dheasca mainneachtana faisnéis a chur ar fáil.
85.—(1) I gcás go seirbheálfaidh cuideachta fógra faoi alt 81 ar dhuine a bhfuil nó a raibh leas aige i scaireanna na cuideachta agus go mainníonn an duine sin aon fhaisnéis a éilítear leis an bhfógra a thabhairt don chuideachta laistigh den am a bheidh sonraithe ann, féadfaidh an chuideachta iarratas a dhéanamh chun na cúirte ar ordú á ordú go mbeidh na scaireanna i gceist faoi réir srianta faoi alt 16.
(2) Féadfaidh an chúirt ordú den sórt sin a dhéanamh d'ainneoin aon chumhachta i meabhrán nó in airteagail na cuideachta is iarratasóir lena gcumasaítear don chuideachta féin srianta dá samhail a fhorchur ar na scaireanna i gceist.
(3) Faoi réir na bhfo-alt seo a leanas beidh duine a mhainníonn fógra faoi alt 81 a chomhlíonadh, ciontach i gcion.
(4) Ní bheidh duine ciontach i gcion de bhua gur mhainnigh sé fógra faoi alt 81 a chomhlíonadh má chruthaíonn sé go raibh an ceanglas i dtaobh na faisnéise a thabhairt cráiteach nó suaibhreosach.
(5) I gcás go ndéanfar ordú faoin alt seo ag ordú go mbeidh scaireanna faoi réir srianta faoi alt 16, féadfaidh an chuideachta nó aon duine a bheidh éagóirithe ag an ordú, iarratas a dhéanamh chun na cúirte ar ordú á ordú go scoirfidh na scaireanna de bheith faoi réir na srianta amhlaidh.
(6) Beidh feidhm ag fo-ailt (6) go (16) d'alt 16 i ndáil le haon scaireanna atá faoi réir na srianta a fhorchuirtear leis an alt sin de bhua ordú faoin alt seo ach aon tagairt don Aire i bhfo-ailt (6) go (15) a bheith fágtha ar lár.
Taifid a bhaint den chlár.
86.—(1) Féadfaidh cuideachta taifead os comhair ainm duine a bhaint dá clár leasanna i scaireanna má tá breis agus 6 bliana caite ón dáta a ndearnadh an taifead, agus—
(a) gur taifeadadh sa taifead sin gur scoir an duine a bhí i gceist de leas is infhógartha faoin gCaibidil seo a bheith aige i scairchaipiteal iomchuí na cuideachta, nó
(b) gur cuireadh taifead níos déanaí ina áit faoi alt 80 os comhair ainm an duine chéanna;
agus i gcás faoi mhír (a), féadfaidh an chuideachta freisin ainm an duine sin a bhaint den chlár.
(2) Má dhéanann duine, de bhun oibleagáide a fhorchuirtear air le haon fhoráil den Chaibidil seo, ainm agus seoladh duine eile a thabhairt do chuideachta mar dhuine a bhfuil leas aige i scaireanna sa chuideachta, tabharfaidh an chuideachta fógra don duine eile, laistigh de 15 lá ón dáta ar tugadh an fhaisnéis sin di, go bhfuil sé ainmnithe amhlaidh agus folóidh sí san fhógra sin—
(a) sonraí maidir le haon taifead a bhaineann leis a rinne an chuideachta de dhroim an fhaisnéis sin a bheith tugtha di, ina clár leasanna i scaireanna, agus
(b) ráiteas a chuirfidh a cheart in iúl dó iarratas a dhéanamh chun an taifead a bhaint den chlár de réir na bhforálacha seo a leanas den alt seo.
(3) Duine ar thug cuideachta fógra dó de bhun fho-alt (2) go ndearnadh taifead a bhaineann leis i gclár na cuideachta i dtaobh leasanna i scaireanna féadfaidh sé iarratas a dhéanamh i scríbhinn chuig an gcuideachta chun an taifead sin a bhaint den chlár; agus bainfidh an chuideachta an taifead den chlár más deimhin léi go raibh an fhaisnéis ar dá bun a rinneadh an taifead míchruinn.
(4) Más rud é, maidir le duine a n-aithnítear é i gclár cuideachta i dtaobh leasanna i scaireanna mar dhuine is páirtí i gcomhaontú lena mbaineann alt 73 (cibé acu le taifead os comhair a ainm féin nó le taifead a bhaineann leis a rinneadh os comhair ainm duine eile mar a luaitear i bhfo-alt (2) (a)), go scoireann sé de bheith ina pháirtí sa chomhaontú sin, féadfaidh sé iarratas a dhéanamh i scríbhinn chuig an gcuideachta chun an fhaisnéis sin a chur sa chlár; agus más deimhin leis an gcuideachta gur scoir sé de bheith ina pháirtí sa chomhaontú, taifeadfaidh sí an fhaisnéis sin (mura bhfuil sí taifeadta cheana féin) gach áit ina bhfuil a ainm mar pháirtí sa chomhaontú sin sa chlár.
(5) Má dhiúltaítear iarratas faoi fho-alt (3) nó (4) (i gcás de réir fho-alt (4), seachas ar an bhforas go bhfuil an fhaisnéis taifeadta cheana féin) féadfaidh an t-iarratasóir iarratas a dhéanamh chun na cúirte ar ordú á ordú don chuideachta an taifead atá i gceist a bhaint den chlár nó (de réir mar a bheidh) an fhaisnéis atá i gceist a áireamh sa chlár; agus féadfaidh an chúirt, más cuí léi, ordú den sórt sin a dhéanamh.
(6) I gcás go mbaintear ainm de chlár cuideachta i dtaobh leasanna i scaireanna de bhun fho-alt (1) nó (3) nó de bhun ordú faoi fho-alt (5), déanfaidh an chuideachta laistigh de 14 lá ón dáta ar baineadh an t-ainm sin den chlár aon athrú is gá in aon treoirleabhar comhbhainteach.
(7) Má mhainnítear fo-alt (2) nó (6) a chomhlíónadh beidh an chuideachta agus gach oifigeach di a rinne mainneachtain ciontach i gcion agus dlífear fíneáil a chur orthu.
An tráth nach bhfuil taifid le baint den chlár.
87.—(1) Ní scriosfar taifid i gclár cuideachta i dtaobh leasanna i scaireanna faoin gCaibidil seo ach amháin de réir alt 86.
(2) Má scriostar taifead as clár cuideachta i dtaobh leasanna i scaireanna de shárú ar fho-alt (1), cuirfidh an chuideachta an taifead sin ar ais ar an gclár a luaithe is indéanta sin le réasún.
(3) Má mhainnítear fo-alt (1) nó (2) a chomhlíonadh, beidh an chuideachta agus gach oifigeach di a rinne mainneachtain ciontach i gcion agus dlífear fíneáil a chur orthu.
Clár agus tuarascálacha a iniúchadh.
88.—(1) Aon chlár i dtaobh leasanna i scaireanna agus aon tuarascáil a éilítear le halt 84 (6) a bheith ar fáil lena hiniúchadh de réir an ailt seo, beidh siad ar oscailt le linn uaireanta gnó (faoi réir cibé srianta réasúnacha a fhorchuirfidh an chuideachta i gcruinniú ginearálta, ionas go lamhálfar 2 uair an chloig ar a laghad gach lá chun a n-iniúchta) chun a n-iniúchta ag aon chomhalta den chuideachta nó ag aon duine eile gan táille.
(2) Beidh an clár dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1) ar oscailt freisin agus fágfar ar oscailt agus ar fáil é ceathrú uaire an chloig ar a laghad roimh an am atá ceaptha do thosú chruinniú ginearálta bliantúil na cuideachta, agus le linn an chruinnithe, d'aon duine a bheidh ag freastal ar an gcruinniú.
(3) Féadfaidh aon chomhalta den sórt sin nó duine eile cóip d'aon chlár nó tuarascáil den sórt sin nó d'aon chuid de a éileamh, ar 15 pingin, nó cibé suim faoina bhun sin a fhorordóidh an chuideachta, a íoc in aghaidh gach 100 focal nó codán de 100 focal a éilítear a chóipeáil; agus cuirfidh an chuideachta faoi deara go ndéanfar aon chóip a éileoidh duine amhlaidh a chur ar aghaidh chuige roimh an tréimhse 10 lá a bheith caite dar tosach an lá tar éis an lae a gheobhaidh an chuideachta an t-éileamh.
(4) Má dhiúltaítear cead chun iniúchadh a dhéanamh a éileofar faoin alt seo nó mura gcuirfear ar aghaidh laistigh den tréimhse chuí cóip a éileofar amhlaidh, beidh an chuideachta agus gach oifigeach di a rinne mainneachtain ciontach i gcion agus dlífear fíneáil a chur orthu.
(5) I gcás go ndiúltaítear cead iniúchadh, a éilítear faoin alt seo, a dhéanamh ar aon chlár nó tuarascáil, féadfaidh an chúirt, le hordú, iallach a chur iniúchadh a dhéanamh láithreach air nó uirthi; agus i gcás mainneachtain a dhéanamh cóip a chur ar aghaidh a éilíodh faoin alt seo, féadfaidh an chúirt, le hordú, a ordú go ndéanfar an chóip a éilíodh a chur chuig an duine a d'éiligh í.
Treoir 1988.
89.—Tá ailt 90 go 96 ann chun éifeacht a thabhairt do Threoir 88/627/CEE ón gComhairle, an 12 Nollaig, 1988* (“Treoir 1988”) maidir leis an bhfaisnéis atá le foilsiú nuair a fhaightear mórshealúchas i gcuideachta liostaithe nó nuair a dhiúscraítear é.
Forálacha maidir le léiriú.
90.—(1) In ailt 91 go 96—
ciallaíonn “an Malartán” Coiste Aonad na hÉireann den Stocmhalartán Idirnáisiúnta de chuid na Ríochta Aontaithe agus Phoblacht na hÉireann Teoranta;
folaíonn “feidhmeanna” cumhachtaí agus dualgais agus folaíonn tagairtí d'fheidhmiú feidhmeanna, maidir le cumhachtaí agus dualgais, tagairtí d'fheidhmiú cumhachtaí agus do chomhlíonadh dualgas.
(2) Chun críocha ailt 91 go 96, is “údarás iomchuí” maidir leis an Malartán gach ceann díobh seo a leanas—
(i) a choiste bainisteoireachta.
(ii) a bhainisteoir, cibé caoi a thuairiscítear é.
Oibleagáid leasanna áirithe a fhógairt don Mhalartán.
91.—(1) Baineann an t-alt seo le leasanna i scaireanna—
(a) a chuimsítear i scairchaipiteal iomchuí cuideachta poiblí teoranta, agus
(b) atá liostaithe go hoifigiúil ar an Malartán.
(2) Nuair a thagann duine ar an eolas go bhfuil leas i scaireanna lena mbaineann an t-alt seo faighte aige, nó go bhfuil scortha aige de leas a bheith aige iontu agus, tar éis na fála nó na diúscartha sin, gur mó leibhéal de réir céatadáin (de réir bhrí alt 69) a chuid leasa sa scairchaipiteal sin ná na leibhéil de réir céatadáin dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (3), nó go dtiteann sé faoina mbun sin. beidh sé, i dteannta an oibleagáid a bheith air nochtadh a dhéanamh a bhfuil sé faoina réir faoi alt 67, faoi oibleagáid freisin fógra a thabhairt don Mhalartán i dtaobh a leasa sna scaireanna tar éis na fála nó an scoir, de réir mar a bheidh.
(3) Is iad na leibhéil de réir céatadáin dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (2) ná 10 faoin gcéad, 25 faoin gcéad, 50 faoin gcéad agus 75 faoin gcéad.
(4) Beidh feidhm ag forálacha na Caibidle seo maidir leis na leasanna atá le fógairt don Mhalartán agus leis an tslí atá siad le fógairt amhlaidh, amhail mar atá feidhm acu maidir leis na leasanna atá le fógairt do chuideachta faoin gCaibidil seo.
(5) I gcás go bhfaighidh an Malartán dearbhú faoin alt seo, déanfaidh sé, faoi réir fho-alt (6), agus laistigh de thrí lá tar éis é a fháil, an fhaisnéis atá sa dearbhú sin a fhoilsiú i cibé slí a chinnfidh sé.
(6) Féadfaidh an Malartán a chinneadh gan an fhaisnéis atá sa dearbhú a fhoilsiú más rud é, agus más rud é amháin, gur deimhin leis—
(a) go mbeadh nochtadh na faisnéise sin in aghaidh leas an phobail, nó
(b) go ndéanfadh nochtadh den sórt sin dochar mór don chuideachta nó do na cuideachtaí lena mbaineann:
Ar choinníoll—
(i) nach gcinnfidh an Malartán gan an fhaisnéis a fhoilsiú faoi mhír (b) mura deimhin leis nach dóigh go ndéanfadh cinneadh déanamh amhlaidh an pobal a chur ar míthreoir maidir leis na fíorais agus na himthosca, a bhfuil eolas ina leith riachtanach chun na leasanna atá i gceist a mheasúnú, agus
(ii) d'ainneoin aon chinneadh a dhéanfar faoin bhfo-alt seo, go bhféadfaidh an Malartán an fhaisnéis a fhoilsiú tráth is déanaí ná trí lá tar éis í a fháil más deimhin leis nach bhfuil feidhm níos mó ag na dálaí i mír (a) nó (b).
Dualgas ar údarás iomchuí tuarascáil a thabhairt don Stiúrthóir Ionchúiseamh Poiblí.
92.—(1) Más dealraitheach d'údarás iomchuí de chuid an Mhalartáin gur sháraigh aon duine alt 91, tabharfaidh an t-údarás sin láithreach tuarascáil i dtaobh an ábhair don Stiúrthóir Ionchúiseamh Poiblí agus soláthróidh sé don Stiúrthóir Ionchúiseamh Poiblí cibé faisnéis, agus tabharfaidh dó cibé rochtain chuig aon doiciméid, agus cibé saoráidí chun aon doiciméid a iniúchadh agus cóipeanna díobh a thógáil, a éileoidh an Stiúrthóir Ionchúiseamh Poiblí, ar faisnéis í nó ar doiciméid iad a bheidh i seilbh nó faoi urláimh an údaráis sin agus a bhainfidh leis an ábhar i gceist.
(2) I gcás gur dealraitheach do chomhalta den Mhalartán gur sháraigh aon duine alt 91, tabharfaidh sé tuarascáil faoi sin láithreach d'údarás iomchuí de chuid an Mhalartáin a thiocfaidh, air sin, faoin dualgas dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1).
(3) Más dealraitheach do chúirt in aon imeachtaí go ndearna aon duine sárú mar a dúradh, agus nár tugadh aon tuarascáil faoi sin don Stiúrthóir Ionchúiseamh Poiblí faoi fho-alt (1), féadfaidh an chúirt sin, ar iarratas ó aon duine ag a bhfuil leas sna himeachtaí áirithe, nó as a treoir féin, a ordú d'údarás iomchuí de chuid an Mhalartáin tuarascáil den sórt sin a thabhairt agus, ar thuarascáil a thabhairt dá réir sin, beidh éifeacht leis an alt seo ionann is dá mbeadh an tuarascáil tugtha de bhun fho-alt (1).
(4) Más rud é, nuair a thabharfar tuarascáil i dtaobh aon ábhair don Stiúrthóir Ionchúiseamh Poiblí nó a chuirfear aon ábhar faoina bhráid faoin alt seo, go measfaidh sé gur cás é inar cheart ionchúiseamh a thionscnamh agus go dtionscnóidh sé imeachtaí dá réir sin, beidh sé de dhualgas ar údarás iomchuí de chuid an Mhalartáin, agus ar gach oifigeach don chuideachta a bhfuil a chuid urrús i gceist, agus ar aon duine eile ar dealraitheach don Stiúrthóir Ionchúiseamh Poiblí go bhfuil faisnéis iomchuí aige (seachas aon chosantóir sna himeachtaí) gach cúnamh a bheidh ar a chumas nó ar a gcumas le réasún a thabhairt i dtaca leis an ionchúiseamh.
(5) Beidh na cumhachtaí agus na dualgais chéanna ag údarás iomchuí chun críocha an ailt seo atá aige faoi alt 117.
(6) I gcás go measann an tAire é a bheith riachtanach nó fóirsteanach déanamh amhlaidh chun riar cuí agus éifeachtach a dhéanamh ar an alt seo, féadfaidh sé cibé rialacháin a dhéanamh is iomchuí leis—
(a) i ndáil le cumhachtaí daoine údaraithe, nó
(b) i ndáil leis na hábhair ar ina dtaobh, nó na daoine ar uathu, a fhéadfaidh daoine údaraithe faisnéis a éileamh faoi alt 117 arna chur chun feidhme le fo-alt (5).
Feidhm Rialacháin 1984 agus leasú orthu.
93.—(1) Folóidh an tuarascáil bhliantúil a éilítear le Rialachán 11 de Rialacháin na gComhphobal Eorpach (An Stocmhargadh), 1984 (I.R. Uimh. 282 de 1984) (“Rialacháin 1984”)—
(a) an líon gearán scríofa a fuarthas a thugann le tuiscint sáruithe a d'fhéadfadh a bheith ar alt 91,
(b) an líon tuarascálacha a tugadh faoi alt 92,
(c) an líon uaireanta nár tugadh tuarascálacha amhlaidh, de dhroim feidhmiú cumhachtaí ag daoine údaraithe faoi alt 117, arna chur chun feidhme le halt 92, agus
(d) cibé faisnéis eile a fhorordófar.
(2) Leasaítear leis seo an Chéad Sceideal a ghabhann le Rialacháin 1984 tríd an méid seo a leanas a chur in ionad mhír 5 (c) de Sceideal C den Iarscríbhinn a ghabhann le Treoir 79/279/CEE ón gComhairle, an 5 Márta 1979* atá leagtha amach sa Sceideal sin:
“(c) Ní foláir don chuideachta aon athruithe i struchtúr (scairshealbhóirí agus miondealú sealúchas) na mórshealúchas ina caipiteal i gcomparáid le faisnéis a foilsíodh roimhe sin ar an ábhar sin a chur in iúl don phobal a luaithe a thugann sí na hathruithe sin faoi deara.
Go háirithe, ní foláir do chuideachta nach bhfuil faoi réir Threoir 88/627/CEE ón gComhairle maidir leis an bhfaisnéis atá le foilsiú an tráth a fhaightear, nó a chuirtear de láimh, mórshealúchas i gcuideachta liostaithe, an pobal a chur ar a iúl laistigh de naoi lá féilire aon uair a thagann sí ar an eolas go bhfuil duine nó eintiteas tar éis líon scaireanna a fháil nó a chur de láimh sa chaoi gur mó sealúchas an duine nó an eintitis sin, nó gur lú é, ná ceann de na tairseacha atá leagtha síos in Airteagal 4 den Treoir sin.”.
Oibleagáid maidir le rúndacht ghairmiúil.
94.—(1) Ní dhéanfar faisnéis a fuair aon duine de na daoine seo a leanas de bhua fheidhmiú a chuid feidhmeanna ag an Malartán faoin gCuid seo a nochtadh ach amháin de réir dlí, eadhon—
(a) údarás iomchuí de chuid an Mhalartáin;
(b) duine údaraithe, nó
(c) aon duine atá fostaithe nó a bhí fostaithe cheana ag an Malartán.
(2) Ní choiscfidh fo-alt (1) údarás iomchuí de chuid an Mhalartáin ó aon fhaisnéis a nochtadh don Aire faoin gCuid seo nó d'údarás dá shamhail i mBallstát eile de chuid na gComhphobal Eorpach de bhun alt 96.
(3) Beidh aon duine a sháraíonn fo-alt (1) ciontach i gcion.
Díolúine ó agra.
95.—Ní bheidh údarás iomchuí de chuid an Mhalartáin faoi dhliteanas i leith damáistí maidir le haon ní a rinne an t-údarás nó a d'fhág an t-údarás gan déanamh i ndáil le feidhmiú a chuid feidhmeanna aige faoi ailt 91 go 96 mura rud é gur de mheon mímhacánta a rinneadh an gníomh nó an neamhghníomh a ndearnadh gearán faoi.
Comhoibriú idir údaráis i mBallstáit.
96.—I bhfeidhmiú a chuid feidhmeanna dó faoi ailt 91 go 94, comhlíonfaidh údarás iomchuí de chuid an Mhalartáin Airteagal 12 (comhoibriú idir údaráis inniúla i mBallstáit) de Threoir 1988.
Caibidil 3
Orduithe um Nochtadh: Cuideachtaí seachas Cuideachtaí Poiblí Teoranta
Feidhm Chaibidil 3.
97.—(1) Beidh feidhm ag forálacha na Caibidle seo maidir le gach comhlacht corpraithe atá corpraithe sa Stát seachas—
(a) cuideachta phoiblí theoranta:
(b) cumann atá cláraithe faoi na hAchtanna um Chumainn Tionscail agus Soláthair, 1893 go 1978;
(c) cumann atá cláraithe faoin Acht Cumann Foirgníochta, 1989; agus
(d) aon chomhlacht corpraithe a bhfuil toirmeasc air le reacht nó ar shlí eile aon dáileadh dá ioncam nó dá mhaoin a dhéanamh i measc a chuid comhaltaí fad a bheidh sé ina ghnóthas leantach nó nuair a bheidh sé á leachtú.
(2) Measfar, maidir le haon tagairt sa Chaibidil seo do chuideachta, gur tagairt í d'aon chomhlacht corpraithe lena mbaineann an Chaibidil seo, de bhua fho-alt (1).
(3) Measfar maidir le haon tagairt sa Chaibidil seo do scairchaipiteal nó do scairchaipiteal iomchuí, i ndáil le cuideachta, gur tagairt í do scairchaipiteal eisithe de chineál lena ngabhann cearta vótála sna himthosca uile ag cruinnithe ginearálta na cuideachta, agus forléireofar tagairtí do scaireanna dá réir sin.
Ordú um nochtadh.
98.—(1) Chun críocha na Caibidle seo ciallaíonn “ordú um nochtadh” ordú na cúirte faoina bhfuil sé d'oibleagáid—
(a) ar aon duine a gcreideann an chúirt go bhfuil faisnéis aige nó go bhfuil sé in ann aon faisnéis a fháil—
(i) maidir le daoine a bhfuil leas acu faoi látháir, nó tráth ar bith le linn tréimhse a bheidh sonraithe san ordú, i scaireanna nó i mbintiúir chuideachta,
(ii) maidir le hainmneacha agus seoltaí aon duine de na daoine sin,
(iii) maidir le hainm agus seoladh aon duine a ghníomhaíonn nó a ghníomhaigh thar ceann aon duine de na daoine sin i ndáil leis na scaireanna nó leis na bintiúir.
an fhaisnéis sin a thabhairt don chúirt; nó
(b) ar aon duine a gcreideann an chúirt maidir leis go bhfuil leas aige i scaireanna nó i mbintiúir chuideachta nó go raibh leas aige sa chéanna tráth ar bith le linn tréimhse a bheidh sonraithe san ordú, an fíoras sin a dheimhniú nó (de réir mar a bheidh) a léiriú an amhlaidh atá nó nach amhlaidh, agus i gcás go sealbhaíonn, nó gur shealbhaigh, sé le linn na tréimhse sin aon leas i scaireanna nó i mbintiúir den sórt sin, cibé faisnéis eile a thabhairt a éileoidh an chúirt; nó
(c) ar aon duine a bhfuil leas aige i scaireanna nó i mbintiúir chuideachta a bheidh sonraithe san ordú, an fhaisnéis a éilítear faoi fhomhíreanna (i) agus (ii) agus (iii) de mhír (a), agus cibé faisnéis eile a éileoidh an chúirt, a nochtadh don chúirt.
(2) Aon duine a bhfuil leas airgeadais aige i gcuideachta féadfaidh sé iarratas a dhéanamh chun na cúirte ar ordú um nochtadh i leith na scaireanna nó na mbintiúr go léir sa chuideachta nó i leith aon chuid díobh.
(3) Beidh cibé fianaise a éileoidh an chúirt mar thacaíocht le hiarratas faoi fho-alt (2).
(4) Féadfaidh an chúirt, sula n-éistfidh sí iarratas faoi fho-alt (2), a cheangal ar an iarratasóir urrús a thabhairt go n-íocfar na costais a bhaineann le héisteacht an iarratais nó le haon imeachtaí dá dhroim sin.
(5) Ní dhéanfaidh cúirt ordú um nochtadh ach amháin—
(a) má mheasann sí go bhfuil sé cóir cothromasach déanamh amhlaidh; agus
(b) más dóigh léi go ndéanann nó go ndéanfaidh neamhnochtadh aon leasa i scaireanna nó i mbintiúir na cuideachta dochar do leas airgeadais an iarratasóra.
(6) Chun críocha fho-alt (2) folaíonn “leas airgeadais” aon leas mar chomhalta, ranníocóir, creidiúnaí, fostaí, comhfhiontóir, scrúdaitheoir, léasóir, léasaí, ceadúnóir, ceadúnaí, leachtaitheoir nó glacadóir i ndáil leis an gcuideachta a bhfuil ordú um nochtadh á lorg i leith a scaireanna nó a bintiúr nó i ndáil le cuideachta ghaolmhar.
(7) I gcás go n-údaraíonn duine d'aon duine eile (“an gníomhaire”) leasanna i scaireanna a chuimsítear i scairchaipiteal iomchuí cuideachta nó i mbintiúir dá cuid, a ndéantar ordú um nochtadh ina leith, a fháil nó a dhiúscairt thar a cheann, áiritheoidh sé, ar feadh ré saoil an ordaithe sin, go dtabharfaidh an gníomhaire fógra dó láithreach i dtaobh leasanna i scaireanna nó i mbintiúir atá cuimsithe amhlaidh a bheith faighte nó diúscartha ag an ngníomhaire a bheidh, nó a fhéadfaidh a bheith, ina chúis le haon oibleagáid, i dtaca leis féin de, faisnéis a chur ar fáil de réir théarmaí an ordaithe maidir lena leas sa scairchaipiteal nó sna bintiúir sin.
Nós imeachta maidir le hiarratas ar ordú um nochtadh.
99.—(1) Duine a bheartaíonn iarratas a dhéanamh ar ordú um nochtadh tabharfaidh sé fógra 10 lá ar a laghad faoina bhfuil beartaithe aige don chuideachta ar maidir lena scaireanna nó lena bintiúir atá an t-ordú á lorg agus don duine a mbeartaítear an t-ordú a dhíriú chuige.
(2) Déanfaidh an t-iarratasóir cibé fógra i dtaobh an iarratais a bheidh ordaithe ag an gcúirt a sheirbheáil freisin ar aon duine a shonróidh an chúirt.
(3) Ar an iarratas a eisteacht féadfaidh gach duine a mbeidh fógra tugtha dó faoi fho-alt (1) nó (2) láithriú agus fianaise a thabhairt ar aird.
Réim an ordaithe um nochtadh.
100.—(1) Féadfaidh ordú um nochtadh a cheangal ar an duine chuig a seolfar é—
(a) sonraí a thabhairt faoina iar-leas nó a leas láithreach féin i scaireanna a chuimsítear i scairchaipiteal iomchuí na cuideachta nó i mbintiúir de chuid na cuideachta a bhí ina sheilbh tráth ar bith le linn na tréimhse a bheidh luaite san ordú;
(b) i gcás gur leas láithreach an leas agus go bhfuil aon leas eile sna scaireanna nó sna bintiúir ar marthain nó, in aon chás, i gcás go raibh leas eile sna scaireanna nó sna bintiúir ar marthain le linn na tréimhse sin tráth ar bith nuair a bhí a leas féin ar marthain, cibé sonraí a thabhairt, chomh fada agus is eol dó, maidir leis an leas eile sin a cheanglófar leis an ordú;
(c) i gcás gur iar-leas a leas, sonraí a thabhairt, chomh fada agus is eol dó, i dtaobh chéannacht an duine a raibh an leas sin á shealbhú aige díreach agus é ag scor den leas sin a shealbhú.
(2) Sonrófar in ordú um nochtadh an fhaisnéis a bheidh le soláthar don chúirt faoin ordú maidir le haon duine, scaireanna nó bintiúir dá dtagraíonn sé agus tabharfar aon fhaisnéis den sórt sin i scríbhinn.
(3) Beidh feidhm ag ailt 68 go 79 mar is iomchuí chun tagairtí sa Chaibidil seo do dhaoine a bhfuil leas acu i scaireanna agus i mbintiúir, agus do leasanna i scaireanna agus i mbintiúir faoi seach, a fhorléiriú amhail mar atá feidhm acu i ndáil le halt 67 (agus neamhaird á tabhairt ar alt 78) agus tabharfar neamhaird ar aon tagairt sna hailt sin do “leibhéal de réir céatadáin”.
(4) Chun críocha an ailt seo measfar maidir le haon tagairt in ailt 67 go 79 do “scaireanna”, más iomchuí agus mura luaitear a mhalairt, gur tagairt í a fholaíonn tagairt do bhintiúir.
(5) Beidh feidhm ag an alt seo i ndáil le duine a bhfuil ceart aige, nó a raibh ceart aige roimhe sin, nó atá nó a bhí i dteideal ceart a fháil, chun suibscríobh le haghaidh scaireanna i gcuideachta nó le haghaidh bintiúr dá cuid a chuimseofaí tráth eisiúna i scairchaipiteal iomchuí na cuideachta sin amhail mar atá feidhm aige i ndáil le duine a bhfuil, nó a raibh, leas aige i scaireanna a chuimsítear amhlaidh nó i mbintiúir de chuid na cuideachta; agus déanfar tagairtí sna forálacha roimhe seo den alt seo do leas i scaireanna a chuimsítear amhlaidh nó do leas i mbintiúir agus do scaireanna a chuimsítear amhlaidh nó do bhintiúir a léamh dá réir sin in aon chás den sórt sin mar thagairtí a fholaíonn faoi seach tagairtí d'aon cheart den sórt sin agus do scaireanna a chuimseofaí amhlaidh tráth eisiúna.
Cumhachtaí na cúirte.
101.—(1) Féadfaidh an chúirt, ar chúis a shuíomh, ordú um nochtadh a chealú nó a athrú.
(2) Féadfar le hordú um nochtadh duine, grúpa nó aicme daoine lena mbaineann an t-ordú a shonrú.
(3) Féadfaidh an chúirt, má mheasann sí—
(a) go mbeadh sé cóir cothromasach déanamh amhlaidh, agus
(b) nach ndéanfaí dochar do leas airgeadais an iarratasóra dá dheasca sin,
iad seo a leanas a dhíolmhú go hiomlán nó go páirteach ó cheanglais ordaithe um nochtadh—
(i) aon duine nó aicme daoine,
(ii) aon leas nó cineál leasa i scaireanna nó i mbintiúir,
(iii) aon scair, grúpa nó cineál scaireanna,
(iv) aon bhintiúr, grúpa nó cineál bintiúr.
(4) Nuair a dhéanann an chúirt ordú um nochtadh féadfaidh sí, go ceann tréimhse sonraithe ama, cibé coinníollacha nó srianta is cuí léi a fhorchur ar na cearta nó ar na hoibleagáidí a ghabhann leis na scaireanna nó leis na bintiúir a bhfuil an t-ordú déanta ina leith.
(5) Féadfaidh aon duine a ndéanann aon choinníollacha nó srianta a fhorchuirtear ar scaireanna nó ar bhintiúir faoi fho-alt (4) difear dá leasanna, iarratas a dhéanamh chun na cúirte ar fhaoiseamh ó na coinníollacha sin go léir nó ó aon cheann díobh agus féadfaidh an chúirt, má mheasann sí é a bheith cóir cothromasach déanamh amhlaidh, an faoiseamh sin a dheonú go hiomlán nó go páirteach agus ar cibé téarmaí agus coinníollacha is cuí léi.
Fógra faoi ordú um nochtadh.
102.—(1) Cuirfidh an t-iarratasóir faoi deara go ndéanfar fógra san fhoirm fhorordaithe i dtaobh ordú um nochtadh a bheith déanta, mar aon le cóip den ordú, a chur leis an bpost cláraithe laistigh de 7 lá ó thráth déanta an ordaithe—
(a) chuig an gcuideachta (ag a hoifig chláraithe) ar i leith a cuid scaireanna nó bintiúr a rinneadh an t-ordú,
(b) chuig cláraitheoir na gcuideachtaí,
(c) chuig sealbhóir cláraithe aon scaireanna nó bintiúr ar ina leith a rinneadh an t-ordú um nochtadh i gcás gur dealraitheach don chúirt—
(i) nach bhfuil an sealbhóir sin ar dháta déanta an ordaithe ina chónaí sa Stát, agus
(ii) gur cheart fógra a thabhairt don sealbhóir sin,
(d) chuig cibé duine eile is cuí leis an gcúirt.
(2) Cuirfidh an t-iarratasóir faoi deara fógra i dtaobh ordú um nochtadh a bheith déanta a fhoilsiú, laistigh de 7 lá ó dháta déanta an ordaithe, in 2 nuachtán laethúla ar a laghad a léitear sa cheantar ina bhfuil oifig chláraithe na cuideachta ar i leith a cuid scaireanna nó bintiúr a rinneadh an t-ordú.
(3) Chun críocha fho-alt (1) (a)—
(a) measfar gurb é seoladh oifig chláraithe na cuideachta ar dháta déanta an ordaithe um nochtadh seoladh na hoifige sin is déanaí a seachadadh ar chláraitheoir na gcuideachtaí nó a foilsíodh ar shlí eile, de réir mar a bheidh sa chás sin (de réir an dlí, agus ar an modh a cheanglaítear leis an dlí, a bhaineann leis an gcuideachta) roimh dháta déanta an ordaithe; agus
(b) murar seachadadh riamh aon seoladh don oifig chláraithe ar chláraitheoir na gcuideachtaí mar is cuí, nó má milleadh suíomh an tseolta is déanaí a seachadadh, measfar ceanglais fho-alt (1) (a) a bheith comhlíonta ach an fógra is gá faoin ordú, mar aon le cóip den chéanna, a chur chuig cláraitheoir na gcuideachtaí.
(4) Chun críocha fho-alt (1) (c)—
(a) measfar, maidir leis an seoladh atá ag sealbhóir cláraithe neamhchónaitheach scaireanna nó bintiúr, gurb é seoladh an tsealbhóra sin é is déanaí a seachadadh ar chláraitheoir na gcuideachtaí nó a foilsíodh ar shlí eile, de réir mar a bheidh (de réir an dlí, agus ar an modh a cheanglaítear leis an dlí, a bhaineann leis an gcuideachta) roimh dháta déanta an ordaithe; agus
(b) murar seachadadh riamh aon seoladh don sealbhóir cláraithe neamhchónaitheach ar chláraitheoir na gcuideachtaí mar is cuí, measfar ceanglais fho-alt (1) (c) a bheith comhlíonta ach an fógra is gá faoin ordú, mar aon le cóip den chéanna, a chur chuig cláraitheoir na gcuideachtaí.
(5) Déanfar aon tagairt san alt seo d'oifig chláraithe cuideachta, i gcás cuideachta nach bhfuil cláraithe faoi Achtanna na gCuideachtaí, a fhorléiriú mar thagairt do phríomhoifig na cuideachta.
Faisnéis a nochtadh faoi ordú.
103.—(1) Maidir le hoibleagáid aon fhaisnéis a chur ar fáil a fhorchuirtear ar aon duine le hordú um nochtadh déileálfar léi mar oibleagáid nach mbeidh comhallta mura ndéantar, san fhógra trína n-airbheartaítear í a chomhall, é a aithint agus mura dtugtar ann a sheoladh reatha.
(2) I gcás go dtabharfar faisnéis don chúirt i gcomhlíonadh téarmaí ordaithe um nochtadh cuirfidh oifigeach forordaithe don chúirt faoi deara, mura n-ordaíonn an chúirt a mhalairt, an fhaisnéis sin a thabhairt (go hiomlán nó go páirteach de réir mar a ordóidh an chúirt) don iarratasóir agus don chuideachta ar i leith a scaireanna nó a bintiúr a rinneadh an t-ordú.
(3) Déanfaidh an chúirt agus í ag déanamh cinnidh faoi fho-alt (2) a haird a dhíriú ar cibé acu a comhlíonadh nó nár comhlíonadh ceanglais alt 102.
(4) I gcás go dtabharfar aon fhaisnéis don iarratasóir no don chuideachta de bhun fho-alt (2), féadfaidh an chúirt cibé srianta a fhorchur is cuí leí maidir le foilsiú na faisnéise ag an duine dár tugadh í.
Iarmhairtí sibhialta maidir leis an ordú um nochtadh a shárú.
104.—(1) Maidir le duine—
(a) a mhainníonn, laistigh den tréimhse chuí, oibleagáid a chomhall faisnéis a chur ar fáil a éilítear le hordú um nochtadh, nó
(b) a thugann ráiteas don chúirt, mar chomhall airbheartaithe ar aon oibleagáid den sórt sin, arb eol dó é a bheith bréagach, nó a thugann go meargánta ráiteas atá bréagach don chúirt,
ní bheidh aon cheart ná leas d'aon chineál ar bith maidir le haon scaireanna sa chuideachta áirithe nó i mbintiúir dá cuid atá á sealbhú aige, infheidhmithe aige, cibé acu go díreach nó go neamhdhíreach, le caingean nó le himeacht dlí.
(2) I gcás go srianfar aon cheart nó leas faoi fho-alt (1), féadfaidh aon duine a rinne mainneachtain faoin bhfo-alt sin nó aon duine eile a ndearna an srianadh sin difear dó iarratas a dhéanamh chun na cúirte ar fhaoiseamh ó mhíchumas a fhorchuirtear le fo-alt (1) nó a thig dá dhroim agus féadfaidh an chúirt ar a bheith deimhin di gur de thionóisc nó de thaisme, nó gur mar gheall ar chúis leordhóthanach éigin eile, a tharla an mhainneachtain, nó go bhfuil sé cóir cothromasach faoiseamh a dheonú ar fhorais eile, an faoiseamh sin a dheonú go ginearálta, nó maidir le haon cheart nó leas áirithe ar cibé téarmaí agus coinníollacha is cuí léi.
(3) I gcás gur duine dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1) iarratasóir ar fhaoiseamh faoi fho-alt (2), ní dheonóidh an chúirt an faoiseamh sin más dealraitheach gur tharla an mhainneachtain mar gheall ar aon ghníomh nó neamhghníomh toiliúil ag an iarratasóir.
(4) Measfar, maidir le haon duine d'fháil leasa i scaireanna nó i mbintiúir de chuid cuideachta atá cláraithe sa Stát, gurb ionann an fháil sin agus an duine sin do thoiliú aon fhaisnéis do nochtadh aige féin, ag a ghníomhairí nó ag a idirghabhálaithe, is faisnéis a cheanglaítear a nochtadh i ndáil le scaireanna nó bintiúir le hAchtanna na gCuideachtaí.
Caibidil 4
Forálacha ginearálta faoi scairchláir etc.
Cumhacht chun táillí iniúchta uasta etc. a athrú.
105.—(1) Féadfaidh an tAire, le hordú, aon cheann de na táillí a ndéantar tagairt dóibh sna hailt seo a leanas a athrú—
(a) alt 60 (5) den Acht seo nó alt 92 (1), 119 (1) nó 195 (10) (a cuireadh isteach le halt 51 den Acht seo) den Phríomh-Acht, nó
(b) alt 60 (8) nó 88 (3) den Acht seo, nó alt 92 (2), 92 (3), 119 (2) nó 146 (2) den Phríomh-Acht.
(2) Féadfaidh an tAire freisin, le hordú, an bonn atá le haon cheann de na táillí dá dtagraítear sna forálacha a shonraítear i bhfo-alt (1) (b) a athrú ón mbonn dá dtagraítear sna forálacha sin go bonn éigin eile.
(3) Nuair a bheidh aon ordú á dhéanamh aige faoin alt seo cuirfidh an tAire san áireamh na costais ghinearálta a thabhaigh cuideachta chun iniúchadh na gclár nó na ndoiciméad eile dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1), nó chun soláthar cóipeanna den chéanna, a éascú.
(4) Gach ordú a dhéanfar faoin Acht seo leagfar é faoi bhráid gach Tí den Oireachtas a luaithe is féidir tar éis a dhéanta agus má dhéanann ceachtar Teach acu sin, laistigh den 21 lá a shuífidh an Teach sin tar éis an t-ordú a leagan faoina bhráid, rún a rith ag neamhniú an ordaithe beidh an t-ordú ar neamhní dá réir sin, ach sin gan dochar do bhailíocht aon ní a rinneadh roimhe sin faoin ordú.
Forálacha idirthréimhseacha.
106.—(1) Más rud é ar thosach feidhme an ailt seo go bhfuil leas ag duine agus go mbeadh an leas sin, dá mba gur tar éis an tosach feidhme sin a gheofaí é, faoi réir ceanglais fógra a thabhairt faoi Chaibidil 1 nó 2, beidh an duine faoi oibleagáid an fógra a éilítear leis an gCaibidil lena mbaineann a thabhairt don chuideachta maidir lena leas.
(2) Chun críocha fho-alt (1), beidh feidhm ag ailt 56 agus 71 (1) amhail is dá gcuirfí tréimhse 14 lá in ionad na tréimhse 5 lá a luaitear i ngach ceann de na forálacha sin.
(3) Beidh feidhm ag alt 73 i ndáil le comhaontú d'ainneoin gur roimh thosach feidhme an ailt seo a rinneadh é nó gur roimh an tosach feidhme sin a tharla aon fháil scaireanna den sórt sin a luaitear i bhfo-alt (1) (b) den alt sin.
CUID V
Déileáil Chos Istigh
Léiriú.
107.—Sa Chuid seo, ach amháin mar a n-éilíonn an comhthéacs a mhalairt—
ciallaíonn “déileáil”, i ndáil le hurrúis, (cibé acu mar phríomhaí nó mar ghníomhaire), na hurrúis a fháil nó a dhiúscairt, nó suibscríobh lena n-aghaidh nó iad a fhrithghealladh nó comhaontú a dhéanamh nó tairiscint comhaontú a dhéánamh nó duine a aslú nó féachaint lena aslú chun comhaontú a dhéanamh nó tairiscint comhaontú a dhéanamh—
(a) chun na hurrúis a fháil nó a dhiúscairt, nó chun suibscríobh lena n-aghaidh nó iad a fhrithghealladh, nó a bhaineann leis an gcéanna; nó
(b) arb í an aidhm nó an aidhm airbheartaithe atá leis brabús nó gnóchan a urrú do dhuine a fhaigheann nó a dhiúscraíonn na hurrúis, a shuibscríobhann lena n-aghaidh nó a fhrithgheallann iad nó d'aon cheann de na páirtithe sa chomhaontú i ndáil leis na hurrúis;
folaíonn “stiúrthóir” cúlstiúrthóir de réir bhrí alt 27;
folaíonn “oifigeach” maidir le cuideachta—
(a) stiúrthóir, rúnaí nó fostaí;
(b) leachtaitheoir;
(c) aon duine a riarann comhréiteach nó comhshocraíocht a dhéantar idir an chuideachta agus a creidiúnaithe;
(d) scrúdaitheoir;
(e) iniúchóir; agus
(f) glacadóir;
ciallaíonn “oifig phoiblí” oifig nó fostaíocht a dtugtar luach saothair di as an bPríomh-Chiste nó as airgead a sholáthraíonn an tOireachtas nó airgead a chruinnítear le cánachas áitiúil nó muirir áitiúla, nó ceapachán ar, nó fostaíocht faoi, aon choimisiún, coiste, binse, bord nó comhlacht a bheidh arna bhunú ag an Rialtas nó ag aon Aire den Rialtas nó ag aon údarás reachtúil nó faoi;
folaíonn “stocmhalartán aitheanta”, go háirithe, aon mhalartán a bheidh forordaithe ag an Aire agus a sholáthraíonn saoráidí le haghaidh ceannach agus díol ceart nó oibleagáidí chun stoc a fháil;
ciallaíonn “cuideachta ghaolmhar”, i ndáil le cuideachta, aon chomhlacht corpraithe arb é fochuideachta nó cuideachta shealbhaíochta na cuideachta nó fochuideachta do chuideachta shealbhaíochta na cuideachta é;
ciallaíonn “údarás iomchuí”, i ndáil le stocmhalartán aitheanta—
(i) a bhord stiúrthóirí, a choiste bainistíochta nó comhlacht bainistíochta eile, nó
(ii) a bhainisteoir, cibé slí a dtuairiscítear é;
ciallaíonn “urrúis”—
(a) scaireanna, bintiúir nó fiach-urrúis eile a eisítear nó a bheartaítear a eisiúint cibé acu sa Stát nó in áit eile, agus a bhfuil saoráidí déileála curtha ar fáil, nó le cur ar fáil, dóibh ag stocmhalartán aitheanta;
(b) aon cheart, rogha nó oibleagáid maidir le haon scaireanna, bintiúir nó fiach-urrúis eile den sórt sin dá dtagraítear i mír (a);
(c) aon cheart, rogha nó oibleagáid maidir le haon treoirleabhar a bhaineann le haon scaireanna, bintiúir nó fiach-urrúis eile den sórt sin dá dtagraítear i mír (a); nó
(d) cibé leasanna a fhorordófar;
folaíonn “frithghealladh” fo-fhrithghealladh.
Déileálacha neamhdhleathacha in urrúis ag lucht cos istigh.
108.—(1) Ní dleathach do dhuine atá, nó a bhí tráth ar bith sna 6 mhí roimhe sin, bainteach le cuideachta, déileáil in aon urrúis de chuid na cuideachta sin más rud é, de bhíthin go bhfuil nó go raibh sé bainteach amhlaidh leis an gcuideachta sin, go bhfuil faisnéis ina sheilbh aige nach bhfuil ar fáil i gcoitinne ach dá mbeadh, gur dóigh go ndéanfadh sí difear ábhartha do phraghas na n-urrús sin.
(2) Ní dleathach do dhuine atá, nó a bhí tráth ar bith sna 6 mhí roimhe sin, bainteach le cuideachta, déileáil in aon urrúis de chuid aon chuideachta eile más rud é, de bhíthin go bhfuil nó go raibh sé bainteach amhlaidh leis an gcuideachta chéadluaite, go bhfuil faisnéis ina sheilbh—
(a) nach bhfuil ar fáil i gcoitinne ach dá mbeadh, gur dóigh go ndéanfadh sí difear ábhartha do phraghas na n-urrús sin, agus
(b) a bhaineann le haon idirbheart (iarbhír nó beartaithe) a bhfuil an dá chuideachta sin i gceist ann, nó a bhfuil ceann acu agus urrúis an chinn eile i gceist ann, nó a bhaineann leis an bhfíoras nach bhfuil aon idirbheart den sórt sin beartaithe a thuilleadh.
(3) I gcás aon fhaisnéis den sórt atá luaite i bhfo-alt (1) nó (2) a bheith ina sheilbh ag duine agus gur dóigh go ndéanfadh an fhaisnéis sin, dá mbeadh sí ar fáil i gcoitinne, difear go hábhartha do phraghas na n-urrús, ach nach gcuirtear bac air le ceachtar de na fo-ailt sin déileáil sna hurrúis sin, ní dleathach dó déileáil sna hurrúis sin má fuair sé an fhaisnéis, go díreach nó go neamhdhíreach, ó dhuine eile agus más eol dó, nó más cóir gurbh eol dó, le réasún, na fíorais nó na himthosca a gcuirtear bac dá mbua ansin ar an duine eile sin é féin le fo-alt (1) nó (2), déileáil sna hurrúis sin.
(4) Ní dleathach do dhuine tráth ar bith a mbeidh bac curtha air le fo-alt (1), (2) nó (3) déileáil in aon urrúis, a chur faoi deara d'aon duine eile déileáil sna hurrúis sin nó a thabhairt ar aon duine eile déileáil iontu.
(5) Ní dleathach do dhuine tráth ar bith a mbeidh bac curtha air le fo-alt (1), (2) nó (3) déileáil in aon urrúis de bhíthin é a bheith i seilbh aon fhaisnéise, an fhaisnéis sin a thabhairt d'aon duine eile más eol dó nó más cóir gurb eol dó, le réasún, go mbainfidh an duine eile úsáid as an bhfaisnéis chun déileáil, nó a chur faoi deara do dhuine eile déileáil, sna hurrúis sin nó a thabhairt ar dhuine eile déileáil iontu.
(6) Gan dochar d'fho-alt (3), ach faoi réir fho-ailt (7) agus (8), ní dleathach do chuideachta déileáil in aon urrúis aon tráth a mbeidh bac curtha ar aon oifigeach don chuideachta sin le fo-alt (1), (2) nó (3) déileáil sna hurrúis sin.
(7) Ní chuireann fo-alt (6) bac ar chuideachta idirbheart a dhéanamh tráth ar bith de bhíthin amháin go bhfuil faisnéis i seilbh oifigigh don chuideachta sin—
(a) más duine seachas an t-oifigeach a chinn, thar a ceann, an t-idirbheart a dhéanamh;
(b) má bhí comhshocraíochtaí scríofa i ngníomh an tráth sin aici chun a chinntiú nach dtabharfaí an fhaisnéis don duine sin agus nár thug aon duine a bhí i seilbh na faisnéise aon chomhairle dó a bhain leis an idirbheart; agus
(c) murar tugadh an fhaisnéis agus an chomhairle sin amhlaidh.
(8) Ní chuireann fo-alt (6) bac ar chuideachta déileáil in urrúis de chuid cuideachta eile tráth ar bith de bhíthin amháin go bhfuil faisnéis i seilbh oifigigh don chuideachta chéadluaite, is é sin faisnéis a fuair an t-oifigeach le linn dó a chuid dualgas a chomhlíonadh mar oifigeach don chuideachta chéadluaite agus arb é amháin atá ann ná go mbeartaíonn an chuideachta chéadluaite déileáil in urrúis de chuid na cuideachta eile sin.
(9) Ní chuireann an t-alt seo bac ar dhuine déileáil in urrúis, nó i gcearta nó i leasanna in urrúis, de chuid cuideachta—
(a) má dhéanann sé an t-idirbheart áirithe mar ghníomhaire do dhuine eile de bhun treorach sonraithe ón duine eile sin an t-idirbheart sin a dhéanamh; agus
(b) mura mbeidh aon chomhairle tugtha aige don duine eile, i ndáil le déileáil in urrúis, nó i gcearta nó i leasanna in urrúis, de chuid na cuideachta sin atá ar áireamh sa chineál céanna leis na hurrúis chéadluaite.
(10) Ní chuireann an t-alt seo bac ar dhuine déileáil in urrúis más rud é, fad is nach buntáiste dó ar shlí eile faisnéis a bheith ina sheilbh dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1)—
(a) go dtugann sé fógra 21 lá ar a laghad d'údarás iomchuí an stocmhalartáin iomchuí go bhfuil sé ar intinn aige déileáil, laistigh den tréimhse dá dtagraítear i mír (b), in urrúis de chuid na cuideachta áirithe, agus
(b) go ndéantar an déileáil laistigh de thréimhse dar tosach 7 lá tar éis torthaí eatramhacha nó críochnaitheacha na cuideachta a fhoilsiú, de réir mar a bheidh, agus dar críoch 14 lá tar éis an fhoilsithe sin, agus
(c) go bhfoilseoidh an malartán áirithe an fógra dá dtagraítear i mír (a) díreach ar é a fháil.
(11) Chun críocha an ailt seo, tá duine bainteach le cuideachta más rud é, agus é bheith ina dhuine nádúrtha—
(a) gur oifigeach é don chuideachta sin nó do chuideachta ghaolmhar; nó
(b) gur scairshealbhóir é sa chuideachta sin nó i gcuideachta ghaolmhar; nó
(c) go bhfuil post aige (lena n-áirítear oifig phoiblí) a bhféadfaí dá chionn a bheith ag súil leis le réasún go mbeadh teacht aige ar fhaisnéis de chineál lena mbaineann fo-ailt (1) agus (2)—
(i) mar gheall ar aon ghaolmhaireacht ghairmiúil, ghnó nó aon ghaolmhaireacht eile atá ann idir é féin (nó a fhostóir nó cuideachta ar oifigeach di é) agus an chuideachta sin nó cuideachta ghaolmhar; nó
(ii) mar gheall air gur oifigeach é do mhórscairshealbhóir sa chuideachta sin nó i gcuideachta ghaolmhar.
(12) Chun críocha fho-alt (11) ciallaíonn “mórscairshealbhóir” duine a shealbhaíonn scaireanna i gcuideachta a bhfuil a líon os cionn an chéatadáin infhógartha atá i bhfeidhm de thuras na huaire faoi alt 70.
(13) Beidh réim ag na toirmisc i bhfo-ailt (1), (3), (4) agus (5) maidir le déileálacha in urrúis a eiseoidh an Stát amhail is dá mba thagairtí don Stát na tagairtí i bhfo-ailt (1), (9) agus (11) (seachas míreanna (a) agus (b) den fho-alt is déanaí a luadh) do chuideachta.
Dliteanas sibhialta mar gheall ar dhéileáil neamhdhleathach.
109.—(1) I gcás go ndéileálann duine in urrúis nó go gcuireann sé faoi deara do dhuine eile déileáil in urrúis, nó go dtugann sé ar dhuine eile déileáil iontu, ar mhodh a dhearbhaítear a bheith neamhdhleathach le halt 108 nó go dtugann sé faisnéis ar aon slí den sórt sin beidh an duine sin faoi dhliteanas, gan dochar d'aon chúis chaingne eile a bheadh ann ina choinne—
(a) aon pháirtí eile san idirbheart nach raibh i seilbh na faisnéise iomchuí a chúiteamh i leith aon chaillteanais a bhain don pháirtí sin mar gheall ar aon difríocht idir an praghas ar déileáladh sna hurrúis san idirbheart sin agus an praghas ar dóigh a ndéileálfaí iontu in idirbheart den sórt sin an tráth a ndearnadh an t-idirbheart céadluaite dá mbeadh an fhaisnéis sin ar fáil i gcoitinne; agus
(b) cuntas a thabhairt don chuideachta a d'eisigh nó a chuir ar fáil na hurrúis sin maidir le haon bhrabús a d'fhabhraigh chun an duine chéadluaite ó dhéileáil sna hurrúis sin.
(2) Is é an méid cúitimh a bhfuil duine faoi dhliteanas maidir leis faoi fho-alt (1) nó méid an bhrabúis a bhfuil duine faoi dhliteanas cuntas a thabhairt maidir leis faoin bhfo-alt sin—
(a) faoi réir mhír (b), méid an chaillteanais a bhain don duine a éilíonn an cúiteamh nó méid an bhrabúis dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1) (b), de réir mar a bheidh; nó
(b) má chinneann cúirt maidir leis an duine atá faoi dhliteanas amhlaidh é a bheith faoi dhliteanas méid nó méideanna a íoc le haon duine nó daoine eile de dheasca an ghnímh nó an idirbhirt chéanna, méid an chaillteanais nó an bhrabúis sin lúide an méid nó suim na méideanna ar cinneadh an duine sin a bheith faoi dhliteanas ina leith.
(3) Chun críocha fho-alt (2), maidir leis an dualgas a chruthú gur as an ngníomh nó as an idirbheart céanna ónar tháinig dliteanas eile a tháinig dliteanas duine méid a íoc le duine eile, is ar an duine atá faoi dhliteanas an méid a íoc a bheidh sé é sin a chruthú.
(4) Ní thosófar ar chaingean faoin alt seo chun caillteanas nó brabús a ghnóthú tar éis 2 bhliain a bheith caite tar éis an dáta a gcríochnófar an t-idirbheart inar tharla an caillteanas nó an brabús.
Idirbhearta díolmhaithe.
110.—(1) Ní choiscfidh aon ní in alt 108 ar dhuine—
(a) urrúis a fháil faoi uacht nó ar díthiomnacht duine eile; nó
(b) urrúis a fháil i gcuideachta de bhun scéime páirtithe i mbrabús d'fhostaithe—
(i) a bheidh formheasta ag na Coimisinéirí Ioncaim chun críocha na nAchtanna Airgeadais, agus
(ii) a mbeidh a téarmaí formheasta ag an gcuideachta i gcruinniú ginearálta, agus
(iii) faoina dtairgtear an deis do gach buanfhostaí de chuid na cuideachta a bheith rannpháirteach, ar théarmaí comhionanna maidir le critéir oibiachtúla shonraithe;
(c) idirbheart lena mbaineann fo-alt (2) a dhéanamh de mheon macánta.
(2) Beidh feidhm ag an bhfo-alt seo maidir leis na cineálacha idirbheart seo a leanas—
(a) stiúrthóir d'fháil scair-cháilíochta faoi alt 180 den Phríomh-Acht:
(b) idirbheart a dhéanfaidh duine de réir a oibleagáidí faoi chomhaontú frithgheallta;
(c) idirbheart a dhéanfaidh ionadaí pearsanta éagaigh, iontaobhaí nó leachtaitheoir, glacadóir nó scrúdaitheoir i gcomhlíonadh fheidhmeanna a oifige; nó
(d) idirbheart ar mhodh, nó de dhroim, morgáiste ar urrúis nó muirir ar urrúis, nó ar mhodh nó de dhroim morgáiste, muirir, gealltáin nó liain ar dhoiciméid teidil chun urrús.
(3) Ní bheidh feidhm ag an gCuid seo maidir le hidirbhearta a dhéanfar ag saothrú beartas airgeadaíochta, beartas ráta malairte, beartas um riar fiachais náisiúnta nó beartas um chúltaca iomlaoide eachtraí, ag aon Aire den Rialtas nó ag an mBanc Ceannais nó ag aon duine thar a gceann.
Dliteanas coiriúil mar gheall ar dhéileáil neamhdhleathach.
111.—Duine a dhéileálann in urrúis ar mhodh a dhearbhaítear le halt 108 a bheith neamhdhleathach, beidh sé ciontach i gcion.
Srian ar dhéileáil.
112.—(1) Faoi réir fho-alt (2), duine a chiontófar i gcion faoi alt 111 nó faoin alt seo ní dhéanfaidh sé aon déileáil laistigh den tréimhse 12 mhí ó dháta an chiontaithe.
(2) I gcás gur thionscain duine a ciontaíodh i gcion faoi fho-alt (1), roimh dháta a chiontaithe, idirbheart faoina bhfuil gné éigin dá chomhlíonadh fágtha gan déanamh, ní thoirmiscfear air le fo-alt (1) an t-idirbheart a chur i gcrích i gcás go gcuirfidh údarás iomchuí stocmhalartáin aitheanta in iúl i scríbhinn do na páirtithe san idirbheart go bhfuil sé deimhin de—
(a) gur tionscnaíodh an t-idirbheart ach nach raibh sé curtha i gcrích roimh dháta an chiontaithe, agus
(b) mura gcuirfí an t-idirbheart i gcrích, go ndéanfaí dochar do chearta tríú páirtí atá neamhchiontach, agus
(c) nach mbeadh an t-idirbheart neamhdhleathach faoi aon fhoráil eile den Chuid seo.
(3) Beidh duine a sháróidh an t-alt seo ciontach i gcion.
Dualgas gníomhairí i ndáil le déileáil neamhdhleathach.
113.—(1) Ní dhéanfaidh duine déileáil thar ceann duine eile má bhíonn cúis réasúnach aige lena chreidiúint, nó más cóir go gcinnfeadh sé, go mbeadh an déileáil neamhdhleathach de réir bhrí alt 108.
(2) Beidh duine a sháróidh an t-alt seo ciontach i gcion.
Pionóis mar gheall ar chionta faoin gCuid seo.
114.—Duine a dhéanann cion faoin gCuid seo dlífear—
(a) ar é a chiontú go hachomair, príosúnacht ar feadh téarma nach faide ná 12 mhí nó fíneáil nach mó ná £1,000, nó iad araon, a chur air, nó
(b) ar é a chiontú ar díotáil, príosúnacht ar feadh téarma nach faide ná 10 mbliana nó fíneáil nach mó ná £200,000, nó iad araon, a chur air.
Dualgas stocmhalartáin aitheanta i ndáil le déileáil neamhdhleathach.
115.—(1) Más dealraitheach d'údarás iomchuí stocmhalartáin aitheanta go ndearna aon duine cion faoin gCuid seo, tabharfaidh an t-údarás sin láithreach tuarascáil i dtaobh an ábhair don Stiúrthóir Ionchúiseamh Poiblí agus soláthróidh sé don Stiúrthóir Ionchúiseamh Poiblí cibé faisnéis, agus tabharfaidh sé dó cibé rochtain chuig aon doiciméid, agus cibé saoráidí chun aon doiciméid a iniúchadh agus cóipeanna díobh a thógáil, a éileoidh an Stiúrthóir Ionchúiseamh Poiblí, ar faisnéis í nó ar doiciméid iad a bheidh i seilbh nó faoi urlámhas an údaráis sin agus a bhainfidh leis an ábhar atá i gceist.
(2) I gcás gur dealraitheach do chomhalta de stocmhalartán aitheanta go ndearna aon duine cion faoin gCuid seo, tuairisceoidh sé an ní sin láithreach d'údarás iomchuí de chuid an stocmhalartáin aitheanta áirithe a mbeidh, air sin, an dualgas air dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1).
(3) Más dealraitheach do chúirt in aon imeachtaí go ndearna aon duine cion mar a dúradh agus nach mbeidh aon tuarascáil a bhaineann leis an ní tugtha don Stiúrthóir Ionchúiseamh Poiblí faoi fho-alt (1), féadfaidh an chúirt sin, ar iarratas ó aon duine a bhfuil leas aige sna himeachtaí áirithe, nó as a treoir féin, a ordú d'údarás iomchuí an stocmhalartáin aitheanta áirithe tuarascáil den sórt sin a thabhairt agus ar thuarascáil a thabhairt dá réir sin beidh éifeacht leis an alt seo amhail is dá mbeadh an tuarascáil tugtha de bhun fho-alt (1).
(4) Más rud é, i gcás aon ní a thuairisciú don Stiúrthóir Ionchúiseamh Poiblí nó a chur faoina bhráid faoin alt seo, go measfaidh sé gur cás é ar chóir ionchúiseamh a thionscnamh maidir leis agus go dtionscnóidh sé imeachtaí dá réir sin, beidh sé de dhualgas ar údarás iomchuí an stocmhalartáin aitheanta áirithe agus ar gach oifigeach don chuideachta a bhfuil a cuid urrús i gceist agus ar aon duine eile ar dealraitheach don Stiúrthóir Ionchúiseamh Poiblí faisnéis iomchuí a bheith aige (seachas aon chosantóir sna himeachtaí) gach cúnamh a thabhairt i ndáil leis an ionchúiseamh atá sé nó siad in ann a thabhairt le réasún.
(5) Más dealraitheach don Aire, mar gheall ar ghearán chuig údarás iomchuí stocmhalartáin aitheanta áirithe i dtaobh ciona líomhnaithe faoin gCuid seo, go bhfuil imthosca ann a thugann le tuiscint—
(a) gur chóir don údarás iomchuí a chuid cumhachtaí a úsáid faoin gCuid seo ach nach ndearna sé amhlaidh, nó
(b) gur chóir tuarascáil a thabhairt don Stiúrthóir Ionchúiseamh Poiblí faoi fho-alt (1) ach nár thug an t-údarás iomchuí lena mbaineann tuarascáil amhlaidh,
féadfaidh sé a ordú don údarás iomchuí na cumhachtaí sin a úsáid nó an tuarascáil sin a thabhairt, agus ar thuarascáil a bheith tugtha dá réir sin, beidh éifeacht leis an alt seo amhail is dá dtabharfaí an tuarascáil de bhun fho-alt (1).
(6) I gcás go dtugann an tAire ordú faoi fho-alt (5), déanfaidh an t-údarás iomchuí lena mbaineann torthaí a chuid imscrúduithe nó cóip dá thuarascáil faoi fho-alt (1), de réir mar a bheidh, a thabhairt don Aire.
(7) Ní bheidh údarás iomchuí stocmhalartáin aitheanta faoi dhliteanas maidir le damáistí i leith aon ní a rinne an t-údarás nó a d'fhág sé gan déanamh i dtaca le feidhmiú a chuid feidhmeanna aige faoin gCuid seo mura de mheon mímhacánta a rinneadh an gníomh nó an neamhghníomh faoina ndéantar gearán, nó mura de mheon mímhacánta a fágadh gan déanamh é.
Comhoibriú le húdaráis eile lasmuigh den Stát.
116.—(1) Beidh feidhm ag an alt seo i gcás go bhfaighidh údarás iomchuí stocmhalartáin aitheanta iarratas ar fhaisnéis ó údarás dá shamhail i mBallstát eile de chuid na gComhphobal Eorpach i ndáil le feidhmiú a chuid feidhmeanna ag an dara húdarás atá luaite faoi aon achtachán de chuid na gComhphobal Eorpach a bhaineann le déileáil neamhdhleathach de réir bhrí na Coda seo, cibé acu sa Stát nó in áit eile.
(2) Déanfaidh an t-údarás iomchuí lena mbaineann, a mhéid atá sé in ann déanamh amhlaidh le réasún, agus trí úsáid a bhaint as a chumhachtaí faoin gCuid seo, más cuí, an fhaisnéis a iarradh a fháil agus cuirfidh sé an fhaisnéis sin ar fáil dá réir sin faoi réir na bhforálacha seo a leanas den alt seo.
(3) I gcás go bhfaighidh údarás iomchuí stocmhalartáin aitheanta iarratas faoi fho-alt (1), cuirfidh sé é sin in iúl don Aire agus tabharfaidh an tAire, ar é bheith deimhin maidir le haon cheann de na nithe dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (4), ordú don údarás diúltú an fhaisnéis go léir a iarrtar, nó cuid de, a chur ar fáil.
(4) Is iad na nithe dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (3) ná—
(a) go bhféadfadh aon chur in iúl faisnéise a iarrtar dul chun dochair do fhlaitheas, do shlándáil nó do bheartas poiblí an Stáit;
(b) go bhfuil imeachtaí sibhialta nó coiriúla sa Stát tosaithe cheana féin in aghaidh duine i leith aon ghníomhartha a bhfuil iarratas ar fhaisnéis faighte ina leith faoi fho-alt (1);
(c) go bhfuil duine ar leith ciontaithe sa Stát mar gheall ar chion coiriúil maidir le haon ghníomhartha den sórt sin.
Daoine údaraithe.
117.—(1) San alt seo agus in ailt 118 agus 121, ciallaíonn “duine údaraithe” duine atá ceadaithe ag an Aire chun bheith ina dhuine údaraithe chun críocha na Coda seo, is é sin—
(a) an bainisteoir, cibé caoi a thuairiscítear é, ar stocmhalartán aitheanta, nó
(b) duine a bheidh ainmnithe ag údarás iomchuí stocmhalartáin aitheanta.
(2) I gcás go n-imscrúdóidh duine údaraithe cion líomhnaithe faoin gCuid seo, beidh údaráis iomchuí an stocmhalartáin aitheanta lena mbaineann faoi dhualgas ginearálta a chinntiú go seachnófar, a mhéid is féidir, easaontachtaí leasa a d'fhéadfadh tarlú ar thaobh aon duine údaraithe den sórt sin.
(3) Chun aon fhaisnéis a fháil is gá le go bhfeidhmeoidh údarás iomchuí an stocmhalartáin sin an fheidhm dá dtagraítear in alt 115, féadfaidh duine údaraithe, ar a údarú a thabhairt ar aird má éilítear amhlaidh é, a cheangal ar aon duine a bhfuil cúis réasúnach ag an duine údaraithe nó ag an údarás iomchuí sin lena chreidiúint gur dhéileáil sé in urrúis, nó go bhfuil aon fhaisnéis aige i dtaobh déileálacha den sórt sin, aon fhaisnéis a thabhairt don duine údaraithe a éileoidh sé le réasún—
(a) maidir leis na hurrúis lena mbaineann,
(b) maidir leis an gcuideachta a d'eisigh na hurrúis,
(c) maidir lena chuid déileálacha sna hurrúis sin, nó
(d) maidir le haon fhaisnéis eile a éilíonn an duine údaraithe le réasún i ndáil leis na hurrúis nó leis na déileálacha sin,
agus cibé rochtain a thabhairt dó chuig aon doiciméid, agus cibé saoráidí chun aon doiciméid a iniúchadh agus cóipeanna díobh a thógáil, agus a bhaineann leis an ábhar a éileoidh sé le réasún.
(4) Glacfar i bhfianaise gach doiciméad a airbheartóidh a bheith ina bharántas nó ina údarú agus a bheith sínithe nó fíordheimhnithe ag údarás iomchuí nó thar a cheann agus measfar gur barántas nó údarú den sórt sin é gan a thuilleadh cruthúnais go dtí go suífear a mhalairt.
(5) Féadfaidh duine údaraithe, nó aon duine ar chuir sé ceanglas air faoin alt seo, iarratas a dhéanamh chun na cúirte ar dhearbhú faoin alt seo.
(6) Féadfaidh an chúirt, ar éisteacht a bheith tugtha aici do cibé fianaise a bheidh tugtha ar aird, agus d'aon uiríll a bheidh déanta ag an duine údaraithe agus ag duine dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (5), a dhearbhú dá rogha féin —
(a) nach ndlíonn riachtanais leas an phobail feidhmiú na gcumhachtaí ag an duine údaraithe a thugtar dó leis an alt seo, nó
(b) go ndlíonn riachtanais leas an phobail an feidhmiú sin amhlaidh.
(7) I gcás go ndéanann an chúirt dearbhú faoi fho-alt (6) (a), tarraingeoidh an duine údaraithe siar, a luaithe is féidir, an ceanglas iomchuí faoin alt seo.
(8) I gcás go ndéanann an chúirt dearbhú faoi fho-alt (6) (b), déanfaidh an duine ar ar forchuireadh an ceanglas an fhaisnéis a éilítear a sholáthar don duine údaraithe a luaithe is féidir.
(9) Más rud é, de shárú ar fho-alt (8), go ndiúltaíonn duine nó go mainníonn sé, laistigh de thráth réasúnach, ceanglas de chuid duine údaraithe a chomhlíonadh, féadfaidh an duine údaraithe an diúltú a dheimhniú faoina láimh don chúirt agus féadfaidh an chúirt, tar éis aon ráiteas a thairgfear mar chosaint a éisteacht, an ciontóir a phionósú amhail mar a dhéanfaí sin i gcás é bheith ciontach i ndíspeagadh cúirte.
Oibleagáid maidir le rúndacht ghairmiúil.
118.—(1) Ní nochtfar, ach amháin de réir dlí, faisnéis a fhaigheann aon duine de na daoine seo a leanas de bhua stocmhalartán aitheanta d'fheidhmiú a chuid feidhmeanna faoin gCuid seo, eadhon—
(a) údarás iomchuí an mhalartáin,
(b) duine údaraithe, nó
(c) aon duine atá fostaithe nó a bhí fostaithe tráth ag an malartán.
(2) Ní choiscfidh fo-alt (1) ar údarás iomchuí stocmhalartáin aitheanta aon fhaisnéis a nochtadh don Aire, cibé acu de bhun iarratais faoi alt 115 (5) nó ar shlí eile, nó d'údarás dá shamhail i mBallstát eile de chuid na gComhphobal Eorpach.
(3) Beidh aon duine a sháróidh fo-alt (1) ciontach i gcion.
Leathnú ar Threoir 79/279/CEE ón gComhairle.
119.—Na forálacha de Sceideal C.5 (a) de Threoir 79/279/CEE ón gComhairle, an 5 Márta, 1979* ag comhordú na gcoinníollacha chun urrúis a ghlacadh ar liostú oifigiúil stocmhalartáin, mar a tugadh éifeacht dóibh le Rialacháin na gComhphobal Eorpach (An Stocmhargadh), 1984 (I.R. Uimh. 282 de 1984), beidh feidhm acu freisin maidir le hurrúis de réir bhrí alt 107.
Tuarascáil bhliantúil stocmhalartáin aitheanta.
120.—(1) Tíolacfar tuarascáil bhliantúil don Aire thar ceann gach stocmhalartáin aitheanta maidir le feidhmiú na bhfeidhmeanna ag údaráis iomchuí an stocmhalartáin lena mbaineann faoin gCuid seo, agus go háirithe folóidh an tuarascáil—
(a) líon na ngearán scríofa a fuarthas maidir leis na sáruithe a d'fhéadfadh a bheith déanta ar an gCuid seo,
(b) líon na dtuarascálacha a tugadh don Stiúrthóir Ionchúiseamh Poiblí faoin gCuid seo,
(c) líon na gcásanna nár tugadh tuarascálacha don Stiúrthóir Ionchúiseamh Poiblí tar éis do dhaoine údaraithe cumhachtaí a fheidhmiú faoin gCuid seo, agus
(d) cibé faisnéis eile a fhorordófar.
(2) Déanfar, faoi réir fho-alt (3), cóip den tuarascáil dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1) a leagan faoi bhráid gach Tí den Oireachtas.
(3) Más é tuairim an Aire, tar éis dó dul i gcomhairle le húdarás iomchuí de chuid an stocmhalartáin aitheanta lena mbaineann, go ndéanfadh nochtadh aon fhaisnéise sa tuarascáil dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1) díobháil ábhartha nó dochar míchuí do leasanna dlisteanacha aon duine, nó thairis sin go bhfuil cúis mhaith ann gan aon chuid den tuarascáil sin a sceitheadh, féadfaidh sé an tuarascáil a chur faoina mbráid faoi fho-alt (2) leis an bhfaisnéis sin nó leis an an gcuid sin fágtha ar lár.
Cumhacht an Aire rialacháin fhorlíontacha a dhéanamh.
121.—(1) Más rud é, ar shlí ar bith, go dtarlóidh aon deacrachtaí ag cur forála ar bith den Chuid seo i ngníomh, nó i ndáil le hoibriú aon fhorála den sórt sin, féadfaidh an tAire le rialacháin aon ní a dhéanamh a cheapann sé a bheith riachtanach nó fóirsteanach chun an deacracht sin a shárú, chun an fhoráil a chur i ngníomh, nó chun a oibriú a áirithiú nó a urasú, agus féadfaidh aon rialacháin den sórt sin aon fhoráil den Chuid seo a mhodhnú a mhéid a bheidh riachtanach nó fóirsteanach chun an fhoráil sin a chur in éifeacht chun na gcríoch réamhráite.
(2) Gan dochar do ghinearáltacht fho-alt (1), féadfaidh an tAire, i gcás go measann sé é a bheith riachtanach nó fóirsteanach déanamh amhlaidh chun riar cuí éifeachtach a dhéanamh ar ailt 115 agus 117, cibé rialacháin a dhéanamh is cuí leis—
(a) i ndáil le cumhachtaí daoine údaraithe, nó
(b) i ndáil leis na nithe a bhféadfaidh daoine údaraithe faisnéis a éileamh ina leith, nó i ndáil leis na daoine a bhféadfaidh daoine údaraithe faisnéis a éileamh uathu, faoin gCuid seo.
(3) Gach rialachán a dhéanfaidh an tAire faoin alt seo leagfar é faoi bhráid gach Tí den Oireachtas a luaithe is féidir tar éis a dhéanta agus má dhéanann ceachtar Teach acu sin, laistigh den 21 lá a shuífidh an Teach sin tar éis an rialachán a leagan faoina bhráid, rún a rith ag neamhniú an rialacháin beidh an rialachán ar neamhní dá réir sin, ach sin gan dochar do bhailíocht aon ní a rinneadh roimhe sin faoin rialachán.
CUID VI
Foirceannadh agus Nithe Gaolmhara
Clárú Muirear
Leasú ar alt 99 den Phríomh-Acht.
122.—Leasaítear leis seo alt 99 den Phríomh-Acht—
(a) i bhfo-alt (2), tríd an mír seo a leanas a chur in ionad mhír (h)—
“(h) muirear ar long nó ar aerárthach nó ar aon scair i long nó in aerárthach;”, agus
(b) trí na fo-ailt seo a leanas a chur isteach—
“(2A) Féadfaidh an tAire le rialacháin fo-alt (2) a leasú chun aon tuairisc ar mhuirear a chur leis na muirir, nó a bhaint de na muirir, a cheanglaítear a chlárú faoin alt seo.
(2B) Folóidh cumhacht an Aire faoi fho-alt (2A) cumhacht chun an tuairisc ar aon mhuirear dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (2) a leasú le rialacháin.
(2C) Gach rialachán a dhéanfaidh an tAire faoin alt seo leagfar é faoi bhráid gach Tí den Oireachtas a luaithe is féidir tar éis a dhéanta agus má dhéanann ceachtar Teach acu sin, laistigh den 21 lá a shuífidh an Teach sin tar éis an rialachán a leagan faoina bhráid, rún a rith ag neamhniú an rialacháin beidh an rialachán ar neamhní dá réir sin, ach sin gan dochar do bhailíocht aon ní a rinneadh roimhe sin faoin rialachán.”.
Foirceannadh ag an gCúirt
Leasú ar ailt 214 agus 345 den Phríomh-Acht.
123.—Leasaítear leis seo alt 214 (a) (a bhaineann leis na himthosca nach bhfuil cuideachta in ann a fiacha a íoc) agus alt 345 (5) (a) (a bhaineann le cuideachtaí neamhchláraithe) den Phríomh-Acht trí “£1,000” a chur in ionad “£50” i ngach cás.
Leasú ar alt 231 den Phríomh-Acht.
124.—Leasaítear leis seo alt 231 den Phríomh-Acht tríd an bhfo-alt seo a leanas a chur isteach i ndiaidh fho-alt (1)—
“(1A) (a) Ní dhéanfaidh leachtaitheoir cuideachta, trí chonradh príobháideach, sócmhainn nach sócmhainn airgid den luach riachtanach a dhíol le duine atá, nó a bhí sna trí bliana roimh dháta thosach an fhoirceanta, ina oifigeach don chuideachta, mura mbeidh fógra 14 lá ar a laghad go bhfuil sé ar intinn aige déanamh amhlaidh tugtha ag an leachtaitheoir do chreidiúnaithe uiie na cuideachta is eol dó nó a bheidh curtha in iúl dó.
(b) San fho-alt seo—
(i) tá le ‘sócmhainn nach sócmhainn airgid’ agus ‘luach riachtanach’, na bríonna a shanntar dóibh le halt 29 d'Acht na gCuideachtaí, 1990, agus
(ii) folaíonn ‘oifigeach’ duine atá bainteach, de réir bhrí alt 26 d'Acht na gCuideachtaí, 1990, le stiúrthóir, agus cúlstiúrthóir.”.
Leabhair, taifid, etc. cuideachta a bheith gan aon lian.
125.—Leasaítear leis seo an Príomh-Acht tríd an alt seo a leanas a chur isteach i ndiaidh alt 244—
“244A.—I gcás leachtaitheoir sealadach a bheith ceaptha ag an gcúirt nó i gcás go mbeidh cuideachta á foirceannadh ag an gcúirt, nó trí fhoirceannadh toilteanach ag creidiúnaithe, ní bheidh aon duine i dteideal amhail in aghaidh an leachtaitheora nó an leachtaitheora shealadaigh seilbh ar aon ghníomhas, ionstraim nó doiciméad eile de chuid na cuideachta, nó na leabhair chuntais, na hadmhálacha, na billí, na sonraisc nó na páipéir eile dá samhail a bhaineann leis na cuntais nó leis an trádáil, leis na déileálacha nó le gnó na cuideachta, a choinneáil siar, nó aon lian a éileamh orthu ar choinníoll—
(a) i gcás morgáiste, muirear nó gealltán a bheith cruthaithe trí aon doiciméad nó páipéar den sórt sin a thaisceadh le duine, nach mbeidh tabhairt ar aird an doiciméid nó an pháipéir don leachtaitheoir nó don leachtaitheoir sealadach ag an duine, ina dhochar do chearta an duine faoin morgáiste, faoin muirear nó faoin ngealltán (seachas aon cheart seilbhe ar an doiciméad nó ar an bpáipéar),
(b) i gcás go mbeidh seilbh ag leachtaitheoir nó ag leachtaitheoir sealadach de bhua an ailt seo ar aon doiciméad nó páipéir de chuid glacadóra nó a mbeidh glacadóir i dteideal é nó iad a scrúdú, go gcuirfidh an leachtaitheoir nó an leachtaitheoir sealadach, mura n-ordaíonn an chúirt a mhalairt, an doiciméad nó na páipéir ar fáil lena iniúchadh nó lena n-iniúchadh ag an nglacadóir gach tráth réasúnach.”.
Cumhacht na cúirte chun daoine a ghairm os a comhair lena gceistiú.
126.—Leasaítear leis seo an Príomh-Acht tríd an alt seo a leanas a chur in ionad alt 245—
“245.—(1) Féadfaidh an chúirt, tráth ar bith tar éis leachtaitheoir sealadach a cheapadh nó ordú foirceanta a dhéanamh, aon oifigeach don chuideachta nó aon duine arb eol, nó a bhfuil amhras ann, go bhfuil aon mhaoin leis an gcuideachta ina sheilbh aige nó a shíltear a bheith i bhfiacha ag an gcuideachta, nó aon duine a mheasfaidh an chúirt a d'fhéadfadh faisnéis a thabhairt maidir le tionscnamh, foirmiú, trádáil, déileálacha, cúrsaí nó maoin na cuideachta, a ghairm os a comhair.
(2) Féadfaidh an chúirt an duine sin a cheistiú faoi mhionn i dtaobh na nithe a dúradh, de bhriathar béil nó ar agarcheisteanna i scríbhinn, agus féadfaidh sí a fhreagraí a chur síos i scríbhinn agus a cheangal air iad a shíniú.
(3) Féadfaidh an chúirt a cheangal ar an duine sin aon taifid chuntasaíochta, gníomhas, ionstraim nó doiciméad nó páipéar eile a bhaineann leis an gcuideachta agus a bheidh faoina choimeád nó faoina chumhacht a thabhairt ar aird.
(4) Féadfaidh an chúirt, sula ndéanfar an ceistiú, a cheangal ar an duine sin ráiteas a chur faoina bráid, i cibé foirm a ordóidh an chúirt, maidir le haon idirbhearta idir é agus an chuideachta de chineál nó d'aicme a shonróidh an chúirt.
(5) Más dóigh leis an gcúirt go bhfuil sé ceart agus cothromasach déanamh amhlaidh féadfaidh sí a ordú go ndéanfaidh an duine a cheisteofar costais an cheistiúcháin a íoc.
(6) Ní bheidh duine a cheisteofar faoin alt seo i dteideal diúltú freagra a thabhairt ar aon cheist a chuirfear air ar an bhforas go mb'fhéidir go n-ionchoireodh a fhreagra é, ach ní bheidh aon fhreagra dá dtabharfaidh an duine sin inghlactha i bhfianaise ina choinne in aon imeachtaí eile, sibhialta ná coiriúil, seachas i gcás aon imeachtaí coiriúla mar ghéall ar mhionnú éithigh i leith aon fhreagra den sórt sin.
(7) Má mhainníonn duine gan leithscéal réasúnach tráth ar bith freastal chun é a cheistiú faoin alt seo, beidh sé ciontach i ndíspeagadh cúirte agus dlífear é a phionósú dá réir sin.
(8) I gcás go mainníonn duine, gan leithscéal réasúnach, tráth ar bith freastal chun é a cheistiú faoin alt seo nó go bhfuil forais réasúnacha ann chun a chreidiúint gur éalaigh duine nó go bhfuil sé ar tí éalú d'fhonn a cheistiúchán faoin alt seo a sheachaint nó a mhoilliú, féadfaidh an chúirt a chur faoi deara an duine sin a ghabháil agus a chuid leabhar agus doiciméad agus a mhaoin phearsanta shochorraithe a urghabháil agus é féin agus iadsan a choinneáil go ceann cibé tréimhse a ordóidh an chúirt.”.
Ordú iocaíochta nó seachadta maoine in aghaidh duine a cheistítear faoi alt 245 den Phríomh-Acht.
127.—Leasaítear leis seo an Príomh-Acht tríd an alt seo a leanas a chur isteach roimh alt 246—
“245A.—Más rud é le linn ceistiú faoi alt 245 gur dealraitheach don chúirt maidir le haon duine atá á cheistiú—
(a) go bhfuil sé i bhfiacha ag an gcuideachta, nó
(b) go bhfuil aon airgead, maoin nó leabhair agus páipéir de chuid na cuideachta ina sheilbh nó faoina urláimh,
féadfaidh an chúirt a ordú don duine sin—
(i) méid an fhéich nó aon chuid de a íoc leis an leachtaitheoir, nó
(ii) an t-airgead, an mhaoin nó na leabhair agus na páipéir sin nó aon chuid díobh a íoc leis an leachtaitheoir, a sheachadadh nó a thíolacadh air, a ghéilleadh dó nó a aistriú chuige.
de réir mar a bheidh, cibé tráth agus i cibé slí agus ar cibé téarmaí a ordóidh an chúirt.”.
Dearbhú Sócmhainneachta
Dearbhú reachtúil sócmhainneachta i gcás tairisceana le haghaidh foirceannadh toilteanach.
128.—Leasaítear leis seo an Príomh-Acht tríd an alt seo a leanas a chur in ionad alt 256—
“256.—(1) Nuair a bheartófar cuideachta a fhoirceannadh go toilteanach, féadfaidh stiúrthóirí na cuideachta nó, i gcás cuideachta a bhfuil níos mó ná dhá stiúrthóir uirthi, tromlach na stiúrthóirí, ag cruinniú de na stiúrthóirí, dearbhú reachtúil a dhéanamh á rá go ndearna siad fiosrúchán iomlán faoi chúrsaí na cuideachta, agus tar éis a dhéanta, gur tháinig siad ar an tuairim go mbeidh an chuideachta in ann a fiacha a íoc go hiomlán laistigh de cibé tréimhse, nach faide ná 12 mhí ó thosach an fhoirceanta, a bheidh sonraithe sa dearbhú.
(2) Ní bheidh aon éifeacht chun críocha an Achta seo le dearbhú a dhéanfar mar a dúradh mura rud é—
(a) go ndéanfar é laistigh de na 28 lá díreach roimh an dáta a rithfear an rún chun an chuideachta a fhoirceannadh agus go seachadfar é ar chláraitheoir na gcuideachtaí tráth nach déanaí ná an dáta a sheachadfar ar an gcláraitheoir, de réir fhorálacha alt 143, cóip den rún chun an chuideachta a fhoirceannadh;
(b) go mbeidh ráiteas ann ar shócmhainní agus dliteanais na cuideachta amhail mar a bhí ar an dáta is praiticiúil ba dhéanaí roimh an dearbhú a dhéanamh agus in aon chás ar dháta nach mó ná trí mhí roimh an dearbhú a dhéanamh;
(c) go mbeidh tuarascáil ag gabháil leis a rinne duine neamhspleách de réir fhorálacha an ailt seo;
(d) go mbeidh ráiteas ann ón duine neamhspleách dá dtagraítear i mír (c) á rá gur thug sé a thoiliú i scríbhinn, agus nár tharraing sé siar é, maidir le heisiúint an dearbhaithe agus an tuarascáil ag gabháil leis; agus
(e) go mbeidh cóip den dearbhú ag gabháil leis an bhfógra a d'eisigh an chuideachta i dtaobh an chruinnithe ghinearálta ag a bhfuiltear chun rún a thairiscint le haghaidh foirceannadh toilteanach faoi mhír (a) nó (b) d'alt 251(1).
(3) An tuarascáil dá dtagraítear i mír (c) d'fho-alt (2), is duine neamhspleách a dhéanfaidh é, is é sin le rá, duine a bheidh cáilithe tráth na tuarascála lena cheapadh ina iniúchóir, nó le leanúint de bheith ina iniúchóir, ar an gcuideachta.
(4) Luafar sa tuarascáil cibé acu atá nó nach bhfuil, ina thuairim, agus a mhéid is fearr is eol dó agus de réir na mínithe a tugadh dó—
(a) tuairim na stiúrthóirí dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1), agus
(b) an ráiteas ar shócmhainní agus ar dhliteanais na cuideachta atá sa dearbhú sin,
réasúnach.
(5) Más rud é, laistigh de 28 lá tar éis an rún le haghaidh foirceannadh toilteanach a fhógairt faoi fho-alt (1) d'alt 252, go ndéanfaidh creidiúnaí iarratas chun na cúirte ar ordú faoin bhfo-alt seo agus gur deimhin leis an gcúirt go n-ionannaíonn an creidiúnaí sin, mar aon le haon chreidiúnaithe a bheidh ag tacú leis ina iarratas, an cúigiú cuid ar a laghad, de réir líon nó luacha, de chreidiúnaithe na cuideachta, agus gurb é tuairim na cúirte nach cosúil go mbeidh an chuideachta in ann a fiacha a íoc laistigh den tréimhse a bheidh sonraithe sa dearbhú, féadfaidh an chúirt a ordú go mbeidh feidhm maidir leis an bhfoirceannadh ag na forálacha uile den Acht seo a bhaineann le foirceannadh toilteanach ag creidiúnaithe.
(6) Má ordaíonn an chúirt go mbeidh feidhm maidir leis an bhfoirceannadh ag na forálacha uile den Acht seo a bhaineann le foirceannadh toilteanach ag creidiúnaithe, déanfaidh an duine a bhí i seilbh oifige mar leachtaitheoir díreach roimh an t-ordú a dhéanamh nó, mura bhfuil aon leachtaitheoir ag gníomhú, déanfaidh an chuideachta, laistigh de 21 lá tar éis an t-ordú a dhéanamh, cóip oifige den ordú sin a sheachadadh ar chláraitheoir na gcuideachtaí.
(7) Má mhainnítear fo-alt (6) a chomhlíonadh, dlífear fíneáil nach mó ná £1,000 a chur ar aon duine a rinne mainneachtain.
(8) I gcás go ndéanfar dearbhú reachtúil faoin alt seo agus go gcruthaítear ina dhiaidh sin chun sástacht na cúirte nach bhfuil an chuideachta in ann a fiacha a íoc, féadfaidh an chúirt, ar iarratas ón leachtaitheoir nó ó aon chreidiúnaí nó ranníocóir de chuid na cuideachta, más cuí léi déanamh amhlaidh, a dhearbhú, maidir le haon stiúrthóir a bhí ina pháirtí sa dearbhú agus gan forais réasúnacha aige leis an tuairim go mbeadh an chuideachta in ann a fiacha a íoc ina n-iomláine laistigh den tréimhse a shonraítear sa dearbhú, go mbeidh sé freagrach go pearsanta, gan aon teorainn ó thaobh dliteanais, as fiacha nó dliteanais eile go léir na cuideachta nó aon cheann díobh de réir mar a ordóidh an chúirt.
(9) I gcás nach mbeidh fiacha cuideachta íoctha ná soláthar déanta dóibh go hiomlán laistigh den tréimhse a bheidh luaite sa dearbhú sócmhainneachta, toimhdeofar chun críocha fho-alt (8), go dtí go suífear a mhalairt, nach raibh forais réasúnacha ag an stiúrthóir lena thuairim.
(10) I gcás go ndéanfaidh an chúirt dearbhú faoi fho-alt (8), féadfaidh sí cibé treoracha breise a thabhairt is cuí léi chun éifeacht a thabhairt don dearbhú sin.
(11) San Acht seo tugtar ‘foirceannadh toilteanach ag comhaltaí’ ar fhoirceannadh i gcás ina ndearnadh agus inar seachadadh dearbhú de réir an ailt seo, agus tugtar ‘foirceannadh toilteanach ag creidiúnaithe’ san Acht seo ar fhoirceannadh toilteanach i gcás nach ndearnadh agus nár seachadadh dearbhú mar a dúradh nó i gcás ina ndéanfar ordú faoi fho-alt (5) nó i gcás lena mbaineann alt 261 (3).”.
Forálacha is infheidhme maidir le Foirceannadh Toilteanach ag Comhaltaí
Dualgas leachtaitheora cruinniú creidiúnaithe a ghairm más é a thuairim nach bhfuil an chuideachta in ann a fiacha a íoc.
129.—Leasaítear leis seo an Príomh-Acht tríd an alt seo a leanas a chur in ionad alt 261—
“261.—(1) Más rud é go mbeidh an leachtaitheoir ar an tuairim aon uair nach mbeidh an chuideachta in ann a fiacha a íoc go hiomlán laistigh den tréimhse a bheidh luaite sa dearbhú faoi alt 256—
(a) déanfaidh sé cruinniú de na creidiúnaithe a ghairm le haghaidh lá nach déanaí ná an ceathrú lá dhéag tar éis an lae ar tháinig sé ar an tuairim sin:
(b) cuirfidh sé fógraí faoi chruinniú na gcreidiúnaithe chuig na creidiúnaithe leis an bpost seacht lá ar a laghad roimh an lá a bhfuil an cruinniú sin le tionól;
(c) cuirfidh sé faoi deara fógra faoi chruinniú na gcreidiúnaithe a fhógairt, deich lá ar a laghad roimh dháta an chruinnithe, uair amháin san Iris Oifigiúil agus uair amháin ar a laghad in dhá nuachtán laethúla a léitear sa cheantar ina raibh príomh-áit ghnó na cuideachta sa Stát suite le linn na tréimhse iomchuí; agus
(d) tabharfaidh sé, sa tréimhse roimh an lá a thionólfar cruinniú na gcreidiúnaithe, cibé faisnéis do chreidiúnaithe, saor in aisce, a bhaineann le cúrsaí na cuideachta a theastóidh uathu le réasún;
agus luafar san fhógra i dtaobh chruinniú na gcreidiúnaithe an dualgas a fhorchuirtear le mír (d).
(2) Déanfaidh an leachtaitheoir freisin—
(a) ráiteas a dhéanamh amach san fhoirm fhorordaithe maidir le cúrsaí na cuideachta, lena n-áirítear ráiteas i dtaobh sócmhainní agus dliteanais na cuideachta, liosta de na creidiúnaithe neamhíochta agus méid measta a gcuid éileamh;
(b) an ráiteas sin a leagan faoi bhráid chruinniú na gcreidiúnaithe; agus
(c) freastal agus dul i gceannas ar an gcruinniú sin.
(3) Amhail ón lá a thionólfar cruinniú na gcreidiúnaithe faoin alt seo, beidh éifeacht le hAchtanna na gCuideachtaí—
(a) amhail is, gan dochar do chumhachtaí na cúirte faoi alt 256, nach ndearnadh dearbhú na stiúrthóirí faoin alt sin; agus
(b) amhail is dá mba iad na cruinnithe a luaitear in alt 266 cruinniú na gcreidiúnaithe agus cruinnithe na cuideachta ag ar cinneadh an chuideachta a fhoirceannadh go toilteanach;
agus, dá réir sin, tiocfaidh an foirceannadh chun bheith ina fhoirceannadh toilteanach ag creidiúnaithe agus measfar, maidir le haon cheapachán a rinneadh nó aon choiste a bunaíodh ag cruinniú na gcreidiúnaithe, go ndearnadh é nó gur bunaíodh é ag cruinniú na gcreidiúnaithe a luaitear amhlaidh.
(4) Ní dhéanfaidh ceapachán leachtaitheora ag cruinniú a ghairtear faoin alt seo difear, faoi réir fho-alt (5), do bhailíocht aon ghnímh roimhe sin a rinne an leachtaitheoir a bhí ceaptha ag comhaltaí na cuideachta.
(5) I gcás go gceapann na creidiúnaithe leachtaitheoir ag cruinniú a ghairtear faoin alt seo agus go mbíonn díospóid ann maidir le haon cheann, nó le gach ceann, de na costais, muirir nó caiteachais a thabhaigh an leachtaitheoir, lena n-áirítear luach saothair an leachtaitheora, a bhí ceaptha ag comhaltaí na cuideachta, féadfaidh an leachtaitheoir a cheapfaidh na creidiúnaithe, nó aon chreidiúnaí, iarratas a dhéanamh chun na cúirte chun an díospóid a réiteach agus féadfaidh an chúirt, ar iarratas den sórt sin, cibé ordú a dhéanamh is cuí léi.
(6) Ní mheasfar maidir le haon ní san alt seo go múchann sé aon cheart san Acht seo atá ag aon duine achainí a thíolacadh don chúirt chun cuideachta a fhoirceannadh.
(7) Má mhainníonn an leachtaitheoir fo-alt (1) a chomhlíonadh dlífear fíneáil a chur air.”.
Forálacha is infheidhme maidir le Foirceannadh Toilteanach ag Creidiúnaithe
Leasú ar alt 266 den Phríomh-Acht.
130.—Leasaítear leis seo alt 266 den Phríomh-Acht tríd an méid seo a leanas a chur isteach i bhfo-alt (2) i ndiaidh “a fhógairt”.
“, ar a laghad deich lá roimh dháta an chruinnithe,”.
Foirceannadh toilteanach ag creidiúnaithe.
131.—(1) Beidh feidhm ag an alt seo más rud é, i gcás foirceannadh toilteanach ag creidiúnaithe, go mbeidh leachtaitheoir ainmnithe ag an gcuideachta.
(2) Ní fheidhmeofar na cumhachtaí a thugtar don leachtaitheoir le halt 276 den Phríomh-Acht, ach amháin le cead na cúirte, le linn na tréimhse roimh thionól chruinniú na gcreidiúnaithe faoi alt 266 den Acht sin.
(3) Ní bheidh feidhm ag fo-alt (2) i ndáil le cumhacht an leachtaitheora—
(a) chun an mhaoin go léir a bhfuil, nó a ndealraíonn sé go bhfuil, teideal ag an gcuideachta chuici a ghlacadh faoina choimeád nó faoina urlámhas;
(b) chun carraí meatacha agus earraí eile a chur de láimh ar dócha go laghdófaí a luach mura gcuirfí de láimh iad láithreach;
(c) chun na nithe eile sin go léir a dhéanamh a bheidh riachtanach chun sócmhainní na cuideachta a chosaint.
(4) Beidh an leachtaitheoir i láthair ag cruinniú na gcreidiúnaithe a thionólfar faoi alt 266 den Phríomh-Acht agus tabharfaidh sé tuairisc don chruinniú maidir le haon fheidhmiú dá chuid cumhachtaí aige (cibé acu faoin alt seo nó faoi alt 276 nó 280 den Acht sin).
(5) Más rud é—
(a) go mainníonn an chuideachta fo-alt (1) nó (2) d'alt 266 den Phríomh-Acht a chomhlíonadh, nó
(b) go mainníonn na stiúrthóirí fo-alt (3) den alt sin a chomhlíonadh,
déanfaidh an leachtaitheoir, laistigh de 7 lá ón lá iomchuí, iarratas chun na cúirte le haghaidh ordachán maidir leis an tslí ina leigheasfar an mhainneachtain sin.
(6) Ciallaíonn “an lá iomchuí” an lá ar ainmnigh an chuideachta an leachtaitheoir nó an lá ar tháinig sé chun fios a bheith aige i gcéaduair i dtaobh na mainneachtana, cibé acu is déanaí.
(7) Beidh leachtaitheoir ciontach i gcion má mhainníonn sé, gan leithscéal réasúnach, an t-alt seo a chomhlíonadh.
Forálacha is infheidhme maidir le gach Foirceannadh Toilteanach
Leasú ar alt 275 den Phríomh-Acht.
132.—Leasaítear leis seo an Príomh-Acht tríd an alt seo a leanas a chur in ionad alt 275—
“275.—(1) Faoi réir fhorálacha an Achta seo maidir le híocaíochtaí tosaíochta, déanfar maoin chuideachta, ar an gcuideachta a fhoirceannadh—
(a) a chur chun feidhme, faoi réir fho-alt (2), chun a dliteanais a shásamh pari passu, agus
(b) mura bhforálann na hairteagail a mhalairt, a dháileadh, faoi réir na feidhme sin, ar na comhaltaí de réir a gceart agus a leasanna sa chuideachta.
(2) Ní dhéanfaidh aon ní i mír (a) d'fho-alt (1) difear in aon slí d'aon chearta nó oibleagáidí de chuid na cuideachta nó aon duine eile a thig de dhroim aon chomhaontaithe a rinne aon duine (cibé acu roimh nó tar éis thosach feidhme alt 132 d'Acht na gCuid-eachtaí, 1990) faoina ndéantar aon dliteanas áirithe de chuid na cuideachta i leith aon chreidiúnaí ghinearálta a chur siar i bhfabhar ceart nó éileamh, nó a chur faoi réir ceart nó éileamh, aon duine eile a mbeidh an chuideachta faoi dhliteanas ina leith in aon slí.
(3) I bhfo-alt (2)—
folaíonn ‘dliteanas’ dliteanas teagmhasach; agus
folaíonn ‘duine’ aicme daoine.”.
Toiliú le ceapachán mar leachtaitheoir agus fógra i dtaobh an cheapacháin.
133.—Leasaítear leis seo an Príomh-Acht tríd an alt seo a leanas a chur isteach i ndiaidh alt 276—
“276A.—(1) Ní bheidh aon éifeacht le ceapachán leachtaitheora mura gcuirfidh an duine a ainmnítear in iúl i scríbhinn sula gceaptar é go bhfuil sé ag toiliú leis an gceapachán.
(2) Tabharfaidh cathaoirleach aon chruinnithe ag a gceaptar leachtaitheoir fógra i scríbhinn i dtaobh an cheapacháin don leachtaitheoir, laistigh de 7 lá ón gcruinniú, mura mbeidh an leachtaitheoir nó a ionadaí cuí-údaraithe i láthair ag an gcruinniú ag a ndéanfar an ceapachán.
(3) Duine a mhainneoidh fo-alt (2) a chomhlíonadh dlífear fíneáil nach mó ná £1,000 a chur air.”.
Forálacha is infheidhme maidir le gach Foirceannadh
Íocaíochtaí tosaíochta i bhfoirceannadh.
134.—Leasaítear leis seo alt 285 den Phríomh-Acht tríd an bhfo-alt seo a leanas a chur isteach—
“(14) An tosaíocht a thugtar le fo-alt (2) ní bheidh feidhm aici ach amháin maidir leis na fiacha sin—
(a) a bheidh curtha in iúl dó; nó
(b) a mbeidh eolas curtha aige orthu
laistigh den tréimhse sé mhí tar éis fógrán faoi choinne éileamh a bheith curtha ag an leachtaitheoir in dhá nuachtán laethúla ar a laghad a léitear sa cheantar ina bhfuil oifig chláraithe na cuideachta suite.”.
Tosaíocht chalaoiseach.
135.—Leasaítear leis seo an Príomh-Acht tríd an alt seo a leanas a chur in ionad alt 286—
“286.—(1) Faoi réir fhorálacha an ailt seo aon tíolacas, morgáiste, seachadadh earraí, íocaíocht, forghníomhú nó gníomh eile maidir le maoin a rinne cuideachta nó a rinneadh in aghaidh cuideachta nach bhfuil in ann a cuid fiach a íoc, de réir mar a thagann siad chun bheith dlite, i bhfabhar aon chreidiúnaí, nó aon duine ar iontaobhas d'aon chreidiúnaí, d'fhonn tosaíocht ar na creidiúnaithe eile a thabhairt don chreidiúnaí sin nó d'aon urra nó ráthóir ar an bhfiach atá dlite don chreidiúnaí sin, measfar, i gcás go dtosaíonn foirceannadh na cuideachta laistigh de 6 mhí ó dhéanamh an chéanna agus nach mbeidh an chuideachta, an tráth a dtosaíonn an foirceannadh, in ann a fiacha a íoc (ag cur na ndliteanas teagmhasach agus ionchasach sa chuntas), gur tosaíocht chalaoiseach é ar a creidiúnaithe agus beidh sé neamhbhailí dá réir sin.
(2) Aon tíolacas nó sannadh ar iomlán a maoine a dhéanfaidh cuideachta chuig iontaobhaithe ar mhaithe lena creidiúnaithe go léir, beidh sé ar neamhní chun gach críche.
(3) Maidir le hidirbheart lena mbaineann fo-alt (1) i bhfabhar duine bhaintigh a rinneadh laistigh de dhá bhliain roimh thosach fhoirceannadh na cuideachta measfar, mura suífear a mhalairt, i gcás an chuideachta a fhoirceannadh—
(a) go ndearnadh é d'fhonn tosaíocht a thabhairt don duine sin ar na creidiúnaithe eile, agus
(b) gur tosaíocht chalaoiseach é,
agus beidh sé neamhbhailí dá réir sin.
(4) Ní dhéanfaidh fo-ailt (1) agus (3) difear do chearta aon duine a dhéanann teideal amach de mheon macánta agus ar chomaoin luachmhar trí chreidiúnaí de chuid na cuideachta, nó faoi.
(5) San alt seo ciallaíonn duine bainteach duine a bhí, an tráth a ndearnadh an t-idirbheart—
(a) ina stiúrthóir ar an gcuideachta;
(b) ina chúlstiúrthóir ar an gcuideachta;
(c) ina dhuine a bhí bainteach le stiúrthóir de réir bhrí alt 26 (1) (a) d'Acht na gCuideachtaí, 1990:
(d) ina chuideachta ghaolmhar de réir bhrí alt 140 den Acht sin, nó
(e) ina iontaobhaí ar bith d'aon duine a thuairiscítear i mír (a), (b), (c) nó (d) nó ina urra nó ina ráthóir ar an bhfiach atá dlite don duine sin.”.
Imthosca ina mbeidh muirear foluaineach neamhbhailí.
136.—Leasaítear leis seo an Príomh-Acht tríd an alt seo a leanas a chur in ionad alt 288—
“288.—(1) I gcás cuideachta a bheith á foirceannadh, má bhíonn gnóthas nó maoin na cuideachta faoi mhuirear foluaineach a bunaíodh laistigh de 12 mhí roimh thosach an fhoirceanta, ansin, mura gcruthaítear go raibh an chuideachta sócmhainneach díreach tar éis an muirear a bhunú, beidh an muirear sin neamhbhailí, ach amháin maidir le hairgead a airleacadh nó a íocadh, go hiarbhír, nó maidir le praghas nó luach iarbhír earraí nó seirbhísí a díoladh nó a soláthraíodh, leis an gcuideachta an tráth, nó i ndiaidh an trátha, ar bunaíodh an muirear, agus i gcomaoin an mhuirir, mar aon le hús ar an méid sin de réir 5 faoin gcéad sa bhliain.
(2) Chun críocha fho-alt (1) is é luach aon earraí nó seirbhísí a díoladh nó a soláthraíodh ar mhodh comaoine ar mhuirear foluaineach an méid in airgead a bheifí ag súil a fháil le réasún, an tráth ar díoladh nó ar soláthraíodh iad, ar na hearraí nó na seirbhísí i ngnáthchúrsa gnó agus ar na téarmaí céanna (ar leith ón gcomaoin) leis na téarmaí sin ar díoladh leis an gcuideachta nó ar soláthraíodh di iad.
(3) Má bhunaítear muirear foluaineach ar ghnóthas nó ar mhaoin cuideachta i bhfabhar duine bhaintigh, beidh feidhm ag fo-alt (1) maidir le muirear den sórt sin amhail is dá mba thréimhse 2 bhliain an tréimhse 12 mhí a luaitear san fho-alt sin.
(4) San alt seo ciallaíonn ‘duine bainteach’ duine a bhí, an tráth a ndearnadh an t-idirbheart—
(a) ina stiúrthóir ar an gcuideachta;
(b) ina chúlstiúrthóir ar an gcuideachta;
(c) ina dhuine a bhí bainteach le stiúrthóir de réir bhrí alt 26 (1) (a) d'Acht na gCuideachtaí, 1990;
(d) ina chuideachta ghaolmhar de réir bhrí alt 140 den Acht sin, nó
(e) ina iontaobhaí ar bith d'aon duine a thuairiscítear i mír (a), (b), (c) nó (d) nó ina urra nó ráthóir ar an bhfiach atá dlite don duine sin.”.
Dliteanas coiriúil na ndaoine lena mbaineann maidir le trádáil chalaoiseach ag cuideachta.
137.—Leasaítear leis seo an Príomh-Acht tríd an alt seo a leanas a chur in ionad alt 297—
“297.—(1) Más rud é go mbeidh aon duine go feasach ina pháirtí i seoladh gnó de chuid cuideachta le hintinn calaois a dhéanamh ar chreidiúnaithe de chuid na cuideachta nó ar chreidiúnaithe aon duine eile nó chun aon chríche calaoisí, beidh an duine sin ciontach i gcion.
(2) Aon duine a chiontófar i gcion faoin alt seo dlífear—
(a) ar é a chiontú go hachomair príosúnacht ar feadh téarma nach faide ná 12 mhí nó fíneáil nach mó ná £1,000, nó iad araon, a chur air, nó
(b) ar é a chiontú ar díotáil, príosúnacht ar feadh téarma nach faide ná 7 mbliana nó fíneáil nach mó ná £50,000, nó iad araon, a chur air.”.
Dliteanas sibhialta na ndaoine lena mbaineann maidir le trádáil chalaoiseach nó mheargánta ag cuideachta.
138.—Leasaítear leis seo an Príomh-Acht tríd an alt seo a leanas a chur isteach i ndiaidh alt 297—
“297A.—(1) Más rud é, i gcúrsa cuideachta a fhoirceannadh nó i gcúrsa imeachtaí faoi Acht na gCuideachtaí (Leasú), 1990, gur dealraitheach—
(a) go raibh aon duine, fad a bhí sé ina oifigeach don chuideachta, go feasach ina pháirtí i seoladh aon ghnó de chuid na cuideachta ar mhodh meargánta; nó
(b) go raibh aon duine go feasach ina pháirtí i seoladh aon ghnó de chuid na cuideachta le hintinn calaois a dhéanamh ar chreidiúnaithe na cuideachta nó ar chreidiúnaithe aon duine eile nó chun aon chríche calaoisí;
féadfaidh an chúirt, ar iarratas ón nglacadóir, ón scrúdaitheoir, ón leachtaitheoir nó ó aon chreidiúnaí nó ranníocóir de chuid na cuideachta, más cuí léi é sin a dhéanamh, a dhearbhú go mbeidh an duine sin freagrach go pearsanta, gan aon teorainn ó thaobh dliteanais, as fiacha nó as dliteanais eile go léir na cuideachta, nó as aon chuid díobh sin, de réir mar a ordóidh an chúirt.
(2) Gan dochar do ghinearáltacht fho-alt (1) (a), measfar maidir le hoifigeach do chuideachta go raibh sé go feasach ina pháirtí i seoladh aon ghnó de chuid na cuideachta ar mhodh meargánta—
(a) má bhí sé ina pháirtí i seoladh an ghnó sin agus, ag féachaint don eolas ginearálta, don scil agus don taithí a bhféadfaí a bheith ag súil leis le réasún ó dhuine ina phost, gur cheart go mbeadh a fhios aige go mbeadh a chuid gníomhartha nó gníomhartha na cuideachta ina gcúis le caillteanas do chreidiúnaithe na cuideachta nó d'aon duine acu, nó
(b) má bhí sé ina pháirtí i dtabhú féich ag an gcuideachta agus nár chreid sé go macánta ar fhorais réasúnacha go mbeadh an chuideachta in ann an fiach a íoc nuair a bheadh sé dlite lena íoc maille lena cuid fiach eile go léir (ag cur na ndliteanas teagmhasach agus ionchasach sa chuntas).
(3) D'ainneoin aon ní i bhfo-alt (1) féadfaidh an chúirt dearbhú a dheonú ar na forais atá leagtha amach i mír (a) den fho-alt sin ar an gcoinníoll amháin—
(a) go mbaineann mír (a), (b) nó (c) d'alt 214 leis an gcuideachta lena mbaineann, agus
(b) gur tharla, de dhroim aon iompair a luaitear i bhfo-alt (1), gur bhain caillteanas nó damáiste d'iarratasóir ar dhearbhú den sórt sin, ar creidiúnaí nó rann íocóir den chuideachta é, nó d'aon duine a ndearnadh iarratas den sórt sin thar a cheann.
(4) Nuair a bheifear ag cinneadh cibé acu is cuí ordú a dhéanamh ar an bhforas atá leagtha amach i bhfo-alt (2) (b), díreoidh an chúirt a haird ar cibé acu ab eol don chreidiúnaí i gceist, an tráth a tabhaíodh an fiach, staid chúrsaí airgeadais na cuideachta agus, d'ainneoin an eolais sin, gur aontaigh sé, ar a shon sin, le tabhú an fhéich.
(5) Ar iarratas a éisteacht faoin alt seo, féadfaidh an t-iarratasóir féin fianaise a thabhairt nó glaoch ar fhinnéithe.
(6) I gcás gur dealraitheach don chúirt, maidir le haon duine a mbeidh dearbhú maidir leis iarrtha faoi fho-alt (1) (a), gur ghníomhaigh sé go macánta agus go freagrach i ndáil le cúrsaí na cuideachta a sheoladh nó le haon ábhar nó ábhair a n-iarrtar an dearbhú sin a dhéanamh ar a bhforas, féadfaidh an chúirt, ag féachaint d'imthosca uile an cháis, é a shaoradh go hiomlán nó go páirteach ó dhliteanas pearsanta ar cibé téarmaí is cuí léi.
(7) I gcás go ndéanfaidh an chúirt aon dearbhú den sórt sin, féadfaidh sí—
(a) cibé orduithe breise is cuí léi a thabhairt d'fhonn éifeacht a thabhairt don dearbhú sin, agus go sonrach féadfaidh sí socrú a dhéanamh chun dliteanas aon duine den sórt sin faoin dearbhú a chur de mhuirear ar aon fhiach nó oibleagáid a bheidh dlite dó ón gcuideachta, nó ar aon mhorgáiste nó muirear nó aon leas in aon mhorgáiste nó muirear ar aon sócmhainní de chuid na cuideachta a bheidh aige féin nó dílsithe dó nó ag aon chuideachta nó duine, nó dílsithe d'aon chuideachta nó duine, thar a cheann, nó ag aon duine, nó dílsithe d'aon duine, a dhéanfaidh éileamh mar shannaí ón duine nó tríd an duine a bheidh faoi dhliteanas, nó ó aon chuideachta nó duine, nó trí aon chuideachta nó duine, a bheidh ag gníomhú thar a cheann, agus féadfaidh sí ó am go ham cibé ordú breise a dhéanamh a bheidh riachtanach chun aon mhuirear a fhorchuirtear faoin bhfo-alt seo a chur i bhfeidhm:
(b) a shocrú go n-íocfar suimeanna a ghnóthófar faoin alt seo le cibé duine nó aicmí daoine, le haghaidh cibé críoch, i cibé méideanna nó comhréireanna ag cibé tráth nó tráthanna agus i cibé tosaíochtaí faoi seach onróidh an dearbhú sin.
(8) Ní bheidh feidhm ag fo-alt (1) (a) i ndáil le gnó cuideachta a sheoladh le linn tréimhse nuair a bheidh an chuideachta faoi chosaint na cúirte.
(9) Beidh éifeacht leis an alt seo—
(a) d'ainneoin an duine a bhfuil an dearbhú iarrtha maidir leis faoi fho-alt (1) a bheith faoi dhliteanas coiriúil maidir leis na hábhair ar ar a bhforas a bheidh an dearbhú sin le déanamh; nó
(b) d'ainneoin gur lasmuigh den Stát a tharla aon ábhar nó ábhair ar ar a fhoras nó ar ar a bhforas a bheidh an dearbhú faoi fho-alt (1) le déanamh.
(10) Chun críocha an ailt seo—
folaíonn ‘sannaí’ aon duine chun a ndearnadh nó ar ina fhabhar a rinneadh, le horduithe an duine faoi dhliteanas, an fiach, an oibleagáid, an morgáiste nó an muirear a bhunú, a eisiúint nó a aistriú, nó an leas a bhunú, ach ní fholaíonn sé sannaí ar chomaoin luachmhar (gan comaoin i ngeall ar phósadh a áireamh) a tugadh de mheon macánta agus gan fógra i dtaobh aon cheann de na hábhair a ndéantar an dearbhú ar a bhforas:
folaíonn ‘cuideachta’ aon chomhlacht a fhéadfar a fhoirceannadh faoi Achtanna na gCuideachtaí; agus
folaíonn ‘oifigeach’ aon iniúchóir, leachtaitheoir, glacadóir nó cúlstiúrthóir.”.
Cumhacht na cúirte ordú a thabhairt sócmhainní a aistríodh go míchuí a aischur.
139.—(1) Más rud é, ar iarratas ó leachtaitheoir, ó chreidiúnaí nó ó ranníocóir de chuid cuideachta atá á foirceannadh, gur féidir a thaispeáint chun sástacht na cúirte—
(a) gur diúscraíodh aon mhaoin de chuid na cuideachta d'aon chineál ar bith trí thíolacas, aistriú, morgáiste, urrús, iasacht, nó in aon tslí ar bith cibé acu le gníomh nó neamhghníomh go díreach nó go neamhdhíreach, agus
(b) gurbh é éifeacht na diúscartha sin calaois a dhéanamh ar an gcuideachta, ar a creidiúnaithe nó ar a comhaltaí.
féadfaidh an chúirt má mheasann sí é a bheith ceart agus cothromasach déanamh amhlaidh a ordú d'aon duine ar dealraitheach go bhfuil úsáid, urlámhas nó seilbh na maoine sin, nó na fáltais ó dhíol nó forbairt na maoine sin, aige í a sheachadadh ar an leachtaitheoir, nó suim a íoc leis ina leith, ar cibé téarmaí nó coinníollacha is cuí leis an gcúirt.
(2) Ní bheidh feidhm ag fo-alt (1) maidir le haon tíolacas, morgáiste, seachadadh earraí, íocaíocht, forghníomhú nó gníomh eile a bhaineann le maoin a rinne cuideachta lena mbaineann alt 286 (1) den Phríomh-Acht nó a rinneadh ina coinne.
(3) Nuair a bheifear ag cinneadh cibé acu atá sé ceart agus cothromasach ordú a dhéanamh faoin alt seo, tabharfaidh an chúirt aird ar chearta na ndaoine a fuair leas, bona fide agus ar luach-chomaoin, sa mhaoin is ábhar don iarratas.
Féadfar a cheangal ar an gcuideachta ranníoc a dhéanamh i leith fiach cuideachtaí gaolmhara.
140.—(1) Ar iarratas ón leachtaitheoir nó ó aon chreidiúnaí nó ranníocóir d'aon chuideachta atá á foirceannadh, féadfaidh an chúirt, más deimhin léi go bhfuil sé ceart agus cothromasach déanamh amhlaidh, a ordú go n-íocfaidh aon chuideachta atá nó a bhí gaolmhar leis an gcuideachta atá á foirceannadh le leachtaitheoir na cuideachta sin méid a bheidh comhionann le hiomlán na bhfiach go léir, nó le cuid de na fiacha go léir, nó le haon fhiach de na fiacha, is inchruthaithe san fhoirceannadh sin. Féadfar aon ordú faoin alt a dhéanamh ar cibé téarmaí agus coinníollacha is cuí leis an gcúirt.
(2) Nuair a bheifear ag cinneadh cibé acu atá nó nach bhfuil sé ceart agus cothromasach ordú a dhéanamh faoi fho-alt (1), tabharfaidh an chúirt aird ar na nithe seo a leanas—
(a) a mhéid a ghlac an chuideachta ghaolmhar páirt i mbainistíocht na cuideachta atá á foirceannadh;
(b) iompar na cuideachta gaolmhaire i leith creidiúnaithe na cuideachta atá á foirceannadh;
(c) an éifeacht is dóigh a bheadh ag an ordú sin ar chreidiúnaithe na cuideachta gaolmhaire lena mbaineann.
(3) Ní dhéanfar aon ordú faoi fho-alt (1) mura deimhin leis an gcúirt go bhfuil na himthosca a bhí ina gcúis le foirceannadh na cuideachta inchurtha i leith ghníomhartha nó neamhghníomhartha na cuideachta gaolmhaire.
(4) D'ainneoin aon fhorála eile, ní bheidh sé ceart agus cothromasach ordú a dhéanamh faoi fho-alt (1) más é an t-aon fhoras atá leis an ordú a dhéanamh—
(a) go bhfuil cuideachta gaolmhar le cuideachta eile, nó
(b) go raibh creidiúnaithe na cuideachta atá á foirceannadh ag brath air go bhfuil nó go raibh cuideachta eile gaolmhar leis an gcuideachta chéadluaite.
(5) Chun críocha an Achta seo, tá cuideachta gaolmhar le cuideachta eile—
(a) más í an chuideachta eile sin a cuideachta shealbhaíochta nó a fochuideachta; nó
(b) má tá níos mó ná leath i luach ainmniúil dá scairchaipiteal cothromais (mar a mhínítear in alt 155 (5) den Phríomh-Acht) i seilbh na cuideachta eile agus cuideachtaí atá gaolmhar leis an gcuideachta eile sin (cibé acu go díreach nó go neamhdhíreach ach seachas i gcáil mhuiníneach); nó
(c) má tá níos mó ná leath i luach ainmniúil de scairchaipiteal cothromais (mar a mhínítear in alt 155 (5) den Phríomh-Acht) gach cuideachta díobh i seilbh chomhaltaí an chinn eile (cibé acu go díreach nó go neamhdhíreach ach seachas i gcáil mhuiníneach); nó
(d) má tá an chuideachta eile sin nó cuideachta nó cuideachtaí atá gaolmhar leis an gcuideachta eile sin nó an chuideachta eile sin mar aon le cuideachta nó cuideachtaí atá gaolmhar léi i dteideal breis is leath den chumhacht vótála a fheidhmiú nó feidhmiú na coda sin a rialú ag aon chruinniú ginearálta de chuid na cuideachta; nó
(e) má bhí gnóthaí na gcuideachtaí á seoladh ar shlí nach bhfuil gnó ar leith gach cuideachta, nó cuid mhór den chéanna, inaitheanta go héasca; nó
(f) má tá cuideachta eile ann a bhfuil an dá chuideachta gaolmhar léi;
agus tá brí chomhréire le “cuideachta ghaolmhar”.
(6) Chun críocha an ailt seo folaíonn “cuideachta” aon chomhlacht a ndlífear é a fhoirceannadh faoi Achtanna na gCuideachtaí agus ciallaíonn “creidiúnaí” creidiúnaí amháin nó níos mó a bhfuil an chuideachta atá á foirceannadh breis is £10,000 san iomlán i bhfiacha aige nó acu.
(7) Má fhéachtar, le hiarratas ar ordú faoi fho-alt (1), a cheangal ar bhanc ceadúnaithe, de réir bhrí alt 25, ranníoc a dhéanamh i leith fiach cuideachta gaolmhaire, cuirfidh an t-iarratasóir cóip de gach iarratas den sórt sin chuig an mBanc Ceannais a bheidh i dteideal éisteacht a fháil ón gcúirt sula ndéanfar ordú.
Sócmhainní cuideachtaí gaolmhara a chomhthiomsú.
141.—(1) I gcás go bhfuil dhá chuideachta ghaolmhara nó níos mó á bhfoirceannadh agus gur deimhin leis an gcúirt ar iarratas ó leachtaitheoir aon cheann de na cuideachtaí go bhfuil sé ceart agus cothromasach ordú a dhéanamh faoin alt seo, féadfaidh an chúirt a ordú go ndéanfar, faoi réir cibé téarmaí agus coinníollacha a fhorchuirfidh an chúirt agus a mhéid a ordóidh sí, na cuideachtaí a fhoirceannadh le chéile amhail is dá mba chuideachta amháin iad, agus, faoi réir fhorálacha an ailt seo, beidh éifeacht leis an ordú agus beidh feidhm ag forálacha uile na Coda seo agus Chuid VI den Phríomh-Acht dá réir sin.
(2) Nuair a bheifear ag cinneadh téarmaí agus coinníollacha ordaithe faoin alt seo tabharfaidh an chúirt aird shonrach ar leasanna na ndaoine sin ar comhaltaí iad de roinnt de na cuideachtaí ach nach comhaltaí iad díobh go léir.
(3) I gcás go ndéanfaidh an chúirt ordú faoi fho-alt (1)—
(a) féadfaidh an chúirt aon leachtaitheoir ar aon chuideachta de na cuideachtaí a chur as oifig agus aon duine a cheapadh chun gníomhú mar leachtaitheoir d'aon chuideachta amháin nó níos mó de na cuideachtaí;
(b) féadfaidh an chúirt cibé ordacháin a thabhairt is cuí léi chun éifeacht a thabhairt don ordú;
(c) ní dhéanfaidh aon ní san alt seo ná san ordú difear do chearta aon chreidiúnaí urraithe d'aon cheann de na cuideachtaí;
(d) fiacha cuideachta a bheidh le híoc i dtosaíocht ar gach fiach eile de chuid na cuideachta de bhun alt 285 den Phríomh-Acht, beidh siad, sa mhéid nach n-íocfar iad as sócmhainní na cuideachta sin, faoi réir na n-éileamh ó bhintiúraigh faoi aon mhuirear foluaineach (mar a mhínítear san alt sin) a bhunaigh aon cheann de na cuideachtaí eile;
(e) mura n-ordóidh an chúirt a mhalairt, beidh éilimh chreidiúnaithe neamhurraithe uile na gcuideachtaí ar chomhchéim lena chéile.
(4) Nuair a bheifear ag cinneadh an bhfuil sé ceart agus cothromasach ordú a dhéanamh faoi fho-alt (1) tabharfaidh an chúirt aird ar na nithe seo a leanas—
(a) a mhéid a ghlac aon cheann de na cuideachtaí páirt i mbainistíocht aon cheann de na cuideachtaí eile;
(b) iompar aon cheann de na cuideachtaí i leith creidiúnaithe aon cheann de na cuideachtaí eile;
(c) a mhéid atá na himthosca ba chúis le foirceannadh aon cheann de na cuideachtaí inchurtha i leith gníomhartha nó neamhghníomhartha aon cheann de na cuideachtaí eile;
(d) a mhéid atá gnóthaí na gcuideachtaí measctha lena chéile.
(5) D'ainneoin aon fhorála eile, ní bheidh sé ceart agus cothromasach ordú a dhéanamh faoi fho-alt (1) más é an t-aon fhoras atá leis an ordú a dhéanamh—
(a) go bhfuil cuideachta gaolmhar le cuideachta eile, nó
(b) go raibh creidiúnaithe na cuideachta atá á foirceannadh ag brath air go bhfuil nó go raibh cuideachta eile gaolmhar leis an gcuideachta chéadluaite.
(6) Seirbheálfar fógra i dtaobh iarratais chun na cúirte chun críocha an ailt seo ar gach cuideachta a bheidh sonraithe san iarratas, agus ar cibé daoine eile a ordóidh an chúirt, tráth nach déanaí ná an t-ochtú lá roimh an lá a n-éistfear an t-iarratas.
Leasú ar alt 298 den Phríomh-Acht.
142.—Leasaítear an Príomh-Acht leis seo tríd an alt seo a leanas a chur in ionad alt 298—
“298.—(1) Beidh feidhm ag fo-alt (2) más rud é, i gcúrsa cuideachta a fhoirceannadh, gur dealraitheach go ndearna aon duine a ghlac páirt i bhfoirmiú nó i dtionscnamh na cuideachta, nó aon iaroifigeach, iarleachtaitheoir, iarghlacadóir nó iarscrúdaitheoir, nó aon oifigeach, leachtaitheoir, glacadóir nó scrúdaitheoir láithreach don chuideachta, aon airgead nó maoin de chuid na cuideachta a chur chun mífheidhme nó a choinneáil, nó gur tháinig sé faoi dhliteanas nó chun bheith cuntasach ina leith nó go raibh sé ciontach in aon mhíghníomh nó sárú eile dualgais nó iontaoibhe i ndáil leis an gcuideachta.
(2) Féadfaidh an chúirt, ar iarratas ón leachtaitheoir nó ó aon chreidiúnaí nó ranníocóir, iompar an tionscnóra, an oifigigh, an leachtaitheora, an ghlacadóra nó an scrúdaitheora a scrúdú agus iallach a chur air—
(a) an t-airgead nó an mhaoin nó aon chuid den airgead nó den mhaoin faoi seach a aisíoc nó a thabhairt ar ais le hús ar cibé ráta is cóir leis an gcúirt, nó
(b) cibé suim is cóir leis an gcúirt a ranníoc le sócmhainní na cuideachta mar chúiteamh sa chur chun mífheidhme, sa choinneáil, sa mhíghníomh nó sa sárú eile dualgais nó iontaoibhe.
(3) Beidh éifeacht leis an alt seo d'ainneoin an cion a bheith ina chion a bhféadfadh an ciontóir a bheith faoi dhliteanas coiriúil ina leith.”.
Leasú ar alt 299 den Phríomh-Acht.
143.—Leasaítear alt 299 den Phríomh-Acht leis seo tríd an bhfo-alt seo a leanas a chur in ionad fho-alt (1)—
“(1) Más dealraitheach don chúirt, i gcúrsa foirceannadh ag an gcúirt, go raibh aon iaroifigeach nó aon oifigeach láithreach, nó aon chomhalta, de chuid na cuideachta ciontach i gcion i ndáil leis an gcuideachta a bhfuil sé faoi dhliteanas coiriúil ina leith, féadfaidh an chúirt, ar iarratas ó aon duine ag a bhfuil leas san fhoirceannadh nó as a treoir féin, a ordú don leachtaitheoir an t-ábhar a chur faoi bhráid an Stiúrthóra Ionchúiseamh Poiblí agus i gcás den sórt sin tabharfaidh an leachtaitheoir don Stiúrthóir Ionchúiseamh Poiblí cibé faisnéis, cibé rochtain ar aon doiciméid agus cibé saoráidí chun aon doiciméid a imscrúdú agus aon chóipeanna a dhéanamh díobh, a theastóidh ón Stiúrthóir Ionchúiseamh Poiblí, is é sin faisnéis nó doiciméid a bheidh i seilbh nó faoi urlámhas an leachtaitheora agus a bhaineann leis an ábhar i gceist.”
Dualgas leachtaitheoirí agus glacadóirí faisnéis áirithe a chur isteach i dtuairisceáin etc.
144.—(1) I gcás go mbeidh sé d'oibleagáid ar ghlacadóir nó leachtaitheoir cuideachta, le hAchtanna na gCuideachtaí, cuntas, achomaireacht, ráiteas nó tuairisceán tréimhsiúil a thabhairt i ndáil lena ghníomhaíochtaí mar ghlacadóir nó leachtaitheoir, cuirfidh sé tuairisc isteach sa chuntas, san achomaireacht, sa ráiteas nó sa tuairisceán sin á rá, maidir le haon iarstiúrthóir nó stiúrthóir láithreach nó le hoifigeach eile don chuideachta, nó le haon chomhalta di, cibé acu, ar dháta an chuntais, na hachomaireachta, an ráitis, nó an tuairisceáin sin, ar duine é—
(a) a bhfuil dearbhú déanta ina leith faoi aon fhoráil d'Achtanna na gCuideachtaí gur chóir é bheith faoi dhliteanas pearsanta i leith fiach uile cuideachta, nó aon chuid dá fiacha,
(b) atá, nó a mheastar a bheith, faoi réir ordaithe dícháilíochta faoi Chuid VII.
(2) Beidh glacadóir nó leachtaitheoir a sháraíonn fo-alt (1) ciontach i gcion agus dlífear fíneáil a chur air.
Pionós mar gheall ar mhainneachtain glacadóra nó leachtaitheora cuntais agus tuairisceáin áirithe a thabhairt.
145.—(1) I gcás go ndéanfaidh glacadóir nó leachtaitheoir mainneachtain i ndáil le cuntas, achomaireacht, ráiteas nó tuairisceán tréimhsiúil a thabhairt nó a chomhdú de bhun aon fhorála d'Achtanna na gCuideachtaí beidh sé ciontach i gcion agus dlífear—
(a) ar é a chiontú go hachomair fíneáil nach mó ná £1,000 agus, as sárú leanúnach, fíneáil mhainneachtana laethúil nach mó ná £50, a chur air;
(b) ar é a chiontú ar díotáil fíneáil nach mó ná £10,000 agus, as sárú leanúnach, fíneáil mhainneachtana laethúil nach mó ná £250, a chur air.
(2) Duine a chiontófar i gcion faoi aon fhoráil de na forálacha seo a leanas, eadhon, alt 262, 272, 306, 319 (2) nó 321 den Phríomh-Acht, dlífear, in ionad an phionóis a fhoráiltear in aon alt acu sin (arna mhéadú le halt 15 d'Acht na gCuideachtaí (Leasú), 1982), na pionóis a shonraítear i bhfo-alt (1) a chur air.
Forálacha Forlíontacha
Dícháilíocht le haghaidh ceapacháin mar leachtaitheoir.
146.—Leasaítear an Príomh-Acht leis seo tríd an alt seo a leanas a chur isteach i ndiaidh alt 300—
“300A.—(1) Ní bheidh aon duine de na daoine seo a leanas cáilithe chun a cheaptha ina leachtaitheoir ar chuideachta—
(a) duine atá, nó a bhí laistigh de 12 mhí ó thosach an fhoirceanta, ina oifigeach nó ina sheirbhíseach don chuideachta;
(b) ach amháin le cead na cúirte, tuismitheoir, céile, deartháir, deirfiúr nó leanbh oifigigh don chuideachta;
(c) duine atá ina chomhpháirtí, nó atá ar fostú, ag oifigeach nó ag seirbhíseach don chuideachta;
(d) duine nach bhfuil cáilithe de bhua an fho-ailt seo chun a cheaptha ina leachtaitheoir ar aon chomhlacht corpraithe eile arb é fochuideachta nó cuideachta shealbhaíochta na cuideachta sin, nó fochuideachta do chuideachta shealbhaíochta na cuideachta sin, é nó a bheadh dícháilithe amhlaidh dá mba chuideachta an comhlacht corpraithe.
Folaíonn tagairtí san fho-alt seo d'oifigeach nó do sheirbhíseach don chuideachta tagairtí d'iniúchóir.
(2) Beidh cibé fianaise a éileoidh an chúirt ina thacaíocht le hiarratas ar chead faoi fho-alt (1) (b).
(3) Má thagann leachtaitheoir chun bheith dícháilithe de bhua an ailt seo fágfaidh sé a oifig air sin agus tabharfaidh sé fógra i scríbhinn laistigh de 14 lá—
(a) don chúirt i bhfoirceannadh cúirte,
(b) don chuideachta i bhfoirceannadh toilteanach ag comhaltaí,
(c) don chuideachta agus do na creidiúnaithe i bhfoirceannadh toilteanach ag creidiúnaithe.
á rá go bhfuil a oifig fágtha aige de bharr na dícháilíochta sin.
(4) Aon duine a ghníomhaíonn mar leachtaitheoir agus é dhícháilithe leis an alt seo ó ghníomhú amhlaidh nó a mhainneoidh fo-alt (3) a chomhlíonadh, i gcás an fo-alt sin a bheith infheidhme maidir leis, beidh sé ciontach i gcion agus dlífear—
(a) ar é a chiontú go hachomair, fíneáil nach mó ná £1,000 agus, as sárú leanúnach, fíneáil mhainneachtana laethúil nach mó ná £50, a chur air:
(b) ar é a chiontú ar díotáil fíneáil £10,000 agus, as sárú leanúnach, fíneáil mhainneachtana laethúil nach mó ná £250, a chur air.
(5) Ní bheidh feidhm ag an alt seo maidir le foirceannadh a thosaigh roimh thosach feidhme alt 146 d'Acht na gCuideachtaí, 1990.”
Leas a nochtadh ag creidiúnaithe etc. ag cruinnithe creidiúnaithe.
147.—Leasaítear leis seo an Príomh-Acht tríd an alt seo a leanas a chur isteach i ndiaidh alt 301—
“301A.—(1) Más rud é, ag cruinniú creidiúnaithe, go ndéanfar rún a mholadh chun leachtaitheoir a cheapadh, déanfaidh aon chreidiúnaí a bhfuil baint aige leis an leachtaitheoir molta, sula gcuirfear an rún, an bhaint sin a chur in iúl do chathaoirleach an chruinnithe agus nochtfaidh seisean an fíoras sin don chruinniú, mar aon le sonraí faoi.
(2) Beidh feidhm ag fo-alt (1) freisin maidir le haon duine ag an gcruinniú is ionadaí do chreidiúnaí agus a bheidh i dteideal vótáil ar an rún thar a cheann.
(3) I gcás aon bhaint den sórt atá luaite i bhfo-alt (1) a bheith ag cathaoirleach ar chruinniú creidiúnaithe, nochtfaidh sé an fíoras sin don chruinniú mar aon le sonraí faoi.
(4) Chun críocha an ailt seo, tá baint ag duine le leachtaitheoir molta—
(a) más tuismitheoir, céile, deartháir, deirfiúr nó leanbh den leachtaitheoir molta é, nó
(b) má tá sé fostaithe ag an leachtaitheoir molta nó más comhpháirtí de é.
(5) Dlífear fíneáil nach mó ná £1,000 a chur ar dhuine a mhainníonn an t-alt seo a chomhlíonadh.
(6) I bhfeidhmiú a dlínse di faoi alt 267 (2) nó 272 (2) (a bhaineann le leachtaitheoir a cheapadh nó a chur as oifig) féadfaidh an chúirt aird a thabhairt ar aon mhainneachtain an t-alt seo a chomhlíonadh.”
Cumhacht na cúirte a leathnú chun damáistí in aghaidh stiúrthóirí a mheasúnú.
148.—(1) Beidh feidhm ag fo-alt (2) más rud é, i gcúrsa cuideachta a fhoirceannadh ar fochuideachta do chuideachta eile í, gur dealraitheach go ndearna aon stiúrthóir ar chuideachta shealbhaíochta na fochuideachta aon airgead nó maoin de chuid na fochuideachta a chur chun mífheidhme nó a choinneáil, nó gur tháinig sé faoi dhliteanas nó chun bheith cuntasach ina leith, nó go raibh sé ciontach in aon mhíghníomh nó sárú eile dualgais nó iontaoibhe maidir leis an bhfochuideachta.
(2) Féadfaidh an chúirt, ar iarratas ón leachtaitheoir nó ó aon chreidiúnaí nó ranníocóir de chuid na fochuideachta, iompar an stiúrthóra áirithe a scrúdú agus iallach a chur air—
(a) an t-airgead nó an mhaoin nó aon chuid den airgead nó den mhaoin faoi seach a aisíoc nó a thabhairt ar ais le hús ar cibé ráta is cóir leis an gcúirt, nó
(b) cibé suim is cóir leis an gcúirt a ranníoc le sócmhainní na fochuideachta mar chúiteamh sa chur chun mífheidhme, sa choinneáil, sa mhíghníomh nó sa sárú eile dualgais nó iontaoibhe.
CUID VII
Dícháilíochtaí agus Srianta: Stiúrthóirí agus Oifigigh Eile
Caibidil I
Srian ar Stiúrthóirí Cuideachtaí Dócmhainneacha
Feidhm Chaibidil I.
149.—(1) Beidh feidhm ag an gCaibidil seo maidir le haon chuideachta más rud é—
(a) go gcruthaítear don chúirt ar dháta thosach a foirceanta, nó
(b) go ndearbhaíonn leachtaitheoir na cuideachta nó go gcruthaítear ar shlí eile don chúirt, tráth ar bith le linn a foirceanta,
nach bhfuil an chuideachta in ann a fiacha a íoc (de réir bhrí alt 214 den Phríomh-Acht).
(2) Beidh feidhm ag an gCaibidil seo maidir le haon duine is stiúrthóir cuideachta lena mbaineann an t-alt seo ar dháta thosach a foirceanta nó laistigh de 12 mhí roimh an tosach sin.
(3) Ní bheidh feidhm ag an gCaibidil seo maidir le cuideachta a dtosaítear ar í a fhoirceannadh roimh thosach feidhme an ailt seo.
(4) Sa Chaibidil seo folaíonn “cuideachta” cuideachta lena mbaineann alt 351 den Phríomh-Acht.
(5) Beidh feidhm ag an gCaibidil seo maidir le cúlstiúrthóirí mar atá feidhm aici maidir le stiúrthóirí.
Srian.
150.—(1) Dearbhóidh an chúirt, mura mbeidh sí deimhin de i dtaca le haon ní de na nithe a shonraítear i bhfo-alt (2), nach ndéanfar, ar feadh tréimhse cúig bliana, duine lena mbaineann an Chaibidil seo a cheapadh ná nach ngníomhóidh sé ar bhealach ar bith, cibé acu go díreach nó go neamhdhíreach, mar stiúrthóir nó mar rúnaí ar aon chuideachta, ná nach mbeidh baint ná páirt aige i dtionscnamh ná i bhfoirmiú aon chuideachta, mura gcomhlíonann an chuideachta na ceanglais atá leagtha amach i bhfo-alt (3); agus sna forálacha ina dhiaidh seo den Chuid seo forléireofar an abairt “duine lena mbaineann alt 150” mar thagairt do dhuine a ndearnadh dearbhú den sórt sin maidir leis.
(2) Is iad na nithe dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1)—
(a) gur ghníomhaigh an duine lena mbaineann go macánta agus go freagrach i ndáil le stiúradh chúrsaí na cuideachta agus nach bhfuil aon chúis eile ann go mbeadh sé ceart agus cothromasach é bheith faoi réir na srianta a fhorchuirtear leis an alt seo, nó
(b) faoi réir mhír (a), go raibh an duine lena mbaineann ina stiúrthóir ar an gcuideachta de bhíthin amháin gur ainmníodh é mar stiúrthóir ag foras airgeadais i dtaca leis an bhforas sin do thabhairt saoráidí creidmheasa don chuideachta, ar choinníoll nach bhfuair an foras i gceist ó aon stiúrthóir de chuid na cuideachta aon ráthaíocht phearsanta nó aonair go n-aisíocfaí leis na hiasachtaí nó na cineálacha eile creidmheasa a airleacadh don chuideachta, nó
(c) faoi réir mhír (a), go raibh an duine lena mbaineann ina stiúrthóir ar an gcuideachta de bhíthin amháin gur ainmníodh é mar stiúrthóir ag cuideachta chaipitil fiontair i dtaca le ceannach scaireanna nó suibscríobh le haghaidh scaireanna aici sa chuideachta chéadluaite.
(3) Is iad na ceanglais a shonraítear i bhfo-alt (1)—
(a) gurb é a bheidh i luach ainmniúil scairchaipiteal leithroinnte na cuideachta—
(i) i gcás cuideachta poiblí teoranta, £100,000 ar a laghad,
(ii) i gcás aon chuideachta eile, £20,000 ar a laghad,
(b) go mbeidh gach scair leithroinnte suas go dtí méid comhiomlán nach lú ná an méid dá dtagraítear i bhfomhír (i) nó (ii) de mhír (a), de réir mar a bheidh, láníoctha, lena n-áirítear iomlán aon phréimhe uirthi, agus
(c) go n-íocfar as gach scair leithroinnte den sórt sin agus iomlán aon phréimhe uirthi in airgead tirim.
(4) I gcás go ndéanfaidh cúirt dearbhú faoi fho-alt (1), cuirfidh oifigeach forordaithe de chuid na cúirte faoi deara go soláthrófar sonraí forordaithe den dearbhú do chláraitheoir na gcuideachtaí i cibé foirm agus modh a bheidh forordaithe.
(5) San alt seo—
ciallaíonn “foras airgeadais”—
(a) banc ceadúnaithe de réir bhrí alt 25, nó
(b) cuideachta a bhfolaíonn a gnáthghnó iasachtaí a thabhairt nó ráthaíochtaí a thabhairt i dtaca le hiasachtaí, agus
ciallaíonn “cuideachta chaipitil fiontair” cuideachta atá forordaithe ag an Aire arb é a gnáthghnó go príomha infheistíochtaí scaire a dhéanamh.
Dualgas an leachtaitheora faoin gCaibidil seo.
151.—(1) I gcás gur dealraitheach do leachtaitheoir cuideachta lena mbaineann an Chaibidil seo go bhféadfaí leasanna aon chuideachta eile nó a creidiúnaithe a chur i gcontúirt de dheasca na nithe iomchuí dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (2) cuirfidh an leachtaitheoir a thuairim in iúl láithreach don chúirt agus féadfaidh an chúirt, ar an tuarascáil sin a fháil, cibé ordú is cuí léi a dhéanamh.
(2) Is iad na nithe iomchuí ná go bhfuil duine lena mbaineann alt 150 ceaptha nó ag gníomhú ar bhealach ar bith, cibé acu go díreach nó go neamhdhíreach, mar stiúrthóir nó go bhfuil baint nó páirt aige i dtionscnamh nó i bhfoirmiú cibé cuideachta eile dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1)
(3) Beidh aon leachtaitheoir a sháraíonn fo-alt (1) ciontach i gcion agus dlífear—
(a) ar é a chiontú go hachomair, fíneáil nach mó ná £1,000 agus, as sárú leanúnach, fíneáil mhainneachtana laethúil nach mó ná £50, a chur air, nó
(b) ar é a chiontú ar díotáil, fíneáil nach mó ná £10,000 agus, as sárú leanúnach, fíneáil mhainneachtana laethúil nach mó ná £250, a chur air.
Faoiseamh.
152.—(1) Féadfaidh duine lena mbaineann alt 150, laistigh de bhliain amháin ar a mhéid tar éis dearbhú a bheith déanta maidir leis faoin alt sin, iarratas a dhéanamh chun na cúirte ar fhaoiseamh, go hiomlán nó go páirteach, ó na srianta dá dtagraítear san alt sin nó ó aon ordú a rinneadh i ndáil leis faoi alt 151 agus féadfaidh an chúirt má mheasann sí é a bheith ceart agus cothromasach déanamh amhlaidh an faoiseamh sin a dheonú ar cibé téarmaí agus coinníollacha is cuí léi.
(2) I gcás go mbeartaítear iarratas a dhéanamh ar fhaoiseamh faoi fho-alt (1) tabharfaidh an t-iarratasóir fógra 14 lá ar a laghad faoina bhfuil ar intinn aige do leachtaitheoir (más ann) na cuideachta arbh í a dócmhainneacht faoi deara dó a bheith faoi réir na Caibidle seo.
(3) Ar fhógra a fháil faoi fho-alt (2), cuirfidh an leachtaitheoir in iúl láithreach do na creidiúnaithe agus do na ranníocóirí sin de chuid na cuideachta a bheidh curtha in iúl dó, nó a mbeidh sé faighte amach aige cé hiad, go bhfuair sé fógra den sórt sin.
(4) Ar iarratas a éisteacht faoin alt seo féadfaidh an leachtaitheoir nó aon chreidiúnaí nó ranníocóir de chuid na cuideachta, arbh í a dócmhainneacht faoi deara don iarratasóir a bheith faoi réir na Caibidle seo, láithriú agus fianaise a thabhairt.
(5) Beidh aon leachtaitheoir a sháraíonn fo-alt (3) ciontach i gcion agus dlífear fíneáil a chur air.
Clár de dhaoine srianta.
153.—(1) Coimeádfaidh an cláraitheoir, faoi réir fhorálacha an ailt seo, clár de na sonraí a bheidh curtha in iúl dó faoi alt 150, agus beidh feidhm ag na forálacha seo a leanas den alt seo maidir le coimeád cláir den chineál sin.
(2) I gcás go ndeonóidh an chúirt páirtfhaoiseamh do dhuine faoi alt 152 cuirfidh oifigeach forordaithe de chuid na cúirte faoi deara go soláthrófar sonraí forordaithe i dtaobh an fhaoisimh don chláraitheoir agus taifeadfaidh an cláraitheoir na sonraí, a luaithe is féidir, ar an gclár dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1).
(3) I gcás go ndeonóidh an chúirt lánfhaoiseamh do dhuine faoi alt 152 cuirfidh oifigeach forordaithe de chuid na cúirte faoi deara é sin a chur in iúl don chláraitheoir agus déanfaidh an cláraitheoir, a luaithe is féidir, sonraí i dtaobh aon duine den sórt sin a bhaint den chlár dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1).
(4) Bainfidh an cláraitheoir aon sonraí i ndáil le duine den chlár freisin ar chúig bliana a bheith caite ó dháta an dearbhaithe lena mbaineann an fógra bunaidh faoi alt 150.
(5) Ní choiscfidh aon ní san alt seo ar an gcláraitheoir an clár a éilítear leis an alt seo a choimeád mar chuid d'aon chóras eile aicmiúcháin, cibé acu de bhun alt 247 nó ar shlí eile.
Feidhm na Caibidle seo maidir le glacadóirí.
154.—Má cheaptar glacadóir ar mhaoin chuideachta beidh feidhm ag forálacha na Caibidle seo, fara na modhnuithe is gá, amhail is dá bhforléireofaí na tagairtí inti don leachtaitheoir agus d'fhoirceannadh mar thagairtí don ghlacadóir agus do ghlacadóireacht.
Srianta ar chuideachta lena mbaineann alt 150 (3).
155.—(1) Baineann an t-alt seo le haon chuideachta a gceaptar duine is ábhar do dhearbhú faoi alt 150 i ndáil léi nó a ngníomhaíonn sé ar bhealach ar bith, cibé acu go díreach nó go neamhdhíreach, mar stiúrthóir nó mar rúnaí i ndáil léi, nó a bhfuil baint nó páirt aige i dtionscnamh nó i bhfoirmiú na cuideachta sin.
(2) Ní bheidh feidhm ag fo-alt (2) go (11) d'alt 60 den Phríomh-Acht maidir le haon chuideachta lena mbaineann an t-alt seo.
(3) Beidh feidhm ag ailt 32 go 36 d'Acht na gCuideachtaí (Leasú), 1983, fara na modhnuithe is gá, maidir le haon chuideachta lena mbaineann an t-alt seo amhail is dá mba chuideachta phoiblí theoranta an chuideachta ionas, áfach, go mbeidh, chun críocha an fho-ailt seo, feidhm ag na hailt sin amhail is—
(a) dá scriosfaí na focail “le linn na tréimhse tosaigh” i bhfo-alt (1) d'alt 32;
(b) dá scriosfaí aon tagairt eile in aon cheann de na hailt sin do “tréimhse tosaigh”; agus
(c) dá ndéanfaí na focail “duine iomchuí” i bhfo-alt (2) d'alt 32 a mhíniú le go gciallóidís “aon sínitheoir leis an meabhrán, aon stiúrthóir nó aon duine a bhfuil baint aige le tionscnamh nó foirmiú na cuideachta”.
(4) Gan dochar d'alt 39, ní bheidh feidhm ag ailt 32 agus 37 maidir le haon chuideachta lena mbaineann fo-alt (1).
(5) Ó dháta dearbhaithe faoi alt 150 ní ghlacfaidh duine, a ndearnadh an dearbhú maidir leis, le ceapachán chun poist ná ní ghníomhóidh sé ar aon mhodh a luaitear i bhfo-alt (1) den alt seo i ndáil le cuideachta mura rud é, laistigh den 14 lá díreach roimh cheapachán den sórt sin, nó roimh ghníomhú amhlaidh, go mbeidh fógra curtha aige chuig oifig chláraithe na cuideachta á rá gur duine é lena mbaineann alt 150.
Ceanglais maidir le scaireanna a leithroinnfidh cuideachta lena mbaineann alt 155.
156.—(1) I gcás go leithroinnfidh cuideachta lena mbaineann alt 155 scair nach bhfuil láníoctha mar a cheanglaítear le halt 150 (3) (b), déileálfar leis an scair amhail is dá mbeifí tar éis a luach ainmniúil, mar aon le hiomlán aon phréimhe, a fháil ach dlífear ar an leithroinní an méid iomlán ba cheart a bheith faighte maidir leis an scair faoin bhfo-alt sin a íoc in airgead tirim leis an gcuideachta lúide luach aon chomaoine a cuireadh i bhfeidhm go hiarbhír in íoc (go feadh aon mhéid) na scaire agus aon phréimhe uirthi, agus ús de réir an ráta iomchuí ar an méid is iníoctha faoin bhfo-alt seo.
(2) I gcás go leithroinnfidh cuideachta lena mbaineann alt 155 scair nach bhfuil íoctha aisti go hiomlán in airgead tirim mar a cheanglaítear le halt 150 (3) (c), dlífear ar leithroinní na scaire méid is comhionann lena luach ainmniúil a íoc in airgead tirim leis an gcuideachta, mar aon le hiomlán aon phréimhe, agus dlífear air ús a íoc de réir an ráta iomchuí ar an méid is iníoctha faoin bhfo-alt seo.
(3) Ní bheidh feidhm ag fo-alt (1) i ndáil le scair bhónais a leithroinnt nach mbeidh láníoctha mar a cheanglaítear le halt 150 (3) (b) murarbh eol don leithroinní nó murar cheart gurbh eol dó go raibh an scair leithroinnte amhlaidh.
(4) Ní bheidh feidhm ag fo-alt (1) maidir le scaireanna a leithroinnfear de bhun scair-scéime fostaithe de réir bhrí alt 2 d'Acht na gCuideachtaí (Leasú), 1983.
(5) San alt seo tá le “an ráta iomchuí” an bhrí a-shanntar dó le halt 2 d'Acht na gCuideachtaí (Leasú), 1983.
(6) Beidh feidhm ag alt 26 (4) d'Acht na gCuideachtaí (Leasú), 1983, chun críocha an ailt seo mar atá feidhm aige chun críocha an ailt sin.
Faoiseamh do chuideachta maidir le hidirbhearta toirmiscthe.
157.—(1) Féadfaidh an chúirt, má mheasann sí é bheith ceart agus cothromasach déanamh amhlaidh, faoiseamh a thabhairt do chuideachta lena mbaineann alt 155 maidir le haon ghníomh nó neamhghníomh a sháraigh, de bhua an ailt sin, foráil d'Achtanna na gCuideachtaí, nó d'aon duine a ndearnadh dochar dó dá bharr, ar cibé téarmaí agus coinníollacha is cuí leis an gcúirt lena n-áirítear díolúine ó aon fhoráil den sórt sin.
(2) Ní thabharfar faoiseamh don chuideachta i gcás gur chomhlíon an duine dá dtagraítear in alt 155 (1) fo-alt (5) den alt sin.
Cumhacht chun na méideanna a luaitear in alt 150 (3) a athrú.
158.—Féadfaidh an tAire, le hordú, na méideanna a luaitear in alt 150 (3) (a) a athrú agus féadfaidh an t-ordú—
(a) a cheangal ar aon chuideachta lena mbaineann an t-alt sin a bhfuil scairchaipiteal leithroinnte aici ar lú a luach ainmniúil ná an méid a bheidh sonraithe san ordú, an luach a mhéadú go dtí méid nach lú ná an méid sin;
(b) foráil a dhéanamh, i ndáil le haon cheanglas den sórt sin, i dtaobh aon cheann de na nithe dá ndéantar foráil in Achtanna na gCuideachtaí i ndáil le clárú, athchlárú, athrú ainm, foirceannadh nó díscaoileadh cuideachta, íocaíocht as aon scair a chuimsítear i gcaipiteal cuideachta agus tairiscintí scaireanna i gcuideachta nó bintiúr de chuid cuideachta don phobal, lena n-áirítear foráil maidir leis na hiarmhairtí (cibé acu sa dlí coiriúil nó ar shlí eile) i gcás go mainnítear aon cheanglas den ordú a chomhlíonadh. agus
(c) cibé forálacha forlíontacha agus idirthréimhseacha a bheith ann is iomchuí leis an Aire, méideanna éagsúla a shonrú i ndáil le cuideachtaí d'aicmí nó de thuairiscí éagsúla agus, go háirithe, féadfaidh sé foráil a dhéanamh go dtiocfaidh aon fhoráil de chuid an ordaithe i ngníomh ar laethanta éagsúla chun críocha éagsúla.
Caibidil 2
Dícháilíocht i gCoitinne
Léiriú ar Chaibidlí 2 agus 3.
159.—Sa Chaibidil seo agus i gCaibidil 3 ach amháin mar a n-éilíonn an comhthéacs a mhalairt—
folaíonn “cuideachta” gach cuideachta agus gach comhlacht cibé acu corpraithe nó neamhchorpraithe a fhéadfar a fhoirceannadh faoi Chuid X den Phríomh-Acht agus, gan dochar do ghinearáltacht an méid sin roimhe seo, folaíonn sí cara-chumann de réir bhrí Achtanna na gCara-Chumann, 1896 go 1977;
ciallaíonn “an chúirt” an Ard-Chúirt ach amháin i ndáil le hordú dícháilíochta arna dhéanamh ag cúirt as a treoir féin faoi alt 160 (2), mír (a), (b), (c) (d) nó (f), agus sa chás sin folaíonn sé cúirt ar bith;
ciallaíonn “ordú mainneachtana” ordú arna dhéanamh in aghaidh aon duine faoi alt 371 den Phríomh-Acht de bhua aon cheanglas iomchuí a shárú nó aon mhainneachtain é a chomhlíonadh (cibé acu aige féin nó ag aon chuideachta);
ciallaíonn “ordú dícháilíochta”—
(a) ordú faoin gCuid seo nach gceapfar an duine a ndéanfar an t-ordú ina aghaidh ná nach ngníomhóidh sé mar iniúchóir, stiúrthóir ná oifigeach eile, ná mar ghlacadóir, leachtaitheoir ná scrúdaitheoir eile nó nach mbeidh baint ná páirt aige ar bhealach ar bith, cibé acu go díreach nó go neamhdhíreach, i dtionscnamh, i bhfoirmiú nó i mbainistíocht aon chuideachta, nó aon chumainn atá cláraithe faoi na hAchtanna um Chumainn Tionscail agus Soláthair, 1893 go 1978, nó
(b) ordú faoi alt 184 den Phríomh-Acht;
folaíonn “oifigeach” i ndáil le haon chuideachta, aon stiúrthóir, cúlstiúrthóir nó rúnaí de chuid na cuideachta;
ciallaíonn “ceanglas iomchuí” aon fhoráil de chuid Achtanna na gCuideachtaí (lena n-áirítear foráil a aisghairtear leis an Acht seo) lena gceanglaítear nó lenar ceanglaíodh aon tuairisceán, cuntas nó doiciméad eile a chomhdú le cláraitheoir na gcuideachtaí, a sheachadadh air nó a chur chuige nó fógra faoi aon ní a thabhairt dó.
Daoine áirithe a dhícháiliú chun gníomhú mar stiúrthóirí nó iniúchóirí ar chuideachtaí nó chun iad a bhainistiú.
160.—(1) I gcás duine a chiontú ar díotáil in aon chion indíotáilte i ndáil le cuideachta, nó lena mbaineann calaois nó mímhacántacht, ansin ar feadh na tréimhse cúig bliana ó dháta an chiontaithe nó ar feadh cibé tréimhse eile a ordóidh an chúirt, ar iarratas ón ionchúisitheoir agus ag féachaint d'imthosca uile an cháis—
(a) ní cheapfar é ná ní ghníomhóidh sé mar iniúchóir, stiúrthóir ná oifigeach eile, ná mar ghlacadóir, leachtaitheoir ná scrúdaitheoir ná ní bheidh baint ná páirt aige ar bhealach ar bith cibé acu go díreach ná go neamhdhíreach le tionscnamh, foirmiú nó bainistíocht aon chuideachta nó aon chumainn atá cláraithe faoi na hAchtanna um Chumainn Tionscail agus Soláthair, 1893 go 1978;
(b) measfar é a bheith, chun críocha an Achta seo, faoi réir ordaithe dícháilíochta ar feadh na tréimhse sin.
(2) I gcás gur deimhin leis an gcúirt in aon imeachtaí nó de bharr iarratais faoin alt seo—
(a) go raibh duine ciontach, le linn dó a bheith ina thionscnóir, oifigeach, iniúchóir, glacadóir, leachtaitheoir nó scrúdaitheoir de chuid cuideachta, in aon chalaois i ndáil leis an gcuideachta, a comhaltaí nó a creidiúnaithe; nó
(b) go raibh duine ciontach, le linn dó a bheith ina thionscnóir, oifigeach, iniúchóir, glacadóir, leachtaitheoir nó scrúdaitheoir de chuid cuideachta, in aon sárú ar a dhualgas mar thionscnóir, oifigeach, iniúchóir, glacadóir, leachtaitheoir nó scrúdaitheoir den sórt sin; nó
(c) gur deonaíodh dearbhú faoi alt 297A den Phríomh-Acht (a cuireadh isteach le halt 138 den Acht seo) maidir le duine; nó
(d) go bhfágann iompar aon duine mar thionscnóir, oifigeach, iniúchóir, glacadóir, leachtaitheoir nó scrúdaitheoir cuideachta, mí-oiriúnach é le baint a bheith aige le bainistíocht cuideachta; nó
(e) de dhroim tuairisceáin ó chigirí a cheap an chúirt nó an tAire faoi Achtanna na gCuideachtaí, go bhfágann iompar aon duine mí-oiriúnach é le baint a bheith aige le bainistíocht cuideachta; nó
(f) go ndearna duine mainneachtain go rialta i ndáil leis na ceanglais iomchuí;
féadfaidh an chúirt, as a treoir féin, nó de bharr an iarratais, ordú dícháilíochta a dhéanamh in aghaidh duine den sórt sin ar feadh cibé tréimhse is cuí léi.
(3) (a) Chun críocha fho-alt (2) (f) féadfar a chruthú go dochloíte go ndearna duine mainneachtain go rialta i ndáil leis na ceanglais iomchuí (gan dochar dá chruthúnas sin in aon slí eile) trína shuíomh gur breithníodh ciontach é (cibé acu ar an ócáid chéanna nó nach ea) i dtrí mhainneachtain nó níos mó i ndáil leis na ceanglais sin sna cúig bliana dar chríoch dáta an iarratais.
(b) Déileálfar le duine mar dhuine a breithníodh ciontach i mainneachtain i ndáil le ceanglas iomchuí chun críocha an fho-ailt seo má chiontaítear in aon chion é arb é atá ann sárú ar cheanglas iomchuí nó má dhéantar ordú mainneachtana ina aghaidh.
(4) Féadfaidh siad seo a leanas iarratas a dhéanamh faoi mhír (a), (b), (c) nó (d) d'fho-alt (2)—
(a) an Stiúrthóir Ionchúiseamh Poiblí; nó
(b) aon chomhalta, ranníocóir, oifigeach, fostaí, glacadóir, leachtaitheoir, scrúdaitheoir nó creidiúnaí d'aon chuideachta a raibh nó a bhfuil an duine is ábhar don iarratas—
(i) ag gníomhú, nó ag beartú gníomhú, i ndáil léi nó á mholadh chun gníomhú i ndáil léi, mar oifigeach, iniúchóir, glacadóir, leachtaitheoir nó scrúdaitheoir, nó
(ii) bainteach nó pairteach, nó ag beartú bheith bainteach nó páirteach, i ndáil léi, le tionscnamh, foirmiú nó bainistíocht aon chuideachta,
agus i gcás gur comhalta, ranníocóir, fostaí nó creidiúnaí de chuid na cuideachta a dhéanfaidh an t-iarratas, féadfaidh an chúirt urrús a éileamh le haghaidh costais uile an iarratais nó le haghaidh cuid díobh.
(5) Féadfaidh an Stiúrthóir Ionchúiseamh Poiblí iarratas a dhéanamh faoi mhír (e) d'fho-alt (2).
(6) Féadfaidh siad seo a leanas iarratas a dhéanamh faoi mhír (f) d'fho-alt (2)—
(a) an Stiúrthóir Ionchúiseamh Poiblí; nó
(b) cláraitheoir na gcuideachtaí.
(7) I gcás go mbeartaítear iarratas a dhéanamh faoi fho-alt (2) maidir le haon duine, tabharfaidh an t-iarratasóir don duine sin fógra deich lá ar a laghad faoina bhfuil á bheartú aige.
(8) Aon duine atá, nó a mheastar a bheith, faoi réir ordaithe dícháilíochta de bhua na Coda seo, féadfaidh sé iarratas a dhéanamh chun na cúirte ar fhaoiseamh, go hiomlán nó go páirteach, ón dícháilíocht sin agus féadfaidh an chúirt, má mheasann sí é a bheith cóir agus cothromasach déanamh amhlaidh, an faoiseamh sin a thabhairt ar cibé téarmaí agus coinníollacha is cuí léi.
(9) Féadfar ordú dícháilíochta a dhéanamh ar fhorais ar nithe iad, nó a fholaíonn nithe, seachas ciontuithe coiriúla d'ainneoin go bhféadfadh an duine a bhfuil an t-ordú le déanamh ina leith a bheith faoi dhliteanas go coiriúil maidir leis na nithe sin.
(10) Forléireofar tagairt in aon achtachán eile d'alt 184 den Phríomh-Acht mar thagairt a fholaíonn tagairt don alt seo.
Caibidil 3
Cur i bhfeidhm
Pionós mar gheall ar ghníomhú contrártha d'fhorálacha Chaibidil 1 nó 2.
161.—(1) Aon duine a ghníomhaíonn, i ndáil le haon chuideachta, ar mhodh nó i gcáil a bheidh toirmiscthe air de bhua gur duine é lena mbaineann alt 150 nó gur duine é, nó go meastar gur duine é, atá faoi réir ordaithe dícháilíochta, beidh sé ciontach i gcion.
(2) I gcás duine a chiontú i gcion faoi fho-alt (1) measfar é bheith faoi réir ordaithe dícháilíochta ó dháta an chiontaithe sin mura raibh sé, nó murar measadh go raibh sé, faoi réir ordaithe den sórt sin ar an dáta sin.
(3) I gcás duine a ciontaíodh i gcion faoi fho-alt (1) a bheith, nó gur measadh é a bheith, faoi réir ordaithe dícháilíochta go díreach roimh dháta an chiontaithe sin, fadófar an tréimhse a, raibh sé dícháilithe ina leith go ceann tréimhse breise deich mbliana ón dáta sin nó go ceann cibé tréimhse breise eile a ordóidh an chúirt ar iarratas ón ionchúisitheoir agus ag féachaint d'imthosca uile an cháis.
(4) Ní bhainfidh alt 160 (8) le duine a chiontófar i gcion faoi fho-alt (1) den alt seo.
(5) Más rud é—
(a) maidir le duine lena mbaineann alt 150, gur stiúrthóir ar chuideachta é, nó go dtagann sé chun bheith ina stiúrthóir ar chuideachta, a dtosaítear á foirceannadh laistigh den tréimhse 5 bliana tar éis dháta thosach fhoirceannadh na cuideachta a raibh a dócmhainneacht ina cúis le feidhmiú an ailt sin maidir leis; agus
(b) gur dealraitheach do leachtaitheoir na cuideachta céadluaite nach bhfuil an chuideachta sin, ar dháta thosach a fhoirceanta nó ag aon tráth le linn a foirceanta, in ann a fiacha a íoc;
tabharfaidh an leachtaitheoir tuarascáil ar na nithe sin don chúirt agus féadfaidh an chúirt, ar an tuarascáil a fháil agus más cuí léi déanamh amhlaidh, ordú dícháilíochta a dhéanamh in aghaidh an duine sin ar feadh cibé tréimhse is cuí léi.
(6) Má mhainníonn an leachtaitheoir fo-alt (5) a chomhlíonadh dlífear fíneáil nach mó ná £1,000 a chur air.
Tréimhse an ordaithe dícháilíochta a measfar duine a bheith faoina réir.
162.—I gcás go measfar duine, de bharr é a chiontú i gcion faoin gCaibidil seo, a bheith faoi réir ordaithe dícháilíochta, measfar é a bheith faoina réir amhlaidh go ceann tréimhse cúig bliana ó dháta an chiontaithe sin nó cibé tréimhse eile a ordóidh an chúirt, ar iarratas ón ionchúisitheoir agus ag féachaint d'imthosca uile an cháis.
larmhairtí sibhialta mar gheall ar ghníomhú contrártha d'fhorálacha Chaibidil l nó 2.
163.—(1) Bainfidh fo-ailt (2) agus (3) le haon duine a ghníomhaíonn, i ndáil le cuideachta, ar mhodh nó i gcáil a bheidh toirmiscthe air de bhua gur duine é lena mbaineann alt 150 nó gur duine é. nó go meastar gur duine é, atá faoi réir ordaithe dícháilíochta.
(2) I gcás go dtabharfaidh cuideachta, nó go dtabharfar thar a ceann, aon chomaoin as gníomh a rinne, nó as seirbhís a thug, duine dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1) fad a bhí sé ag gníomhú ar mhodh nó i gcáil a thuairiscítear san fho-alt sin, beidh an chuideachta i dteideal an chomaoin nó méid is ionann agus a luach a ghnóthú uaidh mar fhiach conartha shimplí in aon chúirt dlínse inniúla.
(3) Más rud é—
(a) go ngníomhoidh duine dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1), i ndáil le cuideachta, ar mhodh nó i gcáil a thuairiscítear san fho-alt sin, agus
(b) go dtosaítear ar an gcuideachta lena mbaineann a fhoirceannadh—
(i) fad atá sé ag gníomhú ar mhodh nó i gcáil den sórt sin, nó
(ii) laistigh de 12 mhí den ghníomhú sin aige, agus
(c) nach bhfuil an chuideachta in ann a fiacha a íoc, de réir bhrí alt 214 den Phríomh-Acht,
féadfaidh an chúirt, ar iarratas ón leachtaitheoir nó ó aon chreidiúnaí de chuid na cuideachta, a dhearbhú go mbeidh an duine sin faoi dhliteanas pearsanta, gan aon teorainn ó thaobh dliteanais, i leith na bhfiach nó na ndliteanas eile go léir de chuid na cuideachta, nó i leith aon chuid díobh, a tabhaíodh sa tréimhse a raibh sé lena linn ag gníomhú ar mhodh nó i gcáil den sórt sin.
(4) Más rud é, maidir le cuideachta a mbeidh fógra faighte aici faoi alt 155 (5) agus a sheolfaidh gnó tar éis an fógra sin a fháil gan ceanglais alt 150 (3) a bheith comhlíonta laistigh de thréimhse réasúnach—
(a) go bhfoirceannfar í ina dhiaidh sin, agus
(b) nach mbeidh sí, tráth thosach an fhoirceanta, in ann a fiacha (ag cur na ndliteanas teagmhasach agus ionchasach sa chuntas) a íoc,
féadfaidh an chúirt, ar iarratas ón leachtaitheoir nó ó aon chreidiúnaí nó ranníocóir de chuid na cuideachta, a dhearbhú, maidir le haon duine a bhí ina oifigeach don chuideachta fad a bhí an chuideachta ag seoladh gnó amhlaidh agus arbh eol dó nó ar chóir gurbh eol dó gur tugadh an fógra sin amhlaidh don chuideachta, go mbeidh sé freagrach go pearsanta, gan aon teorainn ó thaobh dliteanais, i leith na bhfiach nó na ndliteanas eile go léir de chuid na cuideachta, nó i leith aon chuid díobh, de réir mar a ordóidh an chúirt.
(5) In aon imeachtaí a thionscnófar in aghaidh duine de bhua an ailt seo féadfaidh an chúirt, má mheasann sí, ag féachaint d'imthosca an cháis, é a bheith cóir agus cothromasach déanamh amhlaidh, faoiseamh a thabhairt go, hiomlán nó go páirteach ón dliteanas a mbeadh sé murach sin faoina réir faoin gcéanna agus féadfaidh an chúirt cibé coinníollacha is cuí léi a chur ag gabháil lena hordú.
Pionós mar gheall ar ghníomhú faoi orduithe ó dhuine dícháilithe.
164.—(1) Má ghníomhaíonn aon duine, fad is stiúrthóir nó oifigeach eile nó comhalta de choiste bainistíochta nó iontaobhaí d'aon chuideachta é, de réir orduithe nó theagaisc duine eile agus a fhios aige go bhfuil an duine eile sin dícháilithe nó, agus é ag tabhairt na n-orduithe nó an teagaisc, go bhfuil sé ag gníomhú de shárú ar aon fhoráil den Chuid seo, beidh sé ciontach i gcion.
(2) I gcás go gciontófar duine i gcion faoi fho-alt (1) measfar é bheith faoi réir ordaithe dícháilíochta ó dháta an chiontaithe sin mura raibh sé, nó murar measadh go raibh sé, faoi réir ordaithe den sórt sin ar an dáta sin.
larmhairtí sibhialta mar gheall ar ghníomhú faoi orduithe ó dhuine dícháilithe.
165.—(1) Duine a chiontófar i gcion faoi alt 164 mar gheall ar ghníomhú de réir orduithe nó teagaisc ó dhuine dícháilithe, beidh sé, faoi réir fho-alt (2), faoi dhliteanas pearsanta i leith fhiacha na cuideachta lena mbaineann a tabhaíodh sa tréimhse a raibh sé ag gníomhú lena linn.
(2) In aon imeachtaí a thionscnófar in aghaidh duine chun aon fhiach den sórt sin a ghnóthú féadfaidh an chúirt, má mheasann sí, ag féachaint d'imthosca an cháis, é a bheith ceart agus cothromasach déanamh amhlaidh, faoiseamh a thabhairt go hiomlán nó go páirteach ón dliteanas a mbeadh sé murach sin faoina réir faoi fho-alt (1) agus féadfaidh an chúirt cibé coinníollacha is cuí léi a chur ag gabháil lena hordú.
Faisnéis a bheidh le tabhairt don chúirt ag stiúrthóirí.
166.—(1) Más rud é—
(a) go gcúiseofar stiúrthóir ar chuideachta i gcion nó go dtionscnófar imeachtaí sibhialta in aghaidh stiúrthóra den sórt sin, agus
(b) go mbaineann an cúiseamh nó na himeachtaí leis an gcuideachta nó go bhfuil calaois líomhnaithe nó mímhacántacht líomhnaithe i gceist leo.
déanfaidh an stiúrthóir, trí fhógra i scríbhinn chun na cúirte a thaiscfear roimh éisteacht an cháis—
(i) ainmneacha na gcuideachtaí go léir a thabhairt ar stiúrthóir orthu é ar dháta an fhógra,
(ii) ainmneacha na gcuideachtaí go léir a thabhairt ar stiúrthóir orthu é laistigh de thréimhse a thosaíonn tráth nach luaithe ná 12 mhí roimh thosach na n-imeachtaí agus a chríochnaíonn ar dháta an fhógra.
(iii) a lua cibé acu atá sé, ar dháta an fhógra, nó cibé acu a bhí sé riamh, faoi réir ordaithe dícháilíochta nó cibé acu a meastar nó a measadh amhlaidh é, agus
(iv) na dátaí agus fad gach tréimhse a bhfuil nó a raibh sé dícháilithe ina leith a thabhairt.
(2) Baineann an t-alt seo le cúlstiúrthóirí mar a bhaineann sé le stiúrthóirí.
(3) Beidh aon duine a sháraíonn fo-alt (1) ciontach i gcion.
Faisnéis a bheidh le soláthar do chláraitheoir na gcuideachtaí.
167.—Más rud é—
(a) go ndéanann cúirt ordú dícháilíochta;
(b) go dtugann, nó go n-athraíonn, cúirt faoiseamh faoi alt 160 (8); nó
(c) go gciontaíonn cúirt duine i gcion—
(i) arb é is éifeacht dó go measfar é a bheith faoi réir ordaithe dícháilíochta, nó
(ii) faoi alt 161 (1) nó 164,
cuirfidh oifigeach forordaithe de chuid na cúirte faoi deara sonraí forordaithe den ordú, den fhaoiseamh nó den chiontú a sholáthar do chláraitheoir na gcuideachtaí cibé tráth agus i cibé foirm agus modh a bheidh forordaithe.
Clár de dhaoine atá faoi réir orduithe dícháilíochta.
168.—(1) Coimeádfaidh an cláraitheoir, faoi réir fhorálacha an ailt seo, clár de na sonraí a bheidh curtha in iúl dó faoi alt 167, agus beidh feidhm ag na forálacha seo a leanas den alt seo maidir le clár den sórt sin a choimeád.
(2) I gcás go gcuimseoidh na sonraí dá dtagraítear in alt 167 (b) lánfhaoiseamh a thabhairt faoi alt 160 (8), ní thaifeadfaidh an cláraitheoir na sonraí sin ar an gclár dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1), ach déanfaidh sé, a luaithe is féidir, aon sonraí atá ann cheana maidir leis an duine lena mbaineann a bhaint den chlár.
(3) Déanfaidh an cláraitheoir freisin aon sonraí i ndáil le duine a bhaint den chlár ar chúig bliana a bheith caite ó dháta an fhógra bhunaidh faoi alt 167, nó cibé tréimhse eile a meastar an duine lena mbaineann a bheith faoi réir ordaithe dícháilíochta ina leith, mura mbeidh fógra breise maidir leis an duine sin, faoin alt seo, faighte ag an gcláraitheoir.
(4) Ní choiscfidh aon ní san alt seo ar an gcláraitheoir an clár a éilítear leis an alt seo a choimeád mar chuid d'aon chóras eile aicmiúcháin, cibé acu de bhun alt 247 nó ar shlí eile.
Toirmeasc ar fhéimhigh neamhurscaoilte gníomhú mar stiúrthóirí ar chuideachtaí nó mar oifigigh eile dóibh.
169.—Leasaítear leis seo an Príomh-Acht tríd an alt seo a leanas a chur in ionad alt 183—
“183.—(1) Faoi réir fho-alt (2), má ghníomhaíonn aon duine ar féimheach neamhurscaoilte é mar oifigeach, iniúchóir, leachtaitheoir nó scrúdaitheoir ar aon chuideachta, nó má bhíonn baint nó páirt aige go díreach nó go neamhdhíreach le tionscnamh, foirmiú nó bainistíocht aon chuideachta, ach amháin le cead na cúirte, beidh sé ciontach i gcion.
(2) I gcás go gciontófar duine i gcion faoi fho-alt (1) measfar é bheith faoi réir ordaithe dícháilíochta ó dháta an chiontaithe sin mura raibh sé, nó murar measadh go raibh sé, faoi réir ordaithe den sórt sin ar an dáta sin.
(3) San alt seo folaíonn ‘cuideachta’ cuideachta a corpraíodh lasmuigh den Stát agus a bhfuil áit ghnó bhunaithe aici sa Stát.”.
CUID VIII
Glacadóirí
Dícháiliú duine chun a cheaptha mar ghlacadóir.
170.—Leasaítear leis seo an Príomh-Acht tríd an alt seo a leanas a chur in ionad alt 315—
“315.—(1) Ní bheidh aon duine de na daoine seo a leanas cáilithe chun a cheaptha ina ghlacadóir ar mhaoin chuideachta—
(a) féimheach neamhurscaoilte;
(b) duine atá, nó a bhí laistigh de 12 mhí ó thosach na glacadóireachta, ina oifigeach nó ina sheirbhíseach don chuideachta;
(c) tuismitheoir, céile, deartháir, deirfiúr, nó leanbh oifigigh den chuideachta;
(d) duine atá ina chomhpháirtí, nó atá ar fostú, ag oifigeach nó seirbhíseach don chuideachta;
(e) duine nach bhfuil cáilithe de bhua an fho-ailt seo chun a cheaptha mar ghlacadóir ar mhaoin aon chomhlachta chorpraithe eile arb é fochuideachta nó cuideachta shealbhaíochta na cuideachta sin nó fochuideachta do chuideachta shealbhaíochta na cuideachta sin é, nó a bheadh dícháilithe amhlaidh dá mba chuideachta an comhlacht corpraithe.
Folaíonn tagairtí san fho-alt seo d'oifigeach nó do sheirbhíseach don chuideachta tagairtí d'iniúchóir.
(2) Má thagann glacadóir ar mhaoin chuideachta chun bheith dícháilithe de bhua an ailt seo, scarfaidh sé air sin lena oifig agus tabharfaidh sé fógra i scríbhinn laistigh de 14 lá—
(a) don chuideachta;
(b) do chláraitheoir na gcuideachtaí;
(c) (i) don bhintiúrach, más bintiúrach a cheap an glacadóir, nó
(ii) don chúirt, más í an chúirt a cheap an glacadóir.
gur scair sé lena oifig de bharr na dícháilíochta sin.
(3) Ní dhéanann fo-alt (2) dochar d'ailt 107, 319 (2) agus 321.
(4) Ní cheanglóidh aon ní san alt seo ar ghlacadóir a ceapadh roimh thosach feidhme alt 170 d'Acht na gCuideachtaí, 1990, scaradh leis an oifig ar ceapadh chuici amhlaidh é.
(5) Aon duine a ghníomhaíonn mar ghlacadóir agus é dícháilithe leis an alt seo chun gníomhú amhlaidh nó a mhainníonn fo-alt (2) a chomhlíonadh, i gcás go mbaineann an fo-alt sin leis, beidh sé ciontach i gcion agus dlífear—
(a) ar é a chiontú go hachomair, fíneáil nach mó ná £1,000 agus, as sárú leanúnach, fíneáil mhainneachtana laethúil nach mó ná £50, a chur air;
(b) ar é a chiontú ar díotáil, fíneáil nach mó ná £5,000 agus, as sárú leanúnach, fíneáil mhainneachtana laethúil nach mó ná £250, a chur air.”.
Leasú ar alt 316 den Phríomh-Acht.
171.—Leasaítear leis seo alt 316 den Phríomh-Acht trí na fo-ailt seo a leanas a chur in ionad fho-alt (1)—
“(1) I gcás ina gceaptar glacadóir ar mhaoin chuideachta faoi na cumhachtaí in aon ionstraim, féadfaidh aon duine de na daoine seo a leanas iarratas a dhéanamh chun na cúirte ar ordacháin i ndáil le haon ní i dtaca le comhlíonadh a fheidhmeanna nó a mhalairt ag an nglacadóir, is é sin le rá—
(a) (i) an glacadóir;
(ii) oifigeach don chuideachta;
(iii) comhalta den chuideachta;
(iv) fostaithe de chuid na cuideachta ina gcuimsítear leath ar a laghad de líon na ndaoine a bheidh fostaithe i gcáil lánaimseartha ag an gcuideachta;
(v) creidiúnaí de chuid na cuideachta; agus
(b) (i) leachtaitheoir;
(ii) ranníocóir;
agus ar aon iarratas den sórt sin, féadfaidh an chúirt cibé ordacháin a thabhairt nó cibé ordú a dhéanamh ag dearbhú cearta daoine os comhair na cúirte nó a mhalairt, is cóir leis an gcúirt.
(1A) Beidh cibé fianaise go bhfuil dochar míchuí á dhéanamh don iarratasóir le haon ghníomh nó neamhghníomh iarbhír nó beartaithe de chuid an ghlacadóra, agus a éileoidh an chúirt, mar thaca le hiarratás chun na cúirte faoi fho-alt (1), ach amháin iarratas faoi mhír (a) (i) den fho-alt sin.
(1B) Chun críocha fho-alt (1), ciallaíonn ‘creidiúnaí’ creidiúnaí amháin nó níos mó a bhfuil breis is £10,000 san iomlán d'fhiacha aige ar an gcuideachta.”.
Dualgas glacadóra atá ag díol maoine an praghas is fearr is infhaighte le réasún a fháil.
172.—Leasaítear leis seo an Príomh-Acht tríd an alt seo a leanas a chur isteach i ndiaidh alt 316—
“316A.—(1) Déanfaidh glacadóir, agus é ag díol maoine cuideachta, gach cúram réasúnach a ghlacadh chun an praghas is fearr is infhaighte le réasún a fháil ar an maoin amhail ar dháta an díola.
(2) D'ainneoin fhorálacha aon ionstraime—
(a) ní cosaint ar aon chaingean nó imeacht a thionscnófar in aghaidh glacadóra mar gheall ar shárú ar a dhualgas faoi fho-alt (1) go raibh an glacadóir ag gníomhú mar ghníomhaire don chuideachta nó faoi chumhacht aturnae arna tabhairt ag an gcuideachta; agus
(b) d'ainneoin aon ní in alt 316 (2), ní bheidh glacadóir i dteideal cúiteamh nó slánaíocht a fháil ón gcuideachta mar gheall ar aon dliteanas a thabhóidh sé de thoradh sárú ar a dhualgas faoin alt seo.
(3) (a) Ní dhíolfaidh glacadóir trí chonradh príobháideach sócmhainn nach sócmhainn airgid den luach riachtanach le duine ar oifigeach don chuideachta é nó arbh oifigeach don chuideachta é sna trí bliana roimh dháta ceaptha an ghlacadóra, mura mbeidh fógra 14 lá ar a laghad go bhfuil sé ar intinn aige déanamh amhlaidh tugtha aige do chreidiúnaithe uile na cuideachta is eol dó nó a bheidh curtha in iúl dó.
(b) San fho-alt seo—
(i) tá le ‘sócmhainn nach sócmhainn airgid’ agus le ‘luach riachtanach’ na bríonna a shanntar dóibh le halt 29 d'Acht na gCuideachtaí, 1990, agus
(ii) folaíonn ‘oifigeach’ duine atá, de réir bhrí alt 26 d'Acht na gCuideachtaí, 1990, bainteach le stiúrthóir, agus cúlstiúrthóir.”.
Leasú ar alt 320 den Phríomh-Acht.
173.—Leasaítear leis seo alt 320 den Phríomh-Acht tríd an bhfo-alt seo a leanas a chur in ionad fho-alt (5)—
“(5) Má mhainníonn aon duine lena mbaineann fo-alt (2) ceanglais an ailt seo a chomhlíonadh, dlífear, mura gcruthaíonn sé chun sástacht na cúirte nárbh fhéidir leis ceanglais an ailt a chomhlíonadh—
(a) ar é a chiontú go hachomair, príosúnacht ar feadh téarma nach faide ná sé mhí nó fíneáil nach mó ná £1,000, nó iad araon, a chur air; nó
(b) ar é a chiontú ar díotáil, príosúnacht ar feadh téarma nach faide ná trí bliana nó fíneáil nach mó ná £5,000, nó iad araon, a chur air.”.
larmhairtí mar gheall ar alt 319 nó 320 den Phríomh-Acht a shárú.
174.—Leasaítear leis seo an Príomh-Acht tríd an alt seo a leanas a chur isteach i ndiaidh alt 320—
“320A.—Más rud é, de shárú ar alt 319 (1) (b) agus alt 320, nach gcuirtear ráiteas maidir le cúrsaí faoi bhráid an ghlacadóra mar a cheanglaítear leis na forálacha sin, féadfaidh an chúirt, ar iarratas ón nglacadóir nó ó aon chreidiúnaí de chuid na cuideachta agus d'ainneoin fhorálacha alt 320 (5) (a cuireadh isteach le halt 173 d'Acht na gCuideachtaí, 1990), cibé ordú a dhéanamh is cuí léi, lena n-áirítear ordú á ordú alt 319 agus alt 320 a chomhlíonadh.”.
Glacadóir a chur as oifig.
175.—Leasaítear leis seo an Príomh-Acht tríd an alt seo a leanas a chur isteach i ndiaidh alt 322—
“322A.—(1) Féadfaidh an chúirt, ar chúis a shuíomh, glacadóir a chur as oifig agus glacadóir eile a cheapadh.
(2) Seirbheálfar fógra maidir leis na himeáchtaí sin ar an nglacadóir agus ar an duine a cheap é 7 lá ar a laghad sula n-éistfear na himeachtaí sin agus in aon imeachtaí den sórt sin féadfaidh an glacadóir agus an duine a cheap é láithriú agus éisteacht a fháil.”.
Féadfaidh an chúirt glacadóireacht a fhoirceannadh nó a theorannú ar iarratas ón leachtaitheoir.
176.—Leasaítear leis seo an Príomh-Acht tríd an alt seo a leanas a chur isteach i ndiaidh alt 322—
“322B.—(1) Ar iarratas ó leachtaitheoir cuideachta a bheidh á foirceannadh (seachas trí fhoirceannadh toilteanach ag comhaltaí) agus a mbeidh glacadóir ceaptha ina leith (bíodh sé sin roimh thosach an fhoirceanta nó ina dhiaidh), féadfaidh an chúirt—
(a) a ordú go scoirfidh an glacadóir de ghníomhú sa cháil sin ó dháta a bheidh sonraithe ag an gcúirt, agus ceapachán aon ghlacadóra eile a thoirmeasc; nó
(b) a ordú nach ngníomhóidh an glacadóir sa cháil sin, ó dháta a bheidh sonraithe ag an gcúirt, ach amháin maidir le sócmhainní áirithe a bheidh sonraithe ag an gcúirt.
Féadfar ordú faoin bhfo-alt seo a dhéanamh ar cibé téarmaí agus coinníollacha is cuí leis an gcúirt.
(2) Féadfaidh an chúirt ó am go ham, ar iarratas a dhéanfaidh an leachtaitheoir nó an glacadóir, ordú a rinneadh faoi fho-alt (1) a chealú nó a leasú.
(3) Seirbheálfar cóip d'iarratas a dhéanfar faoin alt seo ar an nglacadóir agus ar an duine a cheap é 7 lá ar a laghad sula n-éistfear an t-iarratas agus féadfaidh an glacadóir agus aon pháirtí den sórt sin láithriú os comhair na cúirte agus éisteacht a fháil ón gcúirt maidir leis an iarratas.
(4) Ach amháin mar a fhoráiltear i bhfo-alt (1), ní dhéanfaidh aon ordú a dhéanfar faoin alt seo difear d'aon urrús nó muirear ar ghnóthas nó ar mhaoin na cuideachta.”.
An glacadóir d'éirí as oifig.
177.—Leasaítear leis seo an Príomh-Acht tríd an alt seo a leanas a chur isteach i ndiaidh alt 322—
“322C.—(1) Féadfaidh glacadóir ar mhaoin chuideachta, a cheapfar faoi na cumhachtaí in aon ionstraim, éirí as oifig ar choinníoll go mbeidh fógra míosa ina thaobhsan fugtha aige—
(a) do na sealbhóirí ar mhuirir fholuaineacha ar mhaoin uile na cuideachta nó ar aon chuid di;
(b) don chuideachta nó dá leachtaitheoir; agus
(c) do na sealbhóirí ar aon mhuirear seasta ar mhaoin uile na cuideachta nó ar aon chuid di.
(2) Ní fhéadfaidh glacadóir a bheidh ceaptha ag an gcúirt éirí as oifig ach amháin le húdarás na cúirte agus ar cibé téarmaí agus coinníollacha, más ann, a bheidh leagtha síos ag an gcúirt.
(3) Má mhainníonn aon duine ceanglais an ailt seo a chomhlíonadh dlífear fíneáil nach mó ná £1,000 a chur air.”.
Feidhm alt 139 maidir le glacadóirí.
178.—Beidh feidhm ag forálacha alt 139, fara na modhnuithe is gá, maidir le cuideachta faoi ghlacadóireacht amhail is dá bhforléireofaí na tagairtí ann don leachtaitheoir agus d'fhoirceannadh mar thagairtí don ghlacadóir agus do ghlacadóireacht.
Feidhm alt 299 (2), (4) agus (5) den Phríomh-Acht maidir le glacadóirí.
179.—Beidh feidhm ag alt 299 (2), (4) agus (5) den Phríomh-Acht, fara na modhnuithe is gá, maidir le glacadóirí amhail mar atá feidhm aige maidir le leachtaitheoirí.
CUID IX
Cuideachtaí Faoi Chosaint Cúirte
Leasuithe ar Acht na gCuideachtaí (Leasú), 1990.
180.—(1) Leasaítear leis seo Acht na gCuideachtaí (Leasú), 1990, mar a leanas:
(a) trí “3 lá” a chur in ionad “14 lá” in alt 3 (6),
(b) tríd an mír seo a leanas a chur isteach i ndiaidh alt 5 (2) (f):
“(g) ní dhéanfar aon ordú ar fhaoiseamh faoi alt 205 den Phríomh-Acht in aghaidh na cuideachta maidir le gearáin i dtaobh seoladh chúrsaí na cuideachta nó i dtaobh fheidhmiú chumhachtaí na stiúrthóirí roimh thíolacadh na hachainí.”.
(c) trí “nó iarstiúrthóir” a scriosadh in alt 8 (3).
(d) trí “agus folaíonn ‘stiúrthóir’ aon stiúrthóir láithreach nó aon iarstiúrthóir nó aon duine atá, de réir bhrí alt 26 d'Acht na gCúideachtaí, 1990, bainteach le stiúrthóir den sórt sin agus aon chúlstiúrthóir láithreach nó iarchúlstiúrthóir” a chur isteach in alt 8 (3) i ndiaidh “Acht sin”,
(e) trí na fo-ailt seo a leanas a chur isteach in alt 8:
“(5A) Gan dochar dá cumhacht faoi fho-alt (5), féadfaidh an chúirt, tar éis éisteachta faoin bhfo-alt sin, aon ordú nó ordachán a dhéanamh is cuí léi, lena n-áirítear ordachán don duine lena mbaineann freastal nó athfhreastal os comhair an scrúdaitheora nó leabhair nó doiciméid áirithe a thabhairt ar aird nó ceisteanna ar leith a fhreagairt a chuirfidh an scrúdaitheoir air, nó ordachán nach gá don duine lena mbaineann leabhar nó doiciméad ar leith a thabhairt ar aird ná freagra a thabhairt ar cheist ar leith a chuirfidh an scrúdaitheoir air.
(5B) Beidh feidhm ag alt 23 (1) d'Acht na gCuideachtaí, 1990, chun críocha an ailt seo.”,
(f) trí “Aon” a chur in ionad “I gcás go ndéanfar ordú faoin Acht seo chun an chuideachta a fhoirceannadh nó go gceapfar glacadóir, aon” in alt 10 (1),
(g) tríd an méid seo a leanas a chur in ionad alt 16 (i):
“(i) a thuairim cibé acu ba ghá, ó na fíorais a nochtar, tuilleadh fiosruithe a dhéanamh d'fhonn imeachtaí a thionscnamh faoi alt 297 nó 297A den Phríomh-Acht (a cuireadh isteach le hAcht na gCuideachtaí, 1990), nó fúthu araon,”,
(h) trí “, údarás áitiúil” a chur isteach i ndiaidh “Rialtas” in alt 23 (5) (b),
(i) tríd an bhfo-alt seo a leanas a chur isteach in alt 24:
“(12) D'ainneoin fho-alt (4) nó aon fhorála eile den Acht seo, i gcás gurb é tuairim an scrúdaitheora go mbeidh an chuideachta in ann maireachtáil mar ghnóthas leantach, ní choiscfidh aon ní san Acht seo ar an scrúdaitheoir moltaí a chur i dtuarascáil faoi alt 15 nó 18 nach ndéanfaidh dochar do leasanna comhaltaí nó creidiúnaithe de chuid na cuideachta, ná ar an gcúirt aon mholtaí den sórt sin a dhaingniú.”.
(2) Beidh feidhm ag alt 244A den Phríomh-Acht (a cuireadh isteach le halt 125 d'Acht na gCuideachtaí, 1990) agus ag alt 139 d'Acht na gCuideachtaí, 1990, maidir le cuideachta atá faoi chosaint na cúirte amhail mar atá feidhm acu maidir le cuideachta atá á foirceannadh, agus forléireofar, chun críocha an fho-ailt seo, aon tagairtí sna hailt sin do leachtaitheoir nó do leachtaitheoir sealadach mar thagairt do scrúdaitheoir.
(3) Aisghairtear leis seo ailt 32, 33, 34 agus 35 d'Acht na gCuideachtaí (Leasú), 1990.
Tuilleadh leasuithe ar Acht na gCuideachtaí (Leasú). 1990.
181.—(1) Déantar leis seo Acht na gCuideachtaí (Leasú), 1990, a leasú tuilleadh mar a leanas:
(a) tríd an méid seo a leanas a chur in ionad alt 2 (1) (b):
“(b) nach bhfuil aon rún ar marthain chun an chuideachta a fhoirceannadh, agus”,
(b) trí “comhlacht corpraithe” a chur in ionad “cuideachta” agus “leis” a chur in ionad “léi” in alt 4 (5) (f),
(c) tríd an mír seo a leanas a chur isteach i ndiaidh alt 5 (2) (f):
“(h) ní dhéanfar aon fhritháireamh idir cuntais bainc ar leithligh de chuid na cuideachta, ach amháin le toiliú an scrúdaitheora, agus folaíonn ‘cuntas bainc’ sa mhír seo cuntas le haon duine a bheidh díolmhaithe de bhua alt 7 (4) d'Acht an Bhainc Ceannais, 1971, ón gceanglas ceadúnas a shealbhú faoi alt 9 den Acht sin,”,
(d) trí “a urscaoileadh” a chur isteach in alt 11 (5) i ndiaidh “a dtosaíochtaí”, agus
(e) tríd an alt seo a leanas a chur isteach i ndiaidh alt 36:
“Imeachtaí ag cláraitheoir. | 36A.—Féadfaidh cláráitheoir na gcuideachtaí imeachtaí i ndáil le cion faoi alt 11 (6), 12 nó 30 a thionscnamh agus a thabhairt ar aghaidh.”. |
(2) Aisghairtear leis seo alt 30 (3) d'Acht na gCuideachtaí (Leasú), 1990.
CUID X
Cuntais agus Iniúchadh
Léiriú ar Chuid X.
182.—Sa Chuid seo—
ciallaíonn “an Treoir ón gComhairle” Treoir Uimh. 84/253/CEE ón gComhairle, an 10 Aibreán, 1984* maidir le daoine a cheadú a bheidh freagrach as na hiniúchtaí reachtúla a dhéanamh ar dhoiciméid chuntasaíochta;
ciallaíonn “cara-chumann” cumann a chláraítear faoi Achtanna na gCara-Chumann, 1896 go 1977;
ciallaíonn “deimhniú cleachta” deimhniú arna dhámhachtain do dhuine ag comhlacht cuntasóirí ag tabhairt teideal don duine sin cleachtadh mar iniúchóir cuideachta nó mar iniúchóir poiblí;
ciallaíonn “iniúchóir poiblí” iniúchóir poiblí chun críocha na nAchtanna um Chumainn Tionscail agus Soláthair, 1893 go 1978, agus Achtanna na gCara-Chumann, 1896 go 1977.
Ceapadh iniúchóirí agus a gcur as oifig.
183.—Leasaítear leis seo alt 160 den Phríomh-Acht—
(a) trí na fo-ailt seo a leanas a chur in ionad fho-alt (5)—
“(5) Gan dochar d'aon chearta de chuid an iniúchóra i ndáil lena chur as oifig faoin bhfo-alt seo, féadfaidh cuideachta, le gnáthrún ag cruinniú ginearálta, iniúchóir a chur as oifig seachas iniúchóir arb é céad-iniúchóir, nó duine de chéad-iniúchóirí, na cuideachta é agus aon duine eile a cheapadh ina ionad a bheidh ainmnithe lena cheapadh ag aon chomhalta den chuideachta, is duine atá cáilithe faoi Achtanna na gCuideachtaí le bheith ina iniúchóir ar chuideachta agus a bhfuil fógra faoina ainmniú tugtha dá comhaltaí.
(5A) (a) Déanfaidh cuideachta—
(i) laistigh de sheachtain tar éis cumhacht an Aire faoi fho-alt (4) a theacht chun bheith infheidhmithe, fógra ina thaobh sin a thabhairt don Aire, agus
(ii) i gcás go rithfear rún ag cur iniúchóra as oifig, fógra ina thaobh sin a thabhairt san fhoirm fhorordaithe do chláraitheoir na gcuideachtaí laistigh de 14 lá ó dháta an chruinnithe ag ar ritheadh an rún ag cur an iniúchóra as oifig.
(b) Má mhainníonn cuideachta fógra a thabhairt de réir mar a éilítear le mír (a) den fho-alt seo, beidh an chuideachta agus gach oifigeach don chuideachta a rinne mainneachtain ciontach i gcion agus dlífear ar iad a chiontú go hachomair fíneáil nach mó ná £1,000 a chur orthu.”,
agus
(b) tríd an bhfo-alt seo a leanas a chur in ionad fho-alt (7)—
“(7) Féadfaidh stiúrthóirí cuideachta nó an chuideachta i gcruinniú ginearálta aon chorrfholúntas in oifig iniúchóra a líonadh, ach, fad a bheidh aon fholúntas den sórt sin ann, féadfaidh an t-iniúchóir nó na hiniúchóirí a bheidh ar marthain nó a bheidh leanúnach, más ann, gníomhú.”.
Rúin a bhaineann le hiniúchóirí a cheapadh agus a chur as oifig agus cearta iniúchóirí a cuireadh as oifig.
184.—(1) Leasaítear leis seo alt 161 den Phríomh-Acht trí na fo-ailt seo a leanas a chur in ionad fho-ailt (1) agus (2)—
“(1) Beidh fógra fadtréimhse, de réir bhrí alt 142. riachtanach—
(a) le haghaidh rúin ag cruinniú ginearálta bliantúil de chuideachta lena gceapfar mar iniúchóir duine seachas iniúchóir atá ag scor nó lena bhforálfar go sainráite nach ndéanfar iniúchóir atá ag scor a athcheapadh.
(b) le haghaidh rúin ag cruinniú ginearálta de chuideachta ag cur iniúchóra as oifig sula mbíonn a théarma oifige caite, agus
(c) le haghaidh rúin ag cruinniú ginearálta de chuideachta ag líonadh corrfholúntais in oifig an iniúchóra.
(2) Ar fhógra a fháil go bhfuil aon rún mar a luaitear i bhfo-alt (1) á bheartú, déanfaidh an chuideachta láithreach—
(a) i gcás gur rún atá luaite i mír (a) den fho-alt sin (1) an rún, cóip den rún sin a chur chuig an iniúchóir atá ag scor (más ann),
(b) i gcás gur rún atá luaite i mír (b) den fho-alt sin (1) an rún, cóip den rún sin a chur chuig an iniúchóir a bheartaítear a chur as oifig, agus
(c) i gcás gur rún atá luaite i mír (c) den fho-alt sin (1) an rún, cóip den rún sin a chur chuig an duine (más ann) arbh é a scor de shealbhú na hoifige mar iniúchóir ar an gcuideachta ba chúis leis an gcorrfholúntas.
(2A) Beidh iniúchóir cuideachta a cuireadh as oifig i dteideal freastal—
(a) ar chruinniú ginearálta bliantúil na cuideachta ag a rachadh a théarma oifige mar iniúchóir ar an gcuideachta in éag mura mbeadh gur cuireadh as oifig é, agus
(b) ar chruinniú ginearálta na cuideachta ag a bhfuil sé beartaithe an corrfholúntas a líonadh atá ann de dhroim é a chur as oifig, agus
gach fógra faoi aon chruinniú den sórt sin agus gach cumarsáid eile a bhaineann leis an gcruinniú sin a fháil a bhfuil comhalta den chuideachta i dteideal é a fháil agus éisteacht a fháil ag aon chruinniú ginearálta ar a bhfreastalaíonn comhalta den sórt sin maidir le haon chuid de ghnó an chruinnithe a bhaineann leis mar iar-iniúchóir ar an gcuideachta.”.
(2) Déanfar an tagairt i bhfo-alt (5) den alt sin 161 do rún chun na chéad-iniúchóirí a chur as oifig de bhua fho-alt (6) d'alt 160 den Phríomh-Acht a fhorléiriú mar thagairt a fholaíonn tagairt do rún chun iniúchóir seachas na chéad-iniúchóirí a chur as oifig roimh a théarma oifige a bheith imithe in éag.
Iniúchóirí d'éirí as oifig.
185.—(1) Féadfaidh iniúchóir ar chuideachta, trí fhógra i scríbhinn a chomhlíonann fo-alt (2) a sheirbheáil ar an gcuideachta á lua go bhfuil sé chun déanamh amhlaidh, éirí as oifig mar iniúchóir ar an gcuideachta; agus beidh éifeacht leis an éirí-as ar an dáta a sheirbheálfar an fógra amhlaidh nó ar cibé dáta níos déanaí ná sin a bheidh sonraithe san fhógra.
(2) I bhfógra faoi fho-alt (1) beidh—
(a) ráiteas á rá nach bhfuil aon imthosca ag baint leis an éirí as oifig lena mbaineann sé a measann an t-iniúchóir i gceist gur cheart iad a thabhairt ar aird do chomhaltaí nó do chreidiúnaithe na cuideachta, nó
(b) ráiteas maidir le haon imthosca den sórt a dúradh.
(3) I gcás go seirbheálfar fógra ar chuideachta faoi fho-alt (1)—
(a) cuirfidh an t-iniúchóir lena mbaineann, laistigh de 14 lá tar éis dháta na seirbheála sin, cóip den fhógra chuig cláraitheoir na gcuideachtaí, agus
(b) faoi réir fho-alt (4), déanfaidh an chuideachta, má bhíonn ráiteas dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (2) (b) san fhógra, cóip den fhógra a chur, tráth nach déanaí ná 14 lá tar éis dháta na seirbheála sin, chuig gach duine atá i dteideal, faoi alt 159 (1) den Phríomh-Acht, cóipeanna de na doiciméid dá dtagraítear san alt 159 (1) sin a bheith curtha chucu.
(4) Ní gá cóipeanna d'fhógra a sheirbheálfar ar chuideachta faoi fho-alt (1) a chur chuig na daoine a shonraítear i bhfo-alt (3) (b) más deimhin leis an gcúirt, ar iarratas ón gcuideachta lena mbaineann nó ó aon duine eile a éileoidh gur duine éagóirithe é, go bhfuil ábhar san fhógra atá curtha isteach ann chun poiblíocht gan ghá a fháil d'ábhar clúmhillteach agus féadfaidh an chúirt a ordú go mbeidh costais na cuideachta maidir le hiarratas faoin alt seo le híoc, go hiomlán nó go páirteach, ag an iniúchóir lena mbaineann d'ainneoin nach páirtí san iarratas é.
(5) Bainfidh an t-alt seo freisin le fógra a thabharfaidh iniúchóir faoi alt 160 (2) (c) den Phríomh-Acht, ag taispeáint nach toil leis go n-athcheapfaí é.
(6) Beidh duine a mhainneoidh fo-alt (2) nó (3) (a) a chomhlíonadh ciontach i gcion.
(7) Má mhainnítear fo-alt (3) (b) a chomhlíonadh beidh an chuideachta lena mbaineann, agus gach oifigeach don chuideachta sin a rinne mainneachtain, ciontach i gcion.
Foréileamh ar chruinniú ginearálta den chuideachta ag iniúchóir atá ag éirí as oifig.
186.—(1) Féadfaidh fógra a sheirbheálfar ar chuideachta faoi alt 185 ina bhfuil ráiteas de réir fho-alt (2) (b) den alt sin a fhoréileamh freisin go ndéanfaidh stiúrthóirí na cuideachta cruinniú ginearálta den chuideachta a chomóradh chun cibé cuntas agus míniú ar na himthosca a bhaineann lena éirí as oifig mar iniúchóir ar an gcuideachta, is toil leis a thabhairt don chruinniú, a fháil agus a mheas.
(2) I gcás go ndéanfaidh iniúchóir foréileamh faoi fho-alt (1), rachaidh stiúrthóirí na cuideachta, laistigh de 14 lá tar éis an fógra sin a sheirbheáil ar an gcuideachta, ar aghaidh go cuí chun cruinniú ginearálta den chuideachta a chomóradh le haghaidh lá nach déanaí ná 28 lá tar éis na seirbheála sin.
(3) Faoi réir fho-alt (4), i gcás—
(a) go mbeidh ráiteas de réir fho-alt (2) (b) den alt sin i bhfógra a sheirbheálfar ar chuideachta faoi alt 185, agus
(b) go n-iarrfaidh an t-iniúchóir lena mbaineann ar an gcuideachta ráiteas breise a scaipeadh ar a comhaltaí—
(i) roimh an gcruinniú ginearálta ag a mbeadh, ar leith ón bhfógra, a théarma oifige imithe in éag, nó
(ii) roimh aon chruinniú ginearálta a bhfuil sé beartaithe an folúntas arbh é a éirí as oifig ba chúis leis a líonadh aige nó a comóradh de bhun foréilimh faoi fho-alt (1),
ar ráiteas i scríbhinn é a bheidh ullmhaithe ag an iniúchóir i dtaobh na n-imthosca a bhaineann leis an éirí as oifig a measann an t-iniúchóir gur cheart iad a thabhairt ar aird do na comhaltaí,
déanfaidh an chuideachta—
(I) in aon fhógra faoin gcruinniú a thabharfar do chomhaltaí na cuideachta, a lua go ndearnadh an ráiteas, agus
(II) cóip den ráiteas a chur chuig cláraitheoir na gcuideachtaí agus chuig gach duine atá i dteideal faoi alt 159 (1) den Phríomh-Acht cóipeanna de na doiciméid dá dtagraítear san alt 159 (1) sin a bheith curtha chucu.
(4) Ní gá don chuideachta i gceist fo-alt (3) a chomhlíonadh más rud é gur deimhin leis an gcúirt, ar iarratas ón gcuideachta nó ó aon duine eile a éileoidh gur duine éagóirithe é, go bhfuil na cearta a thugtar leis an alt seo á mí-úsáid chun poiblíocht gan ghá a fháil d'ábhar clúmhillteach, agus féadfaidh an chúirt a ordú go mbeidh costais na cuideachta maidir le hiarratas faoin alt seo le híoc, go hiomlán nó go páirteach, ag an iniúchóir lena mbaineann d'ainneoin nach páirtí san iarratas é.
(5) Ceadóidh an chuideachta d'iniúchóir cuideachta a d'éirigh as oifig mar iniúchóir freastal—
(a) ar an gcruinniú ginearálta bliantúil ag a mbeadh a théarma oifige imithe in éag murach a éirí as oifig, agus
(b) ar aon chruinniú ginearálta ag a bhfuil sé beartaithe an folúntas arbh é a éirí as oifig ba chúis leis a líonadh nó a chomórfar de bhun foréilimh dá chuid faoi fho-alt (1),
agus cuirfidh an chuideachta chuige gach fógra chuige maidir le haon chruinniú den sórt sin agus gach cumarsáid eile a bhaineann le haon chruinniú den sórt sin a bhfuil comhalta den chuideachta i dteideal iad a fháil agus ceadóidh an chuideachta dó éisteacht a fháil ag aon chruinniú den sórt sin a bhfreastalaíonn sé air maidir le haon chuid de ghnó an chruinnithe a bhaineann leis mar iar-iniúchóir ar an gcuideachta.
(6) Má mhainnítear fo-alt (2), (3) nó (5) a chomhlíonadh beidh an chuideachta lena mbaineann, agus gach oifigeach don chuideachta a rinne mainneachtain, ciontach i gcion.
Cáilíocht chun duine a cheapadh mar iniúchóir.
187.—(1) Faoi réir alt 190, ní bheidh duine cáilithe lena cheapadh mar iniúchóir ar chuideachta ná mar iniúchóir poiblí mura rud é—
(a) (i) gur comhalta é de chomhlacht cuntasóirí atá aitheanta de thuras na huaire ag an Aire chun críocha an ailt seo agus go sealbhaíonn sé deimhniú cleachta bailí ó chomhlacht den sórt sin, nó
(ii) go sealbhaíonn sé cáilíocht sa chuntasaíocht atá, i dtuairim an Aire, de chaighdeán nach lú ná an caighdeán a cheanglaítear don chomhaltas sin mar a dúradh agus a thabharfadh teideal dó deimhniú cleachta a dheonú air ag an gcomhlacht sin dá mba chomhalta de é agus go bhfuil sé de thuras na huaire údaraithe ag an Aire le bheith ceaptha amhlaidh, nó
(iii) go raibh sé, an 31ú lá de Nollaig, 1990, ina chomhalta de chomhlacht cuntasóirí a bhí aitheanta de thuras na huaire faoi alt 162 (1) (a) den Phríomh-Acht, nó
(iv) go raibh sé údaraithe ag an Aire roimh an 3ú lá d'Fheabhra, 1983, agus go bhfuil sé údaraithe de thuras na huaire ag an Aire le bheith ceaptha amhlaidh, nó
(v) gur duine é lena mbaineann alt 188, nó
(vi) gur duine é lena mbaineann alt 189, agus go bhfuil sé údaraithe ag an Aire de thuras na huaire le bheith ceaptha amhlaidh, agus
(b) go bhfuil na sonraí a éilítear le hailt 199 agus 200 maidir le duine den sórt sin curtha ar aghaidh chuig cláraitheoir na gcuideachtaí.
(2) Ní bheidh aon duine acu seo a leanas cáilithe lena cheapadh mar iniúchóir ar chuideachta—
(a) oifigeach nó seirbhíseach don chuideachta,
(b) duine a bhí ina oifigeach nó ina sheirbhíseach don chuideachta laistigh de thréimhse a mbeadh cuntais in a leith le hiniúchadh aige dá gceapfaí é mar iniúchóir ar an gcuideachta,
(c) tuismitheoir, céile, deartháir, deirfiúr nó leanbh oifigigh don chuideachta,
(d) duine atá ina chomhpháirtí, nó atá ar fostú, ag oifigeach don chuideachta,
(e) duine atá dícháilithe faoin bhfo-alt seo lena cheapadh mar iniúchóir ar aon chomhlacht corpraithe eile ar fochuideachta nó cuideachta shealbhaíochta don chuideachta nó fochuideachta do chuideachta shealbhaíochta na cuideachta é, nó a bheadh dícháilithe amhlaidh dá mba chuideachta an comhlacht corpraithe,
(f) duine atá dícháilithe faoi fho-alt (3) lena cheapadh mar iniúchóir poiblí ar chumann ar fochuideachta nó cuideachta shealbhaíochta don chuideachta nó fochuideachta do chuideachta shealbhaíochta na cuideachta é,
(g) comhlacht corpraithe.
(3) Ní bheidh aon duine acu seo a leanas cáilithe lena cheapadh mar iniúchóir poiblí ar chumann—
(a) oifigeach nó seirbhíseach don chumann,
(b) duine a bhí ina oifigeach nó ina sheirbhíseach don chumann laistigh de thréimhse a mbeadh cuntais ina leith le hiniúchadh aige dá gceapfaí é mar iniúchóir ar an gcumann,
(c) tuismitheoir, céile, deartháir, deirfiúr nó leanbh oifigigh don chumann,
(d) duine atá ina chomhpháirtí, nó atá ar fostú, ag oifigeach don chumann,
(e) duine atá dícháilithe faoin bhfo-alt seo lena cheapadh mar iniúchóir poiblí ar aon chumann eile ar fochuideachta nó cuideachta shealbhaíochta don chumann nó fochuideachta do chuideachta shealbhaíochta an chumainn é,
(f) duine atá dícháilithe faoi fho-alt (2) lena cheapadh mar iniúchóir ar chuideachta ar fochuideachta nó cuideachta shealbhaíochta don chumann é,
(g) comhlacht corpraithe.
(4) Ní bheidh aon duine acu seo a leanas cáilithe lena cheapadh mar iniúchóir poiblí ar chara-chumann—
(a) oifigeach nó seirbhíseach don chara-chumann,
(b) duine a bhí ina oifigeach nó ina sheirbhíseach don charachumann laistigh de thréimhse a mbeadh cuntais ina leith le hiniúchadh aige dá gceapfaí é mar iniúchóir ar an gcara-chumann,
(c) tuismitheoir, céile, deartháir, deirfiúr nó leanbh oifigigh don chara-chumann,
(d) duine atá ina chomhpháirtí, nó atá ar fostú, ag oifigeach don chara-chumann,
(e) comhlacht corpraithe.
(5) Ní dhícháileofar duine, de bhua fho-alt (3) nó (4), chun é a cheapadh mar iniúchóir poiblí ar chumann nó ar chara-chumann ag aon tráth le linn na tréimhse 2 bhliain ó thosach feidhme an ailt seo más rud é ar an tosach feidhme sin go mbeidh sé arna cheapadh go cuí mar iniúchóir poiblí ar an gcumann nó ar an gcara-chumann, de réir mar a bheidh.
(6) Faoi réir fho-alt (5), ní ghníomhóidh duine mar iniúchóir ar chuideachta ná mar iniúchóir poiblí tráth a mbeidh sé dícháilithe faoin alt seo chun é a cheapadh chun na hoifige sin.
(7) Más rud é, le linn a théarma oifige mar iniúchóir ar chuideachta nó mar iniúchóir poiblí, go dtagann duine chun bheith dícháilithe faoi Achtanna na gCuideachtaí lena cheapadh chun na hoifige sin, scarfaidh sé lena oifig air sin agus tabharfaidh sé fógra i scríbhinn don chuideachta, don chumann nó don chara-chumann gur scar sé lena oifig de dheasca na dícháilíochta sin.
(8) Ní bhainfidh an t-alt seo leis an Ard-Reachtaire Cuntas agus Ciste.
(9) Duine a sháraíonn fo-alt (6) nó (7) beidh sé ciontach i gcion agus dlífear—
(a) ar é a chiontú go hachomair, fíneáil nach mó ná £1,000 agus, as sárú leanúnach, fíneáil mhainneachtana laethúil nach mó ná £50, a chur air, nó
(b) ar é a chiontú ar díotáil, fíneáil nach mó ná £5,000 agus, as sárú leanúnach, fíneáil mhainneachtana laethúil nach mó ná £100, a chur air.
(10) (a) San alt seo ciallaíonn “cumann” cumann atá cláraithe faoi na hAchtanna um Chumainn Tionscail agus Soláthair, 1893 go 1978.
(b) Ní fholaíonn tagairtí san alt seo d'oifigeach nó do sheirbhíseach tagairtí d'iniúchóir nó d'iniúchóir poiblí.
(11) Leanfaidh aitheantas nó údarú ón Aire faoi alt 162 den Phríomh-Acht, d'ainneoin aisghairm an ailt sin ag an Acht seo, i bhfeidhm amhail is dá dtabharfaí é faoin alt seo—
(a) i gcás aitheantais, go dtí go rachaidh an teorainn ama a chuirtear ar fáil i léig, nó go dtí go mbeidh cinneadh an Aire curtha in iúl don chomhlacht lena mbaineann, faoi alt 191, cibé acu is túisce, agus
(b) i gcás údarú, go dtí go mbeidh an teorainn ama imithe i léig atá ag an duine chun an fógra a thabhairt a cheanglaítear le halt 199 (3).
Daoine a bhí ag dul faoi oiliúint an l Eanáir. 1990.
188.—(1) Gan dochar d'alt 187, beidh duine lena mbaineann an t-alt seo cáilithe freisin lena cheapadh mar iniúchóir ar chuideachta nó mar iniúchóir poiblí.
(2) Baineann an t-alt seo le duine—
(a) ar dhuine é, an lú lá d'Eanáir 1990, lenar bhain Airteagal 18 den Treoir ón gComhairle, agus
(b) a fuair, tar éis é a ligean isteach roimh an lú lá d'Eanáir, 1996, mar chomhalta de chomhlacht cuntasóirí atá aitheanta faoi alt 191, deimhniú cleachta ón gcomhlacht sin dá éis sin, agus
(c) a bhfanann an deimhniú sin bailí maidir leis.
Cáilíochtaí a fuarthas lasmuigh den Stát a cheadú.
189.—(1) Gan dochar d'alt 187, féadfaidh an tAire a dhearbhú, faoi réir fho-alt (2), maidir le daoine a shealbhaíonn—
(a) cáilíocht a thugann teideal dóibh cuntais a iniúchadh faoi dhlí tíre sonraithe lasmuigh den Stát, nó
(b) cáilíocht shonraithe sa chuntasaíocht atá aitheanta faoi dhlí tíre lasmuigh den Stát,
go measfar go bhfuil siad cáilithe lena gceapadh mar iniúchóir ar chuideachta nó mar iniúchóir poiblí.
(2) Sula ndéanfaidh an tAire dearbhú faoi fho-alt (1)—
(a) ní foláir dó deimhin a dhéanamh de go bhfuil an cháilíocht lena mbaineann de chaighdeán nach lú ná an caighdeán a cheanglaítear le hAchtanna na gCuideachtaí chun go mbeadh duine cáilithe lena cheapadh mar iniúchóir ar chuideachta nó mar iniúchóir poiblí, agus
(b) féadfaidh sé a ordú nach ndéileálfar le duine den sórt sin mar dhuine atá cáilithe chun críocha fho-alt (1) mura mbeidh aige cibé cáilíochtaí oideachais breise a bheidh sonraithe ag an Aire chun a chinntiú go bhfuil eolas dóthanach ag na daoine sin ar an dlí agus ar chleachtas sa Stát is iomchuí d'iniúchadh cuntas, agus
(c) féadfaidh sé, maidir le daoine atá cáilithe faoi Achtanna na gCuideachtaí lena gceapadh mar iniúchóir ar chuideachta nó mar iniúchóir poiblí, aird a bheith aige ar a mhéid a thugtar aitheantas dóibh ag dlí na tíre i gceist, mar iniúchóirí atá cáilithe chun cuntais a iniúchadh sa tír sin.
(3) Féadfar orduithe éagsúla a thabhairt faoi fho-alt (2) (b) i ndáil le cáilíochtaí éagsúla.
(4) Féadfaidh an tAire, más cuí leis, aon dearbhú a bheidh déanta roimh ré faoi fho-alt (1) a chúlghairm nó a fhionraí ar feadh tréimhse sonraithe, i cibé slí agus ar cibé coinníollacha is iomchuí leis.
Comhchomhairle ag an Aire maidir le caighdeáin agus cáilíochtaí.
190.—(1) Sula ndéanann an tAire aitheantas a dheonú, a athnuachan, a aistarraingt, a chúlghairm, a fhionraí nó a dhiúltú do chomhlacht cuntasóirí faoi Achtanna na gCuideachtaí, féadfaidh sé dul i gcomhairle le haon duine nó comhlacht daoine maidir leis na coinníollacha a fhorchuireann, nó na caighdeáin a éilíonn, an comhlacht cuntasóirí lena mbaineann i dtaca le comhaltas den chomhlacht sin nó le deimhnithe cleachta a dhámhachtain do dhaoine.
(2) Féadfaidh an tAire dul i gcomhairle freisin le haon duine nó comhlacht daoine sula dtiocfaidh sé ar aon tuairim nó sula ndéanfaidh sé aon dearbhú i ndáil leis na cáilíochtaí atá ag aon duine nó ag aon aicme daoine maidir le cáilíocht le haghaidh ceaptha mar iniúchóir ar chuideachta nó mar iniúchóir poiblí.
Comhlachtaí cuntasóirí a aithint.
191.—(1) I gcás go ndéanfaidh comhlacht cuntasóirí, atá aitheanta faoi alt 162 den Phríomh-Acht, an tAire a shásamh laistigh de thrí mhí tar éis thosach feidhme an ailt seo—
(a) nach lú na caighdeáin a bhaineann le hoiliúint, cáilíochtaí agus clú a éilíonn an comhlacht sin chun deimhniú cleachta a dhámhachtain do dhuine ná na caighdeáin a shonraítear in Airteagail 3 go 6, 8 agus 19 den Treoir ón gComhairle, agus
(b) maidir leis na caighdeáin a chuireann sé i bhfeidhm ar a chuid comhaltaí sna réimsí a bhaineann le heitic, cóid iompair agus cleachtais, neamhspleáchas, ionracas gairmiúil, caighdeáin theicniúla, nósanna imeachta araíonachta,
déanfaidh an tAire an t-aitheantas sin a athnuachan.
(2) I gcás nach sásóidh comhlacht cuntasóirí dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1) an tAire maidir leis na hábhair a shonraítear sa mhír sin, aistarraingeoidh sé an t-aitheantas ón gcomhlacht sin go dtí go mbeidh sé sásta amhlaidh.
(3) I gcás go ndéanann comhlacht cuntasóirí nach raibh aitheanta roimhe sin ag an Aire faoi alt 162 den Phríomh-Acht, iarratas ar aitheantas den sórt sin tar éis thosach feidhme an ailt seo, féadfaidh an tAire an t-aitheantas sin a dheonú má shásaítear é maidir leis na hábhair dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1) i ndáil leis an gcomhlacht sin nó féadfaidh sé an t-aitheantas sin a dhiúltú mura sásaítear é amhlaidh.
Forálacha i ndáil le haitheantais agus údaruithe ag an Aire faoi alt 187.
192.—(1) Féadfaidh an tAire an tráth a ndeonófar é nó ag aon tráth le linn ré aitheantais nó údaraithe faoi alt 187, le fógra i scríbhinn arna thabhairt don chomhlacht cuntasóirí nó don duine lena mbaineann, cibé téarmaí agus coinníollacha a chur ag gabháil leis an aitheantas nó leis an údarú, de réir mar a bheidh, is dóigh leis a bheidh riachtanach nó fóirsteanach agus a bheidh sonraithe san fhógra.
(2) Féadfaidh an tAire ag aon tráth le linn ré aitheantais nó údaraithe faoi alt 187, le fógra i scríbhinn arna thabhairt don chomhlacht cuntasóirí nó don duine lena mbaineann, a théarmaí nó a choinníollacha a leasú nó téarmaí nó coinníollacha eile a chur isteach ann nó a scriosadh as.
(3) Féadfaidh an tAire, ag aon tráth le linn a ré, le fógra i scríbhinn arna thabhairt don chomhlacht cuntasóirí nó don duine lena mbaineann, aitheantas nó údarú faoin alt sin 187 a chúlghairm, nó a fhionraí ar feadh tréimhse sonraithe.
(4) (a) Féadfaidh an tAire a cheangal ar chomhlacht cuntasóirí a bheidh aitheanta chun críocha an ailt sin 187 cód a ullmhú agus, laistigh de cibé tréimhse a bheidh sonraithe sa cheanglas, é a chur faoi bhráid an Aire lena cheadú, ar cód é ina bhforordófar caighdeáin iompair ghairmiúil dá chomhaltaí agus lena bhforálfar smachtbhannaí do sháruithe ar an gcód, agus comhlíonfaidh an comhlacht cuntasóirí an ceanglas.
(b) Féadfaidh comhlacht cuntasóirí, tráth ar bith, cód a ullmhú agus a chur faoi bhráid an Aire ag leasú nó ag cúlghairm cóid a d'ullmhaigh sé faoin bhfo-alt seo.
(c) Féadfaidh an tAire ceadú a thabhairt maidir le cód a cuireadh faoina bhráid faoin bhfo-alt seo.
(d) Déanfaidh an comhlacht cuntasóirí lena mbaineann cód a bheidh ceadaithe ag an Aire faoin alt seo a thabhairt i ngníomh agus a chur i bhfeidhm de réir théarmaí an chóid.
(e) I gcás go gceadóidh an tAire cód faoin bhfo-alt seo, féadfaidh sé a ordú go mbeidh feidhm, fara aon mhodhnuithe is gá a bheidh ceadaithe ag an Aire, maidir le pearsana aonair a bheidh údaraithe ar leithligh aige, ag cibé forálacha den chód a bhaineann le hionracas gairmiúil iniúchóirí.
(f) Féadfaidh an tAire, le rialacháin, foráil a dhéanamh le haghaidh feidhmiú faireachais ar chomhlíonadh an chóid ag pearsana aonair de réir mhír (e). Féadfaidh na rialacháin sin foráil a dhéanamh go háirithe do chomhlíonadh na feidhme sin thar ceann an Aire ag aon chomhlacht nó duine a bheidh sonraithe sna rialacháin. Féadfaidh cibé foráil theagmhasach, iarmhartach, idirthréimhseach nó fhorlíontach a dhealróidh a bheith riachtanach nó cuí chun a chinntiú go ndéanfaidh na pearsana aonair lena mbaineann forálacha sonraithe an chóid a chomhlíonadh, a bheith freisin sna rialacháin.
(g) Gach rialachán a dhéanfaidh an tAire faoin alt seo leagfar é faoi bhráid gach Tí den Oireachtas a luaithe is féidir tar éis a dhéanta agus má dhéanann ceachtar Teach acu sin, laistigh den 21 lá a shuífidh an Teach sin tar éis an rialachán a leagan faoina bhráid, rún a rith ag neamhniú an rialacháin, beidh an rialachán ar neamhní dá réir sin, ach sin gan dochar do bhailíocht aon ní a rinneadh roimhe sin faoin rialachán.
(5) Folaíonn tagairtí san alt seo d'aitheantais faoi alt 187 tagairtí d'aitheantais faoi alt 162 (a cuireadh isteach le hAcht na gCuideachtaí (Leasú), 1982) den Phríomh-Acht agus folaíonn tagairtí san alt seo d'údarú faoi alt 187 tagairtí d'údaraithe faoin alt sin 162.
Tuarascáil na n-iniúchóirí agus a gceart chun fáil a bheith acu ar leabhair agus chun bheith i láthair agus éisteacht a fháil ag cruinnithe ginearálta.
193.—(1) Tabharfaidh iniúchóirí cuideachta tuarascáil do na comhaltaí ar na cuntais a scrúdaigh siad, agus ar gach clár comhardaithe, gach cuntas sochair agus dochair agus gach grúpchuntas a leagfar faoi bhráid na cuideachta i gcruinniú ginearálta le linn iad a bheith i seilbh oifige.
(2) Léifear tuarascáil na n-iniúchóirí ag cruinniú ginearálta bliantúil na cuideachta agus beidh sí ar fáil lena hiniúchadh ag aon chomhalta.
(3) Beidh ceart ag gach iniúchóir cuideachta fáil a bheith aige gach tráth réasúnach ar leabhair, cuntais agus dearbháin na cuideachta agus beidh sé i dteideal a cheangal ar oifigigh (de réir bhrí alt 197 (5)) don chuideachta cibé faisnéis agus mínithe a thabhairt is eol dóibh nó is féidir leo a fháil is dóigh leis is gá chun dualgais na n-iniúchóirí a chomhlíonadh.
(4) Luafaidh tuarascáil na n-iniúchóirí—
(a) cibé acu a fuair nó nach bhfuair siad an fhaisnéis agus na mínithe go léir is gá, de réir mar is fearr is eol dóibh agus a chreideann siad, chun críocha a n-iniúchta,
(b) cibé acu, ina dtuairim, atá nó nach bhfuil leabhair chuntais chuí á gcoimeád ag an gcuideachta,
(c) cibé acu, ina dtuairim, a fuarthas nó nach bhfuarthas tuairisceáin chuí atá leordhóthanach dá n-iniúchadh ó bhrainsí de chuid na cuideachta nár thug siad cuairt orthu,
(d) cibé acu atá nó nach bhfuil clár comhardaithe na cuideachta agus (mura bhfuil sé cumtha mar chuntas comhdhlúite sochair agus dochair) a cuntas sochair agus dochair ar aon dul leis na leabhair chuntais agus leis na tuairisceáin,
(e) ach amháin i gcás cuideachta a bhain leas as aon cheann d'fhorálacha Chuid III den Séú Sceideal a ghabhann leis an bPríomh-Acht, cibé acu, ina dtuairim, atá nó nach bhfuil clár comhardaithe agus cuntas sochair agus dochair na cuideachta agus (más cuideachta shealbhaíochta í atá ag cur grúpchuntais isteach) na grúpchuntais, ullmhaithe go cuí de réir fhorálacha Achtanna na gCuideachtaí agus cibé acu a thugann nó nach dtugann siad léargas fíorcheart—
(i) i gcás an chláir chomhardaithe, ar staid chúrsaí na cuideachta amhail ag deireadh a bliana airgeadais,
(ii) i gcás an chuntais sochair agus dochair (mura bhfuil sé cumtha mar chuntas comhdhlúite sochair agus dochair), ar shochar agus dochar na cuideachta dá bliain airgeadais,
(iii) i gcás grúpchuntas atá á gcur isteach ag cuideachta shealbhaíochta, ar staid chúrsaí agus ar shochar nó dochar na cuideachta agus a fochuideachtaí a ndéileáiltear leo sa tslí sin, a mhéid a bhaineann sé le comhaltaí na cuideachta,
(f) i gcás cuideachta a bhain leas as aon cheann d'fhorálacha Chuid III den Séú Sceideal a ghabhann leis an bPríomh-Acht, cibé acu, ina dtuairim, atá nó nach bhfuil a clár comhardaithe agus a cuntas sochair agus dochair agus (más cuideachta shealbhaíochta í atá ag cur grúpchuntais isteach) na grúpchuntais, ullmhaithe go cuí de réir fhorálacha Achtanna na gCuideachtaí agus cibé acu a thugann nó nach dtugann siad léargas fíorcheart ar na nithe dá dtagraítear i bhfomhíreanna (i) agus (ii) agus, más iomchuí, i bhfomhír (iii) de mhír (e) faoi réir neamhnochtadh aon nithe (a luafar sa tuarascáil) nach gá a nochtadh de bhua na Coda sin III, agus
(g) cibé acu, ina dtuairim, a bhí nó nach raibh staid airgeadais ann ag dáta an chláir chomhardaithe a d'éileodh faoi alt 40 (1) d'Acht na gCuideachtaí (Leasú), 1983, cruinniú ginearálta urghnách den chuideachta a chomóradh.
(5) Beidh iniúchóirí cuideachta i dteideal bheith i láthair ag aon chruinniú ginearálta den chuideachta agus gach fógra agus gach cumarsáid eile maidir le haon chruinniú ginearálta a fháil a bhfuil aon chomhalta den chuideachta i dteideal é a fháil, agus éisteacht a fháil ag aon chruinniú ginearálta a mbeidh siad i láthair aige i dtaobh aon chuid de ghnó an chruinnithe a bhaineann leo mar iniúchóirí.
(6) Beidh duine a cheapfar mar iniúchóir ar chuideachta nó mar iniúchóir poiblí faoi dhualgas ginearálta an t-iniúchadh sin a dhéanamh le hionracas gairmiúil.
(7) Déanfar aon tagairt sa Phríomh-Acht d'alt 163 den Acht sin, nó don Seachtú Sceideal a ghabhann leis an Acht sin, a fhorléiriú mar thagairtí don alt seo.
Dualgas iniúchóirí mura bhfuil leabhair chuntais chuí á gcoimeád.
194.—(1) Más rud é, tráth ar bith, gurb é tuairim iniúchóirí cuideachta go bhfuil an chuideachta ag sárú, nó gur sháraigh sí, alt 202 trí fhaillí a dhéanamh a chur faoi deara leabhair chuntais chuí (de réir bhrí an ailt sin) a choimeád i ndáil leis na nithe a shonraítear i bhfo-ailt (1) agus (2) den alt sin, déanfaidh na hiniúchóirí—
(a) fógra a sheirbheáil ar an gcuideachta a luaithe is féidir ag sonrú a dtuairime, agus
(b) tráth nach déanaí ná 7 lá tar éis an fógra sin a sheirbheáil ar an gcuideachta, scéala a chur faoin bhfógra chuig cláraitheoir na gcuideachtaí san fhoirm fhorordaithe.
(2) I gcás gurb é tuairim na n-iniúchóirí gur sháraigh an chuideachta alt 202 ach, tar éis an tsáraithe sin, go ndearna stiúrthóirí na cuideachta na bearta is gá chun a chinntiú go gcoimeádtar leabhair chuntais chuí mar a éilítear leis an alt sin, ní bheidh feidhm ag fo-alt (1) (b).
(3) Ní cheanglóidh an t-alt seo ar na hiniúchóirí na fógraí dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1) a thabhairt más dóigh leo gur mionsáruithe na sáruithe lena mbaineann nó thairis sin nach bhfuil baint acu le hábhar.
(4) Beidh duine a sháróidh fo-alt (1) ciontach i gcion.
Toirmeasc ar ghníomhú i ndáil le hiniúchadh fad a bheidh ordú dícháilíochta i bhfeidhm.
195.—(1) Más rud é, maidir le duine atá faoi réir, nó a mheastar a bheith faoi réir, ordaithe dícháilíochta—
(a) go dtagann sé chun bheith ina chomhpháirtí i ngnólacht iniúchóirí, nó go bhfanfaidh sé ina chomhpháirtí ann tar éis 28 lá ó dháta déanta an ordaithe,
(b) go dtugann sé treoracha nó teagasc i ndáil le haon chuid d'iniúchadh ar chuntais chuideachta a sheoladh, nó
(c) go n-oibríonn sé in aon cháil le linn iniúchadh ar chuntais chuideachta a bheith á sheoladh,
beidh sé ciontach i gcion.
(2) I gcás go gciontófar duine i gcion faoi fho-alt (1), déanfar an tréimhse a raibh sé dícháilithe ina leith a fhadú go ceann tréimhse breise deich mbliana ón dáta sin, nó go ceann cibé tréimhse breise eile a ordóidh an chúirt ar iarratas ón ionchúisitheoir agus ag féachaint d'imthosca uile an cháis.
(3) San alt seo—
(a) tá le “cuideachta” an bhrí a shanntar dó le halt 159, agus folaíonn sé freisin aon chumann atá cláraithe faoi na hAchtanna um Chumainn Tionscail agus Soláthair, 1893 go 1978,
(b) tá le “ordú dícháilíochta” an bhrí a shanntar dó le halt 159.
Cumhachtaí iniúchóirí i ndáil le fochuideachtaí.
196.—(1) I gcás fochuideachta a bheith ag cuideachta (dá ngairtear “an chuideachta shealbhaíochta” san alt seo), ansin—
(a) i gcás gur comhlacht corpraithe a corpraíodh sa Stát an fhochuideachta, beidh sé de dhualgas ar an bhfochuideachta agus ar a cuid iniúchóirí cibé faisnéis agus mínithe a thabhairt d'iniúchóirí na cuideachta sealbhaíochta a cheanglóidh na hiniúchóirí sin le réasún chun críocha a ndualgas mar iniúchóirí ar an gcuideachta shealbhaíochta,
(b) in aon chás eile, beidh sé de dhualgas ar an gcuideachta shealbhaíochta, má cheanglaíonn a cuid iniúchóirí uirthi déanamh amhlaidh, gach beart a dhéanamh atá ar fáil di le réasún chun cibé faisnéis agus mínithe mar a dúradh a fháil ón bhfochuideachta.
(2) Má mhainníonn cuideachta nó iniúchóir fo-alt (1) a chomhlíonadh laistigh de chúig lá ón gceanglas iomchuí a dhéanamh faoin bhfo-alt sin, beidh an chuideachta agus gach oifigeach di a rinne mainneachtain, nó an t-iniúchóir, de réir mar a bheidh, ciontach i gcion.
(3) In ionchúiseamh i leith ciona faoin alt seo, is cosaint don chosantóir a thaispeáint nárbh fhéidir leis le réasún an ceanglas faoi fho-alt (1) lena mbaineann an cion a chomhlíonadh laistigh den am a shonraítear i bhfo-alt (2) ach gur chomhlíon sé é a luaithe ab fhéidir le réasún tar éis dheireadh an ama sin.
(4) Dlífear fíneáil a chur ar dhuine a bheidh ciontach i gcion faoin alt seo.
Pionós mar gheall ar ráitis bhréagacha a dhéanamh le hiniúchóirí.
197.—(1) Aon oifigeach do chuideachta a dhéanfaidh, go feasach nó go meargánta, ráiteas lena mbaineann an t-alt seo, is ráiteas a bheidh míthreorach, bréagach nó mealltach i bponc ábhartha, beidh sé ciontach i gcion.
(2) Baineann an t-alt seo le haon ráiteas a dhéanfar le hiniúchóirí cuideachta (cibé acu ó bhéal nó i scríbhinn) a thugann aon fhaisnéis nó míniú nó a airbheartaíonn aon fhaisnéis nó míniú a thabhairt a éilíonn siad faoi Achtanna na gCuideachtaí, nó a bhfuil siad i dteideal a éileamh amhlaidh, mar iniúchóirí ar an gcuideachta.
(3) Aon oifigeach do chuideachta a mhainníonn aon fhaisnéis nó mínithe a chur ar fáil d'iniúchóirí na cuideachta nó chuideachta shealbhaíochta na cuideachta, laistigh de dhá lá ón éileamh iomchuí a dhéanamh, a éilíonn na hiniúchóirí mar iniúchóirí ar an gcuideachta nó ar chuideachta shealbhaíochta na cuideachta agus is eol don oifigeach nó a fhéadfaidh sé a fháil, beidh sé ciontach i gcion.
(4) In ionchúiseamh i leith ciona faoin alt seo, is cosaint don chosantóir a thaispeáint nárbh fhéidir leis le réasún an ceanglas faoi fho-alt (3) lena mbaineann an cion a chomhlíonadh laistigh den am a shonraítear san fho-alt sin ach gur chomhlíon sé é a luaithe ab fhéidir le réasún tar éis dheireadh an ama sin.
(5) San alt seo folaíonn “oifigeach” i ndáil le cuideachta, aon fhostaí den chuideachta.
Clár iniúchóirí.
198.—(1) Coimeádfaidh cláraitheoir na gcuidéachtaí clár ina mbeidh ainmneacha agus seoltaí daoine a mbeidh sé curtha in iúl dó gur daoine iad atá cáilithe lena gceapadh mar iniúchóir ar chuideachta nó mar iniúchóir poiblí.
(2) San alt seo agus in alt 199, ciallaíonn “seoladh”, i ndáil le duine, a ghnáthsheoladh cónaithe nó gnó.
Forálacha idirthréimhseacha a bhaineann leis an gclár.
199.—(1) Faoi réir fho-alt (2), déanfaidh comhlacht cuntasóirí a bhfuil a aitheantas athnuaite ag an Aire faoi alt 191 (1) nó a bhfuil aitheantas tugtha dó faoi alt 191 (3), laistigh de mhí amháin tar éis athnuachana nó aitheantais den sórt sin, ainm agus seoladh gach comhalta dá chuid atá cáilithe lena cheapadh faoi Achtanna na gCuideachtaí mar iniúchóir ar chuideachta nó mar iniúchóir poiblí a sheachadadh ar chláraitheoir na gcuideachtaí.
(2) Gan dochar do ghinearáltacht fho-alt (1), déanfaidh comhlacht cuntasóirí atá bunaithe lasmuigh den Stát agus a bhfuil a aitheantas athnuaite nó deonaithe mar a dúradh, sonraí a chur in iúl i dtaobh na gcomhaltaí dá chuid ar mian leo cleachtadh sa Stát.
(3) Gach duine a shealbhaíonn, díreach roimh thosach feidhme an ailt seo, údarú ón Aire faoi Achtanna na gCuideachtaí chun gníomhú mar iniúchóir ar chuideachta nó mar iniúchóir poiblí (seachas de bhua comhaltais i gcomhlacht aitheanta cuntasóirí) seachadfaidh sé, laistigh de mhí amháin tar éis an tosach feidhme sin, a ainm agus a sheoladh ar chláraitheoir na gcuideachtaí.
(4) Má mhainnítear fo-alt (1) a chomhlíonadh, beidh an comhlacht cuntasóirí lena mbaineann ciontach i gcion.
Dualgas chun cláraitheoir a choimeád ar an eolas.
200.—(1) Más rud é, faoi réir fho-alt (2), go dtagann duine (seachas duine dá dtagraítear in alt 199 (1)), de bhua é a theacht chun bheith ina chomhalta de chomhlacht cuntasóirí, chun bheith cáilithe lena cheapadh mar iniúchóir ar chuideachta nó mar iniúchóir poiblí, seachadfaidh an comhlacht lena mbaineann, laistigh de mhí amháin óna theacht chun bheith cáilithe amhlaidh, a ainm agus a sheoladh ar chláraitheoir na gcuideachtaí lena chur isteach sa chlár dá dtagraítear in alt 198.
(2) Gan dochar do ghinearáltacht fho-alt (1), déanfaidh comhlacht aitheanta cuntasóirí atá bunaithe lasmuigh den Stát, sonraí a chur in iúl i dtaobh na gcomhaltaí dá chuid ar mian leo cleachtadh sa Stát.
(3) Gach duine dá ndeonófar údarú ón Aire, tar éis thosach feidhme an ailt seo, faoi Achtanna na gCuideachtaí chun gníomhú mar iniúchóir ar chuideachta nó mar iniúchóir poiblí (seachas de bhua comhaltais i gcomhlacht aitheanta cuntasóirí) seachadfaidh sé, laistigh de mhí amháin tar éis an deonaithe sin, a ainm agus a sheoladh ar chláraitheoir na gcuideachtaí.
(4) Má mhainnítear fo-alt (1) a chomhlíonadh, beidh an comhlacht cuntasóirí lena mbaineann ciontach i gcion.
Cumhacht chun rialacháin fhorlíontacha a dhéanamh.
201.—(1) Féadfaidh an tAire cibé rialacháin fhorlíontacha a dhéanamh a mheasann sé is gá d'fheidhmiú cuí éifeachtach na Treorach ón gComhairle.
(2) Gan dochar do ghinearáltacht fho-alt (1), más rud é go dtarlaíonn aon deacracht in aon chás maidir le feidhmiú na Treorach, féadfaidh an tAire le rialacháin aon ní a dhéanamh is dóigh leis a bheith riachtanach nó fóirsteanach chun an deacracht sin a shárú, agus féadfaidh aon rialacháin den sórt sin aon fhoráil den Chuid seo a mhodhnú a mhéid is gá nó is fóirsteanach chun an Treoir a fheidhmiú ach ní dhéanfar aon rialacháin faoin bhfo-alt seo i ndáil le haon fhoráil den Chuid seo tar éis 3 bliana a bheith caite ag tosú leis an lá ar tháinig an fhoráil iomchuí den Chuid seo i ngníomh.
(3) Gach rialachán a dhéanfaidh an tAire faoin alt seo leagfar é faoi bhráid gach Tí den Oireachtas a luaithe is féidir tar éis a dhéanta agus má dhéanann ceachtar Teach acu sin, laistigh den 21 lá a shuífidh an Teach sin tar éis an rialachán a leagan faoina bhráid, rún a rith ag neamhniú an rialacháin beidh an rialachán ar neamhní dá réir sin, ach sin gan dochar do bhailíocht aon ní a rinneadh roimhe sin faoin rialachán.
Leabhair chuntais a choimeád.
202.—(1) Cuirfidh gach cuideachta faoi deara go gcoimeádfar leabhair chuntais chuí, cibé acu i bhfoirm doiciméad nó ar shlí eile—
(a) a thaifeadfaidh agus a mhíneoidh go cruinn idirbhearta na cuideachta,
(b) a chumasóidh tráth ar bith staid airgeadais na cuideachta a chinneadh go réasúnta cruinn.
(c) a chumasóidh do na stiúrthóirí a chinntiú go ndéanann aon chlár comhardaithe, cuntas sochair agus dochair agus cuntas ioncaim agus caiteachais de chuid na cuideachta ceanglais Achtanna na gCuideachtaí a chomhlíonadh, agus
(d) a chumasóidh cuntais na cuideachta a iniúchadh go réidh agus go cuí.
(2) Coimeádfar leabhair chuntais cuideachta ar bhonn leanúnach comhréireach, is é sin le rá, déanfar na taifid iontu ar mhodh tráthúil agus beidh siad i gcomhréir lena chéile ó bhliain go chéile.
(3) Gan dochar do ghinearáltacht fho-ailt (1) agus (2), beidh i leabhair chuntais a choimeádtar de bhun na bhfo-alt sin—
(a) iontrálacha ó lá go lá de na suimeanna airgid go léir a gheobhaidh agus a chaithfidh an chuideachta agus na nithe a bhfuarthas agus ar caitheadh na suimeanna ina leith,
(b) taifead de shócmhainní agus de dhliteanais na cuideachta,
(c) má bhaineann gnó na cuideachta le déileáil in earraí—
(i) taifead de na hearraí go léir a ceannaíodh, agus de na hearraí go léir a díoladh (seachas iadsin a díoladh ar airgead tirim ar mhodh gnáth-thrádála miondíola), a thaispeánfaidh na hearraí agus na díoltóirí agus na ceannaitheoirí sách mionsonraithe le go bhféadfar na hearraí agus na díoltóirí agus na ceannaitheoirí a aithint agus taifead de na sonraisc go léir a bhaineann leis na ceannacháin agus na díolacháin sin,
(ii) ráitis i dtaobh stoic a shealbhóidh an chuideachta ag deireadh gach bliana airgeadais agus gach taifead de stocáirimh ar ullmhaíodh nó a n-ullmhófar aon ráiteas stoic den sórt sin as, agus
(d) má bhaineann gnó na cuideachta le soláthar seirbhísí, taifead de na seirbhísí a sholáthraítear agus de na sonraisc go léir a bhaineann leis sin.
(4) Chun críocha fho-ailt (1), (2) agus (3), measfar leabhair chuntais chuí a bheith á gcoimeád má chomhlíonann siad na fo-ailt sin agus má thugann siad léargas fíorcheart ar staid chúrsaí na cuideachta agus má mhíníonn siad a hidirbhearta.
(5) Faoi réir fho-alt (6), coimeádfar na leabhair chuntais in oifig chláraithe na cuideachta nó i cibé áit eile is cuí leis na stiúrthóirí.
(6) Má choimeádtar leabhair chuntais in áit lasmuigh den Stát, cuirfear go dtí áit sa Stát, agus coimeádfar ann, agus beidh ar fáil gach tráth réasúnach chun a iniúchta ag na stiúrthóirí, cibé cuntais agus tuairisceáin ar an ngnó lena ndéileáiltear sna leabhair chuntais a choimeádtar amhlaidh a chuirfidh i bhfios go réasúnta cruinn cad é an staid airgeadais atá ar an ngnó sin i gceann tréimhsí nach faide ó chéile ná 6 mhí agus a bhéarfaidh go bhféadfar a ullmhú de réir Achtanna na gCuideachtaí clár comhardaithe na cuideachta, a cuntas sochair agus dochair nó a cuntas ioncaim agus caiteachais agus aon doiciméad a bheidh i gceangal le haon cheann de na doiciméid sin ag tabhairt faisnéise is gá de réir na nAchtanna sin agus a cheadaítear dá réir a thabhairt amhlaidh.
(7) Déanfar leabhair chuntais is gá a choimeád leis an alt seo agus cuntais agus tuairisceáin dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (6) a choimeád i bhfoirm scríofa i dteanga oifigiúil de chuid an Stáit nó ar shlí go bhféadfar teacht ar na leabhair chuntais agus ar na cuntais agus ar na tuairisceáin go héasca agus go mbeidh siad inchomhshóite go héasca i bhfoirm scríofa i dteanga oifigiúil de chuid an Stáit.
(8) Déanfaidh cuideachta a leabhair chuntais agus aon chuntais agus tuairisceáin dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (6) a chur ar fáil i bhfoirm scríofa i dteanga oifigiúil de chuid an Stáit gach tráth réasúnach lena n-iniúchadh gan táille ag oifigigh na cuideachta agus ag daoine eile a bheidh i dteideal de bhun Achtanna na gCuideachtaí leabhair chuntais na cuideachta a iniúchadh.
(9) Déanfaidh an chuideachta lena mbaineann aon taifead, ar leabhar cuntais é is gá a choimeád leis an alt seo nó is cuntas nó tuairisceán dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (6), a choimeád go ceann tréimhse 6 bliana ar a laghad tar éis an dáta is déanaí lena mbaineann an taifead.
(10) Beidh cuideachta a sháróidh an t-alt seo ciontach i gcion agus aon duine, is stiúrthóir ar chuideachta, a mhainníonn gach beart réasúnach a dhéanamh chun a áirithiú go gcomhlíonfaidh an chuideachta ceanglais an ailt seo, nó a bhíonn trína ghníomh toiliúil féin ina chúis le haon mhainneachtain ag an gcuideachta faoin alt seo, beidh sé ciontach i gcion freisin:
Ar choinníoll, áfach,—
(a) in aon imeachtaí i gcoinne duine i leith ciona faoin alt seo arb é a bheidh ann mainneachtain bearta réasúnacha a dhéanamh chun a áirithiú go gcomhlíonfadh cuideachta ceanglais an ailt seo, gur cosaint é a chruthú go raibh forais réasúnacha aige lena chreidiúint, agus gur chreid sé, gur cuireadh de dhualgas ar dhuine inniúil iontaofa a chinntiú go gcomhlíonfaí na ceanglais sin agus go raibh an duine sin sa riocht go gcomhlíonfadh sé an dualgas sin, agús
(b) nach gcuirfear pianbhreith príosúnachta ar dhuine mar gheall ar chion den sórt sin mura rud é, i dtuairim na cúirte, go ndearnadh an cion go toiliúil.
Dliteanas pionós a chur ar oifigigh chuideachta i gcás nach gcoimeádfar leabhair chuntais chuí.
203.—(1) Más rud é—
(a) go ndearna cuideachta a bheidh á foirceannadh agus nach mbeidh ábalta a cuid fiach go léir a íoc, alt 202 a shárú, agus
(b) go measann an chúirt go raibh an sárú sin ina chionchúis le neamhábaltacht na cuideachta a cuid fiach go léir a íoc nó gurbh é a thoradh neamhchinnteacht mhór a bheith ann i dtaobh sócmhainní agus dliteanais na cuideachta nó gur chuir sé mórbhac ar fhoirceannadh ordúil an chéanna,
beidh gach oifigeach don chuideachta a rinne mainneachtain ciontach i gcion agus dlífear—
(i) ar é a chiontú go hachomair, fíneáil nach mó ná £1,000, nó príosúnacht ar feadh téarma nach faide ná 6 mhí, nó iad araon, a chur air, nó
(ii) ar é a chiontú ar díotáil, fíneáil nach mó ná £10,000, nó príosúnacht ar feadh téarma nach faide ná 5 bliana, nó iad araon, a chur air.
(2) In ionchúiseamh mar gheall ar chion faoin alt seo is cosaint don duine a chúiseofar sa chion a thaispeáint—
(a) go ndearna sé gach beart réasúnach chun a áirithiú go gcomhlíonfadh an chuideachta alt 202, nó
(b) go raibh forais réasúnacha aige lena chreidiúint, agus gur chreid sé, gur cuireadh de dhualgas ar dhuine inniúil iontaofa, ag gníomhú faoi mhaoirseacht nó faoi urláimh stiúrthóra na cuideachta ar cuireadh an fhreagracht sin air go foirmiúil, a chinntiú go gcomhlíonfaí an t-alt sin agus go raibh an duine sin sa riocht go gcomhlíonfadh sé an dualgas sin.
Dliteanas pearsanta oifigeach cuideachta i gcás nach gcoimeádfar leabhair chuntais chuí.
204.—(1) Faoi réir fho-alt (2), más rud é—
(a) gur ndearna cuideachta a bheidh á foirceannadh agus nach mbeidh ábalta a cuid fiach go léir a íoc, alt 202 a shárú, agus
(b) go measann an chúirt go raibh an sárú sin ina chionchúis le neamhábaltacht na cuideachta a cuid fiach go léir a íoc nó gurbh é a thoradh neamhchinnteacht mhór a bheith ann i dtaobh sócmhainní agus dliteanais na cuideachta nó gur chuir sé mórbhac ar fhoirceannadh ordúil an chéanna,
féadfaidh an chúirt, ar iarratas ón leachtaitheoir nó ó aon chreidiúnaí nó ranníocóir de chuid na cuideachta, má cheapann sí gur cuí di déanamh amhlaidh, a dhearbhú go mbeidh aon oifigeach nó aon oifigigh agus aon iaroifigeach nó aon iaroifigigh don chuideachta a rinne mainneachtain faoi dhliteanas pearsanta, gan aon teorainn ó thaobh dliteanais, i leith na bhfiach agus na ndliteanas eile go léir de chuid na cuideachta nó i leith cibé cuid díobh a bheidh sonraithe ag an gcúirt.
(2) Nuair a bheidh iarratas faoin bhfo-alt seo á éisteacht, féadfaidh an duine a bheidh ag déanamh an iarratais fianaise a thabhairt é féin nó finnéithe a ghairm.
(3) (a) I gcás go ndéanfaidh an chúirt dearbhú faoi fho-alt (1), féadfaidh sí cibé orduithe is cuí léi a thabhairt d'fhonn éifeacht a thabhairt don dearbhú agus go sonrach féadfaidh sí socrú a dhéanamh chun dliteanas aon duine den sórt sin faoin dearbhú a chur de mhuirear ar aon fhiach nó oibleagáid a bheidh dlite dó ón gcuideachta nó ar aon mhorgáiste nó muirear nó aon leas in aon mhorgáiste nó muirear ar aon sócmhainní de chuid na cuideachta a bheidh á dteachtadh aige nó dílsithe dó nó á dteachtadh ag aon chuideachta nó duine eile, nó dílsithe d'aon chuiddeachta nó duine eile, thar a cheann, nó ag aon duine, nó dílsithe d'aon duine, a dhéanfaidh éileamh mar shannaí ar an duine, nó tríd an duine, a bheidh faoi dhliteanas faoin dearbhú nó ar aon chuideachta nó duine nó trí aon chuideachta nó duine a bheidh ag gníomhú thar a cheann. agus féadfaidh sí ó am go ham cibé ordú breise a dhéanamh a bheidh riachtanach chun aon mhuirear a fhorchuirtear faoin bhfo-alt seo a chur i bhfeidhm.
(b) I mír (a), folaíonn “sannaí” aon duine chun a ndearnadh nó ar ina fhabhar a rinneadh, le horduithe ón duine faoi dhliteanas, an fiach, an oibleagáid, an morgáiste nó an muirear a bhunú, a eisiúint nó a aistriú, nó an leas a bhunú, ach ní fholaíonn sé sannaí ar chomaoin luachmhar (gan comaoin i ngeall ar phósadh a áireamh) a tugadh de mheon macánta agus gan fógra i dtaobh aon cheann de na hábhair a ndéanfar an dearbhú ar a bhforas.
(4) Ní dhéanfaidh an chúirt dearbhú faoi fho-alt (1) maidir le duine má mheasann sí—
(a) go ndearna sé gach beart réasúnach chun a áirithiú go gcomhlíonfadh an chuideachta alt 202, nó
(b) go raibh forais réasúnacha aige lena chreidiúint, agus gur chreid sé, gur cuireadh de dhualgas ar dhuine inniúil iontaofa, ag gníomhú faoi mhaoirseacht nó faoi urláimh stiúrthóra na cuideachta ar cuireadh an fhreagracht sin air go foirmiúil, a chinntiú go gcomhlíonfaí an t-alt sin agus go raibh an duine sin sa riocht go gcomhlíonfadh sé an dualgas sin.
(5) Beidh éifeacht leis an alt seo d'ainneoin go bhféadfadh an duine a bheidh i gceist a bheith faoi dhliteanas coiriúil maidir leis na hábhair a mbeidh an dearbhú le déanamh ar a bhforas.
(6) San alt seo folaíonn “oifigeach”, maidir le cuideachta, duine a ciontaíodh i gcion faoi alt 194, 197 nó 242 i ndáil le ráiteas a bhaineann le leabhair chuntais chuí a choimeád ag an gcuideachta.
Tosach feidhme Chuid X.
205.—Beidh feidhm ag gach ceann de na forálacha seo a leanas, is é sin le rá ailt 202 go 204 maidir le cuntais chuideachta le haghaidh gach bliana airgeadais de chuid na cuideachta dar tosach nó dar críoch dáta i ndiaidh cibé dáta tar éis thosach feidhme na forála a bheidh sonraithe ag an Aire le hordú.
CUID XI
Cuideachta d'fháil a Scaireanna Féin agus Scaireanna i gCuideachta Shealbhaíochta
Léiriú.
206.—Sa Chuid seo—
ciallaíonn “Acht 1983” Acht na gCuideachtaí (Leasú), 1983;
ciallaíonn “cuideachta” cuideachta lena mbaineann alt 207;
tá le “dáileadh” an bhrí a shanntar dó le halt 51 (2) d'Acht 1983 (arna leasú le halt 232 (d) agus (e) den Acht seo);
folaíonn “scaireanna infhuascailte” scaireanna a ndlífear iad a fhuascailt de rogha na cuideachta nó an scairshealbhóra.
Cumhacht chun scaireanna infhuascailte a eisiúint.
207.—(1) Faoi réir fhorálacha na Coda seo, féadfaidh cuideachta faoi theorainn scaireanna nó faoi theorainn ráthaíochta agus ag a bhfuil scairchaipiteal, má údaraíonn a cuid airteagal di amhlaidh, scaireanna infhuascailte a eisiúint agus iad a fhuascailt dá réir sin.
(2) Beidh eisiúint agus fuascailt scaireanna ag cuideachta de bhun fho-alt (1) faoi réir na gcoinníollacha seo a leanas—
(a) Ní eiseofar ná ní fhuasclófar aon scaireanna infhuascailte tráth ar bith nuair atá luach ainmniúil an scairchaipitil eisithe neamhinfhuascailte níos lú ná aon deichiú de luach ainmniúil scairchaipiteal eisithe iomlán na cuideachta.
(b) Ní fhuasclófar aon scaireanna den sórt sin mura mbeidh siad láníoctha.
(c) Ní mór do théarmaí na fuascailte socrú a dhéanamh le haghaidh íocaíochta tráth fuascailte.
(d) (i) Faoi réir fhomhír (ii), ní fhuasclófar aon scaireanna den sórt sin ach amháin as brabúis a bheidh ar fáil lena ndáileadh.
(ii) I gcás go mbeartaíonn an chuideachta scaireanna a chealú tráth fuascailte de bhun alt 208, féadfar na scaireanna sin a fhuascailt freisin as na fáltais ó eisiúint úr scaireanna a dhéanfar chun críocha fuascailte.
(e) An phréimh, más ann, is iníoctha tráth fuascailte, ní foláir, faoi réir mhír (f), foráil a bheith déanta chun í a íoc as brabúis sin na cuideachta.
(f) I gcás gur eisíodh na scaireanna ar biseach, féadfar aon phréimh is iníoctha tráth a bhfuascailte (ar fuascailt í lena mbaineann mír (d) (ii)) a íoc as na fáltais ó eisiúint úr scaireanna a dhéanfar chun críocha na fúascailte, suas go dtí méid is ionann agus—
(i) comhiomlán na bpréimheanna a fuair an chuideachta tráth eisiúna na scaireanna a fhuasclaítear, nó
(ii) méid reatha chuntas scairphréimhe na cuideachta (lena n-áirítear aon suim a aistríodh chuig an gcuntas sin i leith préimheanna ar na scaireanna nua),
cibé acu is lú, agus in aon chás den sórt sin déanfar méid chuntas scairphréimhe na cuideachta, d'ainneoin aon ní in alt 62 (1) den Phríomh-Acht, a laghdú de shuim a bheidh ar comhréir (nó de shuimeanna a bheidh ar comhréir san iomlán) le méid aon íocaíochta a dhéanfar de bhua na míre seo as na fáltais ó eisiúint na scaireanna nua.
(3) Faoi réir fhorálacha na Coda seo, féadfar scaireanna a fhuascailt ar cibé téarmaí agus i cibé slí a fhorálfar le hairteagail na cuideachta.
Scaireanna a chealú tráth fuascailte.
208.—Féadfar scaireanna a fhuasclaítear de bhun na Coda seo a chealú tráth fuascailte, agus sa chás sin beidh feidhm ag na forálacha seo a leanas maidir leis na scaireanna sin:
(a) Laghdófar méid scairchaipiteal eisithe na cuideachta de luach ainmniúil na scaireanna a fhuasclaítear ach ní ghlacfar le haon chealú den sórt sin mar chealú a laghdaíonn méid scairchaipiteal údaraithe na cuideachta.
(b) I gcás go bhfuasclófar na scaireanna—
(i) go hiomlán as na brabúis atá ar fáil lena ndáileadh, nó
(ii) go hiomlán nó go páirteach as na fáltais ó eisiúint úr agus gur lú méid comhiomlán na bhfáltas sin (gan aird a thabhairt ar aon chuid de na fáltais sin a úsáidtear chun aon phréimh a íoc tráth fuascailte) ná luach ainmniúil comhiomlán na scaireanna a fhuasclaítear (“an difríocht inchomhiomlánaithe”),
ansin déanfar suim is ionann, i gcás fhomhír (i), agus méid ainmniúil na scaireanna a fhuasclaítear agus, i gcás fhomhír (ii), an difríocht inchomhiomlánaithe, a aistriú chun cúlchiste (“an cúlchiste fuascailte caipitil”) agus, ach amháin mar a fhoráiltear san alt seo beidh feidhm ag na forálacha den Phríomh-Acht a bhaineann le laghdú scairchaipitil chuideachta ionann is dá mba scairchaipiteal íoctha de chuid na cuideachta an cúlchiste fuascailte caipitil.
(c) Más rud é—
(i) gur fhuascail agus gur chealaigh cuideachta scaireanna, nó
(ii) go bhfuil cuideachta ar tí scaireanna a fhuascailt agus iad a chealú tráth fuascailte,
beidh an chumhacht aici scaireanna a eisiúint go feadh luach ainmniúil na scaireanna a fhuasclaítear nó atá le fuascailt ionann is dá mba nár eisíodh na scaireanna sin riamh, agus chun críocha alt 68 den Acht Airgeadais, 1973, is idirbheart inmhuirearaithe aon scaireanna a eisíonn cuideachta in ionad scaireanna a fhuasclaítear faoin gCuid seo más rud é, agus más rud é amháin, go mbeidh luach iarbhír na scaireanna a eiseofar amhlaidh níos mó ná luach iarbhír na scaireanna a fhuasclaítear ar dháta a bhfuascailte agus, i gcás gur idirbheart inmhuirearaithe chun na gcríoch sin an eisiúint scaireanna, is é an méid ar a mbeidh dleacht stampa ar an ráiteas iomchuí a bhaineann leis an idirbheart sin inmhuirearaithe faoi alt 69 den Acht Airgeadais, 1973, ná an difríocht idir—
(I) an méid a mbeadh an dleacht inmhuirearaithe air amhlaidh dá mba nár eisíodh na scaireanna in ionad scaireanna a fhuasclaítear faoin alt seo, agus
(II) luach na scaireanna a fhuasclaítear ar dháta a bhfuascailte.
(d) Má eisítear scaireanna nua roimh fhuascailt na seanscaireanna, ní mheasfar, chomh fada is a bhaineann le dleacht stampa, na scaireanna nua a bheith eisithe de bhun mhír (c) mura bhfuasclaítear na seanscaireanna laistigh de mhí tar éis eisiúint na scaireanna nua.
(e) Féadfaidh an chuideachta, d'ainneoin aon ní san alt seo, an cúlchiste fuascailte caipitil a chur chun feidhme chun íoctha scaireanna neamheisithe de chuid na cuideachta (seachas scaireanna infhuascailte) a bheidh le leithroinnt ar chomhaltaí den chuideachta mar scaireanna bónais láníoctha.
Scaireanna cisteáin.
209.—(1) Faoi réir fhorálacha an ailt seo féadfaidh cuideachta, in ionad scaireanna a chealú tráth a bhfuascailte, na scaireanna sin a shealbhú (mar “scaireanna cisteáin”) agus féadfaidh an chuideachta déileáil le scaireanna a bheidh á sealbhú amhlaidh ar an modh dá bhforáiltear i bhfo-alt (4) ach ní ar mhodh eile.
(2) (a) Ní ceadmhach luach ainmniúil scaireanna cisteáin a bheidh á sealbhú ag cuideachta aon tráth amháin a bheith níos mó ná deich faoin gcéad de luach ainmniúil scairchaipiteal eisithe na cuideachta.
(b) Chun críocha mhír (a), measfar gur scaireanna atá á sealbhú ag an gcuideachta na scaireanna seo a leanas freisin—
(i) scaireanna sa chuideachta atá á sealbhú ag aon fhochuideachta de bhun alt 224, agus
(ii) scaireanna sa chuideachta atá á sealbhú ag aon fhochuideachta de bhun alt 9 den Acht Árachais, 1990, agus
(iii) scaireanna sa chuideachta atá á sealbhú ag aon duine ag gníomhú dó ina ainm féin ach thar ceann na cuideachta.
(3) Fad a shealbhaíonn an chuideachta scaireanna mar scaireanna cisteáin—
(a) ní fheidhmeoidh an chuideachta aon chearta vótála maidir leis na scaireanna sin agus beidh aon fheidhmiú airbheartaithe ar na cearta sin ar neamhní; agus
(b) ní bheidh aon díbhinn ná íocaíocht eile (lena n-áirítear aon íocaíocht i gcás fhoirceannadh na cuideachta) iníoctha leis an gcuideachta maidir leis na scaireanna sin.
(4) Féadfar—
(a) scaireanna cisteáin a chealú ag an gcuideachta agus sa chás sin beidh feidhm ag forálacha alt 208 amhail is dá mbeadh na scaireanna cealaithe tráth fuascailte, nó
(b) scaireanna cisteáin a atheisiúint, faoi réir fho-ailt (5) agus (6), mar scaireanna d'aon aicme nó aicmí.
(5) Measfar, chun críocha uile Achtanna na gCuideachtaí, gur eisiúint scaireanna aon atheisiúint scaireanna faoin alt seo ach ní fhéachfar ar scairchaipiteal eisithe na cuideachta chun aon chríche (lena n-áirítear críocha aon achtachán a bhaineann le dleacht stampa) mar scairchaipiteal eisithe a bheidh méadaithe trí atheisiúint na scaireanna.
(6) (a) Déanfaidh an chuideachta na huasphraghsanna agus na híosphraghsanna ar a bhféadfar scaireanna cisteáin a atheisiúint ar an eismhargadh (“an raon praghsanna atheisiúna”) a chinneadh roimh ré i gcruinniú ginearálta de réir mhíreanna (b), (c) agus (d) agus socróidh an cinneadh sin uasphraghsanna agus íosphraghsanna éagsúla le haghaidh scaireanna éagsúla.
(b) I gcás na scaireanna cisteáin a bheidh le hatheisiúint a bheith díorthaithe, go hiomlán nó go páirteach, ó scaireanna a cheannaigh an chuideachta de réir fhorálacha na Coda seo déanfar raon praghsanna atheisiúna na scaireanna sin go léir nó na coda sin (de réir mar a bheidh) a chinneadh le rún speisialta de chuid na cuideachta a ritear ag an gcruinniú ag a ritheadh an rún lena n-údaraítear an ceannach sin agus fanfaidh an cinneadh sin, chun críocha an fho-ailt seo, in éifeacht maidir leis na scaireanna sin don tréimhse riachtanach.
(c) I gcás na scaireanna cisteáin a bheidh le hatheisiúint a bheith díorthaithe, go hiomlán nó go páirteach, ó scaireanna a d'fhuascail an chuideachta de réir fhorálacha na Coda seo déanfar raon praghsanna atheisiúna na scaireanna sin go léir nó na coda sin (de réir mar a bheidh) a chinneadh le rún speisialta de chuid na cuideachta a rithfear sula ndéanfar aon chonradh chun na scaireanna sin a atheisiúint agus fanfaidh an cinneadh sin, chun críocha an fho-ailt seo, in éifeacht maidir leis na scaireanna sin don tréimhse riachtanach.
(d) Féadfaidh an chuideachta ó am go ham le rún speisialta cinneadh ar raon praghsanna atheisiúna faoi mhír (b) nó (c) a athrú nó a athnuachan maidir le scaireanna cisteáin áirithe sula ndéanfar aon chonradh chun na scaireanna sin a atheisiúint agus fanfaidh aon athrú nó athnuachan den sórt sin, chun críocha an fho-ailt seo, in éifeacht mar chinneadh ar raon praghsanna atheisiúna na scaireanna sin don tréimhse riachtanach.
(e) (i) Chun a chinneadh san fho-alt seo cibé atá scaireanna cisteáin á n-atheisiúint ar an eismhargadh, beidh éifeacht le forálacha alt 212 (ceannach ar an eismhar adh agus ar an margadh) trí na focail “hatheisiúint”, “atheisiúint ar an eismhargadh” agus “atheisítear” faoi seach a chur in ionad na bhfocal “ceannach”, “ceannach ar an eismhargadh” agus “cheannaítear” i bhfo-alt (1) (a) den alt sin.
(ii) San fho-alt seo ciallaíonn “an tréimhse riachtanach” an tréimhse ocht mí dhéag ó dháta rite an rúin lena gcinnfear an raon praghsanna atheisiúna nó lena n-athrófar nó lena n-athnuafar (de réir mar a bheidh) an cinneadh sin nó cibé tréimhse ama is giorra ná sin a bheidh sonraithe sa rún.
(7) Aon atheisiúint scaireanna cisteáin ag cuideachta ar sárú é ar aon cheann d'fhorálacha fho-alt (6), beidh sé neamhdhleathach.
Cumhacht chun scaireanna a chomhshó ina scaireanna infhuascailte.
210.—(1) Faoi réir fho-ailt (2), (3), (4) agus (5) agus fhorálacha Achtanna na gCuideachtaí a rialaíonn athrú ar chearta a ghabhann le cineálacha scaireanna agus ar mheabhrán nó airteagail chuideachta, féadfaidh cuideachta aon scaireanna dá cuid a chomhshó ina scaireanna infhuascailte.
(2) Ní bheidh éifeacht le comhshó scaireanna faoi fho-alt (1) maidir le haon scaireanna a gcuirfidh a sealbhóir in iúl don chuideachta, roimh dháta an chomhshó, go bhfuil mífhonn air comhshó a dhéanamh ar a chuid scaireanna ach, faoi réir an méid sin agus fhorálacha eile an ailt seo, beidh éifeacht leis an gcomhshó de réir a théarmaí.
(3) Má dhéanann scairshealbhóir agóid i gcoinne comhshó, ní dhéanfaidh fo-alt (2) dochar d'aon cheart a d'fhéadfadh a bheith aige faoi Achtanna na gCuideachtaí nó thairis sin dlínse na cúirte a agairt chun an comhshó a chur ar ceal nó thairis sin faoiseamh a chur ar fáil maidir leis an gcéanna.
(4) Ní dhéanfar aon scaireanna a chomhshó ina scaireanna infhuascailte más rud é, de bharr an chomhshó, go mbeadh luach ainmniúil an scairchaipitil eisithe neamhinfhuascailte níos lú ná aon deichiú de luach ainmniúil scairchaipiteal eisithe iomlán na cuideachta.
(5) Beidh feidhm ag forálacha ailt 207, 208 agus 209 maidir le scaireanna a ndearnadh iad a chomhshó ina scaireanna infhuascailte faoin alt seo.
Cumhacht cuideachta a cuid scaireanna féin a cheannach.
211.—(1) Faoi réir na bhforálacha seo a leanas den Chuid seo, féadfaidh cuideachta, má údaraíonn a cuid airteagal di é amhlaidh, a cuid scaireanna féin (lena n-áirítear aon scaireanna infhuascailte) a cheannach.
(2) Beidh feidhm ag ailt 207 (2), 208 agus 209 i ndáil le ceannach aon cheann dá cuid scaireanna féin ag cuideachta faoin alt seo amhail mar atá feidhm ag na hailt sin i ndáil le fuascailt scaireanna ag cuideachta faoi alt 207.
(3) Ní cheannóidh cuideachta aon cheann dá cuid scaireanna faoin alt seo más rud é, de bharr an cheannaigh sin, go mbeadh luach ainmniúil an scairchaipitil eisithe neamhinfhuascailte níos lú ná aon deichiú de luach ainmniúil scairchaipiteal eisithe iomlán na cuideachta.
Ceannach ar an eismhargadh agus ar an margadh.
212.—(1) Chun críocha ailt 213 agus 215, maidir le ceannach scaireanna dá cuid féin ag cuideachta—
(a) is “ceannach ar an eismhargadh” é má cheannaítear na scaireanna—
(i) ar dhóigh seachas ar stocmhalartán aitheanta, nó
(ii) ar stocmhalartán aitheanta ach nach mbeidh siad faoi réir comhshocraíochta margaíochta ar an stocmhalartán sin,
(b) is “ceannach ar an margadh” é má cheannaítear na scaireanna ar stocmhalartán aitheanta agus go mbeidh siad faoi réir comhshocraíochta margaíochta.
(2) Chun críocha fho-alt (1), beidh scaireanna cuideachta faoi réir comhshocraíochta margaíochta ar stocmhalartán aitheanta—
(a) má tá siad liostaithe ar an stocmhalartán sin, nó
(b) má tugadh saoráidí don chuideachta le go ndéanfaí déileálacha sna scaireanna sin ar an stocmhalartán sin gan cead roimh ré le haghaidh idirbhearta aonaracha ón údarás a bheidh ag rialú an stocmhalartáin sin agus gan teorainn a chur leis an am a mbeidh na saoráidí sin ar fáil lena linn.
Údarás maidir le ceannach ar an eismhargadh.
213.—(1) Ní dhéanfaidh cuideachta ceannach ar a scaireanna féin ar an eismhargadh ar dhóigh seachas de bhun conartha arna údarú roimh ré de réir an ailt seo.
(2) Déanfar téarmaí an chonartha ceannaigh atá beartaithe a údarú le rún speisialta sula ndéanfar an conradh agus féadfar aon údarás den sórt sin a athrú, a chúlghairm nó a athnuachan ó am go ham le rún speisialta.
(3) Ní bheidh rún speisialta faoi fho-alt (2) éifeachtach chun críocha an ailt seo má fheidhmíonn aon chomhalta den chuideachta a shealbhaíonn scaireanna lena mbaineann an rún na cearta vótála a ghabhann le haon cheann de na scaireanna sin agus é ag vótáil ar an rún agus más rud é nach rithfí an rún mura ndéanfadh sé amhlaidh.
(4) D'ainneoin aon ní in alt 137 den Phríomh-Acht nó in airteagail chuideachta féadfaidh aon chomhalta den chuideachta vótaíocht a éileamh ar rún speisialta faoi fho-alt (2).
(5) Ní bheidh rún speisialta faoi fho-alt (2) éifeachtach mura mbeidh cóip den chonradh ceannaigh atá beartaithe nó, i gcás nach mbeidh an conradh i scríbhinn, meabhrán scríofa dá chuid téarmaí, ar fáil lena iniúchadh ag comhaltaí den chuideachta—
(a) ag oifig chláraithe na cuideachta ar feadh na tréimhse 21 lá ar a laghad dar críoch dáta an chruinnithe ag a ritear an rún, agus
(b) ag an gcruinniú féin.
(6) Ní mór ainmneacha aon chomhaltaí a shealbhaíonn scaireanna lena mbaineann an conradh a bheith ar áireamh in aon mheabhrán de théarmaí an chonartha ceannaigh a chuirfear ar fáil chun críocha an ailt seo, agus ní mór meabhrán scríofa ina sonrófar aon ainmneacha den sórt sin nach mbeidh le fáil sa chonradh féin a bheith curtha i gceangal le haon chóip den chonradh a chuirfear ar fáil chun na gcríoch sin.
(7) Ní fhéadfaidh cuideachta comhaontú le conradh ceannaigh láithreach a bheidh ceadaithe faoin alt seo a athrú ach amháin sa chás go mbeidh an t-athrú údaraithe le rún speisialta de chuid na cuideachta roimh chomhaontú leis, agus beidh feidhm ag fo-ailt (2) go (5) i ndáil leis an údarás sin ach ní foláir cóip nó meabhrán (de réir mar a éilítear sa chás) den chonradh láithreach a bheith ar fáil freisin le haghaidh iniúchta de réir fho-alt (5).
Conradh ceannaigh teagmhasach.
214.—(1) San alt seo ciallaíonn “conradh ceannaigh teagmhasach” conradh arna dhéanamh ag cuideachta agus a bhaineann le haon scaireanna dá cuid, nach ionann agus conradh chun na scaireanna sin a cheannach ach faoina bhféadfaidh an chuideachta teacht chun bheith i dteideal nó faoi oibleagáid na scaireanna sin a cheannach.
(2) Ní dhéanfaidh cuideachta a cuid scaireanna féin a cheannach de bhun conartha ceannaigh theagmhasaigh ach amháin sa chás go mbeidh téarmaí an chonartha údaraithe le rún speisialta de chuid na cuideachta sula ndéantar an conradh agus beidh feidhm ag fo-ailt (2) go (7) d'alt 213 maidir leis an gconradh agus leis an rún sin.
Údarás maidir le ceannach ar an margadh.
215.—(1) Ní dhéanfaidh cuideachta ceannach ar a scaireanna féin ar an margadh mura mbeidh an ceannach údaraithe roimh ré ag an gcuideachta i gcruinniú ginearálta agus féadfaidh an chuideachta i gcruinniú ginearálta aon údarás den sórt sin a athrú, a chúlghairm nó a athnuachan ó am go ham. Ní fhorléireofar an fo-alt seo mar fho-alt a cheanglaíonn go mbeadh aon chonradh áirithe chun scaireanna a cheannach ar an margadh údaraithe ag an gcuideachta i gcruinniú ginearálta agus chun críocha na Coda seo i gcás go mbeidh ceannach scaireanna ar an margadh údaraithe de réir an ailt seo measfar go mbeidh aon chonradh a dhéanfar de bhun an údaraithe sin, maidir le ceannach den sórt sin, údaraithe amhlaidh freisin.
(2) Beidh feidhm ag alt 143 den Phríomh-Acht maidir le rún faoi fho-alt (1).
(3) I gcás cuideachta poiblí teoranta, maidir le haon údarás a dheonófar faoi fho-alt (1)—
(a) sonróidh sé an líon uasta scaireanna a údaraítear a fháil; agus
(b) cinnfidh sé na huasphraghsanna agus na híosphraghsanna a fhéadfar a íoc ar na scaireanna.
(4) Féadfaidh rún lena mbaineann fo-alt (3) ceachtar de na praghsanna a luaitear i mír (b) den fho-alt sin, nó iad araon, a chinneadh—
(a) trí shuim áirithe a shonrú; nó
(b) trí bhonn nó foirmle a chur ar fáil chun méid an phraghais i gceist a ríomh gan tagairt do rogha nó do thuairim aon duine.
Ré saoil an údaráis a dheonóidh cuideachtaí poiblí teoranta chun scaireanna dá gcuid féin a cheannach.
216.—(1) Gan dochar do ghinearáltacht ailt 213, 214 agus 215, i gcás cuideachta poiblí teoranta, sonróidh aon údarás a dheonófar faoi na hailt seo an dáta a rachaidh an t-údarás i léig, ar dáta é nach déanaí ná 18 mí tar éis an dáta a rithfear an rún speisialta nó an gnáthrún, de réir mar a bheidh, ag deonú an údaráis.
(2) Féadfaidh cuideachta phoiblí theoranta ceannach a dhéanamh tar éis aon teorainn ama a fhorchuirtear de bhua fho-alt (1) a bheith imithe i léig in aon chás inar tugadh an conradh ceannaigh chun críche sula ndeachaigh an t-údarás i léig agus go gceadaíonn téarmaí an údaráis don chuideachta conradh ceannaigh a dhéanamh a d'fhorghníomhófaí nó a d'fhéadfaí a fhorghníomhú go hiomlán nó go páirteach tar éis don údarás dul i léig.
Sannadh nó scaoileadh ar cheart cuideachta scaireanna dá cuid féin a cheannach.
217.—(1) Aon sannadh airbheartaithe a dhéanfar ar chearta cuideachta faoi aon chonradh a údaraítear faoi alt 213, 214 nó 215, beidh sé ar neamhní.
(2) Ní bhacfaidh aon ní i bhfo-alt (1) ar chuideachta a ceart a scaoileadh faoi aon chonradh a údaraítear faoi alt 213, 214 nó 215 ar choinníoll, i gcás conartha a údaraítear faoi alt 213 nó 214, go mbeidh an scaoileadh údaraithe le rún speisialta de chuid na cuideachta sula ndéantar an scaoileadh agus aon scaoileadh airbheartaithe den sórt sin ag cuideachta nach bhfuil údaraithe mar a dúradh beidh sé ar neamhní.
(3) Beidh feidhm ag fo-ailt (2) go (7) d'alt 213 maidir le rún faoi fho-alt (2).
Íocaíochtaí foghabhálacha maidir le scaireanna dá cuid féin a cheannach.
218.—(1) Maidir le haon íocaíocht a dhéanfaidh cuideachta i gcomaoin ar an méid seo a leanas—
(a) aon cheart a fháil maidir le scaireanna dá cuid féin a cheannach de bhun conartha a údaraítear faoi alt 214, nó
(b) athrú ar chonradh a údaraítear faoi alt 213 nó 214, nó
(c) aon cheann d'oibleagáidí na cuideachta a scaoileadh maidir le haon scaireanna dá cuid féin a cheannach faoi chonradh a údaraítear faoi alt 213, 214 nó 215
beidh an íocaíocht sin neamhdhleathach má dhéantar aon íocaíocht den sórt sin ar dhóigh seachas as brabúis indáilte na cuideachta.
(2) Mura sásaítear ceanglais fho-alt (1) i ndáil le conradh—
(a) i gcás lena mbaineann mír (a) den fho-alt sin, ní bheidh aon cheannach scaireanna dá cuid féin ag an gcuideachta de bhun an chonartha sin dleathach faoin gCuid seo;
(b) i gcás lena mbaineann mír (b) den fho-alt sin, ní bheidh aon cheannach den sórt sin, tar éis an athraithe, dleathach faoin gCuid seo; agus
(c) i gcás lena mbaineann mír (c) den fho-alt sin, beidh an scaoileadh airbheartaithe ar neamhní.
Éifeacht mainneachtana ag cuideachta scaireanna a fhuascailt nó a cheannach.
219.—(1) Baineann an t-alt seo—
(a) le scaireanna infhuascailte a eiseofar tar éis theacht i ngníomh na Coda seo;
(b) le scaireanna a ndearnadh iad a chomhshó ina scaireanna infhuascailte de bhun alt 210: agus
(c) le scaireanna a gcomhaontóidh an chuideachta iad a cheannach de bhun alt 213, 214 nó 215.
(2) Gan dochar d'aon cheart eile atá ag sealbhóir aon scaireanna lena mbaineann an t-alt seo, ní bheidh cuideachta faoi dhliteanas i leith damáistí maidir le haon mhainneachtain dá cuid aon scaireanna den sórt sin a fhuascailt nó a cheannach.
(3) Ní dheonóidh an chúirt ordú maidir le sainchomhlíonadh téarmaí fuascailte nó ceannaigh na scaireanna lena mbaineann an t-alt seo má thaispeánann an chuideachta nach féidir léi costas fuascailte nó ceannaigh na scaireanna a ghlanadh as brabúis atá ar fáil lena ndáileadh.
(4) Más rud é ag tús foirceanta cuideachta go mbeidh aon scaireanna lena mbaineann an t-alt seo nach mbeidh fuascailte ná ceannaithe, ansin, faoi réir fho-ailt (5), (6) agus (7), féadfar na téarmaí fuascailte nó ceannaigh a chur i bhfeidhm in aghaidh na cuideachta agus nuair a bheidh na scaireanna fuascailte nó ceannaithe amhlaidh faoin bhfo-alt seo déileálfar leo mar scaireanna cealaithe.
(5) Ní bheidh feidhm ag fo-alt (4)—
(a) má bhí foráil sna téarmaí fuascailte nó ceannaigh go ndéanfaí an fhuascailt nó an ceannach ar dháta níos déanaí ná dáta thosach an fhoirceanta, nó
(b) más rud é, le linn na tréimhse dar tús an dáta a raibh an fhuascailt nó an ceannach le déanamh agus dar críoch tosach an fhoirceanta, nach bhféadfadh an chuideachta tráth ar bith dáileadh a dhéanamh go dleathach a bheadh comhionann de réir luacha leis an bpraghas ar a raibh na scaireanna le fuascailt nó le ceannach.
(6) Íocfar i dtosaíocht ar aon mhéid a bhfuil an chuideachta faoi dhliteanas ina leith de bhua fho-alt (4) íoc a dhéanamh maidir le haon scaireanna—
(a) gach fiach agus dliteanas eile de chuid na cuideachta seachas aon fhiach agus dliteanas a bheidh dlite do chomhaltaí ina gcáil mar chomhaltaí den sórt sin, agus
(b) má ghabhann cearta le scaireanna eile, cibé acu maidir le caipiteal nó ioncam, a dtugtar tosaíocht dóibh ar chearta maidir le caipiteal a ghabhann leis na scaireanna céadluaite, aon mhéid a bheidh dlite faoi chomhair na cearta tosaíochta sin a shásamh,
ach faoi réir mar a dúradh, íocfar aon mhéid den sórt sin i dtosaíocht ar aon mhéideanna a bheidh dlite do chomhaltaí faoi chomhair a gcearta (cibé acu maidir le caipiteal nó ioncam) mar chomhaltaí a shásamh.
(7) Más rud é, de bhua rialacha féimheachta a chur i bhfeidhm le halt 284 den Phríomh-Acht an tráth a mbeidh cuideachtaí dócmhainneacha á bhfoirceannadh, nach mbeidh creidiúnaí cuideachta i dteideal aon ús a íoc leis ach amháin tar éis fiacha eile go léir na cuideachta a bheith íoctha, folóidh fiacha agus dliteanais na cuideachta, chun críocha fho-alt (6), an dliteanas an t-ús sin a íoc.
Scaireanna tosaíochta infhuascailte láithreacha a fhuascailt.
220.—Aisghairtear leis seo alt 64 den Phríomh-Acht ach aon scairreanna tosaíochta infhuascailte a eiseoidh cuideachta faoi theorainn scaireanna sula dtiocfaidh an Chuid seo i ngníomh a d'fhéadfadh a bheith fuascailte faoin alt sin murach an aisghairm ar alt 64. beidh siad faoi réir a bhfuascailte de réir fhorálacha na Coda seo ach amháin go bhféadfar aon phréimh is iníoctha ar fhuascailt a íoc, d'ainneoin alt 207 (2) (e) agus (f), as an gcuntas scairphréimhe in ionad í a íoc as brabúis nó go bhféadfar í a íoc go páirteach as an gcuntas sin agus go páirteach as brabúis atá ar fáil lena ndáileadh.
Tagairtí do scaireanna tosaíochta infhuascailte a fhorléiriú.
221.—Déanfar tagairt do scaireanna tosaíochta infhuascailte—
(a) in alt 69 (1) (e) den Phríomh-Acht agus sa Dara, sa Tríú, sa Cheathrú agus sa Séú Sceideal a ghabhann leis an bPríomh-Acht, agus
(b) in alt 55 (1) (h) d'Acht 1983,
a fhorléiriú mar thagairt do scaireanna infhuascailte.
Doiciméid a choinneáil agus a iniúchadh.
222.—(1) Déanfaidh gach cuideachta a dhéanann conradh faoi alt 213, 214 nó 215 cóip den chonradh sin, nó i gcás nach mbeidh sé i scríbhinn, meabhrán dá chuid téarmaí, a choimeád ag a hoifig chláraithe go dtí go mbeidh deich mbliana caite tar éis an conradh a bheith comhlíonta go hiomlán.
(2) Gach doiciméad a cheanglaítear a choimeád faoi fho-alt (1), beidh sé le linn uaireanta gnó (faoi réir cibé srianta réasúnacha a fhorchuirfidh an chuideachta i gcruinniú ginearálta, ionas go gceadófar 2 uair an chloig ar a laghad gach lá le haghaidh iniúchta) ar fáil chun a iniúchta ag aon chomhalta, agus más cuideachta phoiblí theoranta an chuideachta, ag aon duine eile.
(3) Má mhainníonn cuideachta an t-alt seo a chomhlíonadh beidh an chuideachta agus gach oifigeach don chuideachta a rinne mainneachtain ciontach i gcion.
(4) I gcás go ndiúltófar iniúchadh ar dhoiciméad a cheanglaítear faoi fho-alt (2), féadfaidh an chúirt, le hordú, ar iarratas ó dhuine a d'iarr iniúchadh agus ar diúltaíodh dó, a cheangal ar an gcuideachta an t-iniúchadh ar an doiciméad sin a lamháil.
Feidhm alt 108 (6) maidir le déileálacha ag cuideachta ina cuid urrús féin.
223.—Ní chuirfidh fo-alt (6) d'alt 108, tráth a mbeifear á chur i bhfeidhm maidir le déileálacha ag cuideachta ina cuid urrús féin, aon bhac ar chuideachta déileáil ina cuid urrús féin tráth ar bith de bhíthin amháin go bhfuil faisnéis ina sheilbh ag oifigeach don chuidcachta sin—
(a) más duine seachas an t-oifigeach a ghlac an cinneadh an t-idirbheart a dhéanamh thar a ceann, agus
(b) murar cuireadh an fhaisnéis in iúl don duine sin agus murar thug duine a raibh an fhaisnéis ina sheilbh aige aon chomhairle a bhaineann leis an idirbheart dó.
Fochuideachta do shealbhú scaireanna ina cuideachta shealbhaíochta.
224.—(1) D'ainneoin ailt 32 agus 60 den Phríomh-Acht. féadfaidh cuideachta, faoi réir fhorálacha an ailt seo, scaireanna a fháil agus a shealbhú i gcuideachta arb í a cuideachta shealbhaíochta í.
(2) Beidh fáil agus sealbhú scaireanna ag fochuideachta ina cuideachta shealbhaíochta faoi fho-alt (1) faoi réir na gcoinníollacha seo a leanas:
(a) Soláthrófar an chomaoin chun na scaireanna sin a fháil as na brabúis de chuid na fochuideachta a bheidh ar fáil lena ndáileadh.
(b) Ar na scaireanna sin a fháil agus fad a shealbhaíonn an fhochuideachta na scaireanna—
(i) déanfar chun gach críoch brabúis na fochuideachta a bheidh ar fáil lena ndáileadh a shrianadh de shuim a bheidh comhionann le costas iomlán na scaireanna a fuarthas;
(ii) chun críocha na gcuntas comhdhlúite a bheidh ullmhaithe ag an gcuideachta shealbhaíochta de réir ailt 150 go 152 den Phríomh-Acht, déileálfar leis na scaireanna ar an modh céanna a éilítear maidir le scaireanna a shealbhaítear mar scaireanna cisteáin faoi alt 43A d'Acht 1983 (a cuireadh isteach le halt 232 (c) den Acht seo); agus
(iii) ní fheidhmeoidh an fhochuideachta aon chearta vótála maidir leis na scaireanna agus beidh aon fheidhmiú airbheartaithe ar na cearta sin ar neamhní.
(3) Aon chonradh chun scaireanna a fháil (cibé acu le leithroinnt nó le haistriú) ag fochuideachta ina cuideachta shealbhaíochta ní dhéanfar é gan é a bheith údaraithe roimh ré ag an bhfochuideachta agus ag a cuideachta shealbhaíochta agus beidh feidhm ag forálacha ailt 212 go 217, fara na modhnuithe is gá, maidir leis an údarás sin a dheonú, a athrú, a chúlghairm agus a scaoileadh.
(4) Chun críocha an ailt seo, ní fholóidh brabúis fochuideachta a bheidh ar fáil lena ndáileadh na brabúis is inchurtha i leith aon scaireanna san fhochuideachta a bheidh á sealbhú de thuras na huaire ag cuideachta shealbhaíochta na fochuideachta sa mhéid gur brabúis iad don tréimhse roimh an dáta a bhfuair nó óna bhfuair an chuideachta shealbhaíochta na scaireanna.
(5) Ní bheidh feidhm ag an alt seo maidir le scaireanna a shealbhaíonn fochuideachta ina cuideachta shealbhaíochta sna himthosca a cheadaítear le halt 32 den Phríomh-Acht.
(6) Ní bheidh feidhm ag an alt seo, seachas fo-alt (2) (b) iii, maidir le scaireanna a ndéanfaidh fochuideachta suibscríobh lena n-aghaidh, nó a cheannóidh nó a shealbhóidh sí, ina cuideachta shealbhaíochta de bhun alt 9 (1) den Acht Árachais, 1990.
Dliteanas sibhialta mar gheall ar cheannach míchuí i gcuideachta shealbhaíochta.
225.—(1) Más rud é, maidir le cuideachta a fuair scaireanna ina cuideachta shealbhaíochta de réir alt 224, go dtosaítear á foirceannadh laistigh de shé mhí tar éis na scaireanna sin a fháil agus nach féidir leis an gcuideachta, an tráth a dtosaíonn an foirceannadh, a cuid liacha (ag cur na ndliteanas teagmhasach agus ionchasach sa chuntas) a íoc, féadfaidh an chúirt faoi réir fho-alt (2), ar iarratas ó leachtaitheoir, creidiúnaí, fostaí nó ranníocóir de chuid na cuideachta, a dhearbhú go ndlífidh stiúrthóirí na cuideachta i gcomhpháirt agus go leithleach an méid iomlán a d'íoc an chuideachta ar na scaireanna a aisíoc leis an gcuideachta.
(2) I gcás gur dealraitheach don chúirt, maidir le haon duine a n-iarrtar dearbhú ina leith faoi fho-alt (1), gur chreid an duine sin ar fhorais réasúnacha go raibh an ceannach sin ar an gceannach ab fhearr a rachadh chun tairbhe don chuideachta, féadfaidh an chúirt é a shaoradh go huile nó go páirteach ó dhliteanas pearsanta ar cibé téarmaí is cuí léi.
Tuairisceán le tabhairt don chláraitheoir.
226.—(1) Gach cuideachta a cheannóidh scaireanna de bhun na Coda seo, déanfaidh sí, laistigh de 28 lá tar éis na scaireanna sin a sheachadadh ar an gcuideachta, tuairisceán san fhoirm fhorordaithe a sheachadadh ar an gcláraitheoir lena chlárú ag sonrú, maidir le scaireanna de gach cineál a ceannaíodh, líon agus luach ainmniúil na scaireanna sin agus an dáta ar seachadadh iad ar an gcuideachta.
(2) I gcás cuideachta poiblí teoranta sonrófar sa tuairisceán freisin—
(a) an méid comhiomlán a d'íoc an chuideachta ar na scaireanna, agus
(b) na huasphraghsanna agus na híosphraghsanna a íocadh maidir le gach cineál a ceannaíodh.
(3) Féadfar sonraí i dtaobh scaireanna a seachadadh ar an gcuideachta ar dhátaí éagsúla agus faoi chonarthaí éagsúla a áireamh i dtuairisceán aonair chuig an gcláraitheoir agus i gcás den sórt sin is é an méid is gá a shonrú faoi fho-alt (2) (a) ná an méid comhiomlán a d'íoc an chuideachta ar na scaireanna go léir lena mbaineann an tuairisceán.
(4) Má mhainníonn cuideachta ceanglais an ailt seo a chomhlíonadh, beidh an chuideachta agus gach oifigeach a rinne mainneachtain ciontach i gcion.
(5) Féadfaidh cláraitheoir na gcuideachtaí imeachtaí achoimre i ndáil le cion faoin alt seo a thionscnamh agus a thabhairt ar aghaidh.
Leasú ar alt 89 den Phríomh-Acht.
227.—Cuirtear leis seo an t-alt seo a leanas in ionad alt 89 den Phríomh-Acht:
“Eisiúint, fuascailt nó ceannach scaireanna atá neamhbhailí a dhéanamh bailí. | 89.—(1) Má bhíonn cuideachta tar éis scaircanna ina caipiteal a bhunú nó a eisiúint, nó aon scaireanna dá cuid a fháil trí fhuascailt nó trí cheannach i gcomhlíonadh airbheartaithe ar Chuid XI d'Acht na gCuideachtaí, 1990, agus go bhfuil cúis ann chun go gceapfaí gur bunaíodh, gur eisíodh nó go bhfuarthas na scaireanna sin mar a dúradh go neamhbhailí, féadfaidh an chúirt, ar iarratas ón gcuideachta, ó aon sealbhóir nó iarshealbhóir scaireanna den sórt sin nó ó aon chomhalta nó iarchomhalta nó creidiúnaí, de chuid na cuideachta, nó óna leachtaitheoir, a dhearbhú go mbeidh an bunú, an eisiúint nó an fháil sin bailí chun gach críche más deimhin leis an gcúirt go mbeadh sé cóir agus cothromasach é sin a dhéanamh, agus air sin measfar na scaireanna sin a bheith, ón uair a bunaíodh, a eisíodh nó a bhfuarthas iad, de réir mar a bheidh, arna mbunú, arna n-eisiúint nó arna bhfáil go bailí. (2) I gcás gur fuasclaíodh nó gur ceannaíodh scaireanna de shárú ar mhír (d), (e) nó (f) d'alt 207 (2) nó alt 207 (3) d'Acht na gCuideachtaí, 1990, ansin ní dhéanfaidh an chúirt dearbhú faoi fho-alt (1) thuas maidir leis na scaireanna sin. (3) Ní bheidh d'éifeacht le saoradh a dheonú ag an gcúirt faoin alt seo, i gcás go n-ordaíonn an chúirt amhlaidh, go saorfar an chuideachta nó a cuid oifigeach ó aon dliteanas a bheidh tabhaithe faoi alt 41 (3) d'Acht na gCuideachtaí (Leasú), 1983.”. |
Rialacháin maidir le scaireanna a cheannach.
228.—(1) Féadfaidh an tAire rialacháin a dhéanamh a rialóidh ceannach a gcuid scaireanna féin, nó scaireanna ina gcuideachta shealbhaíochta, ag cuideachtaí agus díol a gcuid scaireanna féin ag cuideachtaí ar scaireanna iad atá á sealbhú mar scaireanna cisteáin agus féadfaidh rialacháin den sórt sin baint a bheith acu le cuideachtaí i gcoitinne nó le haicme nó cineál áirithe cuideachta.
(2) Gan dochar do ghinearáltacht fho-alt (1) féadfaidh rialacháin faoin alt seo foráil a dhéanamh don mhéid seo a leanas go háirithe—
(a) cineál nó tuairisc na scaireanna a fhéadfar (nó nach bhféadfar) a cheannach nó a dhíol,
(b) an praghas ar a bhféadfar iad a cheannach nó a dhíol,
(c) uainiú na gceannach nó na ndíol sin.
(d) an modh ina bhféadfar na scaireanna a cheannach nó a dhíol, agus
(e) an méid trádála sna scaireanna a fhéadfaidh cuideachtaí a dhéanamh.
(3) Má mhainníonn cuideachta forálacha na rialachán a rinneadh faoin alt seo a chomhlíonadh beidh an chuideachta agus gach oifigeach a rinne mainneachtain ciontach i gcion.
Dualgas cuideachta fógra a thabhairt don stocmhalartán.
229.—(1) Aon uair a cheannófar scaireanna, a mbeidh saoráidí déileála curtha ar fáil dóibh ar stocmhalartán aitheanta, ag an gcuideachta a d'eisigh na scaireanna nó ag cuideachta arb í fochuideachta na cuideachta sin í, beidh an chuideachta ar ceannaíodh a cuid scaireanna faoi oibleagáid an méid sin a fhógairt don stocmhalartán sin: agus féadfaidh an stocmhalartán aon fhaisnéis a bheidh faighte aige faoin bhfo-alt seo a fhoilsiú i cibé slí a chinnfidh sé.
(2) Déanfar oibleagáid a fhorchuirtear le fo-alt (1) a chomhall roimh dheireadh an lae díreach i ndiaidh an lae a dtagann sí i gceist.
(3) Má dhéantar mainneachtain an t-alt seo a chomhlíonadh beidh an chuideachta agus gach oifigeach don chuideachta a rinne mainneachtain ciontach i gcion.
Dualgas an stocmhalartáin i ndáil le ceannaigh neamhdhleathacha.
230.—(1) Más dealraitheach d'údarás iomchuí de chuid stocmhalartáin aitheanta, maidir le cuideachta a bhfuil saoráidí déileála curtha ar fáil ar an stocmhalartán sin i gcás a cuid scaireanna, go ndearna an chuideachta cion faoi alt 228 nó 229, tabharfaidh an t-údarás sin láithreach tuairisc i dtaobh an ábhair don Stiúrthóir lonchúiseamh Poiblí agus soláthróidh sé don Stiúrthóir Ionchúiseamh Poiblí cibé faisnéis, agus tabharfaidh dó cibé rochtain chuig aon doiciméid, agus cibé saoráidí chun aon doiciméid a iniúchadh agus cóipeanna a dhéanamh díobh, a theastóidh ón Stiúrthóir Ionchúiseamh Poiblí, ar faisnéis í nó ar doiciméid iad a bheidh i seilbh nó faoi urláimh an údaráis sin agus a bhainfidh leis an ábhar i gceist.
(2) I gcás gur dealraitheach do chomhalta de stocmhalartán aitheanta go ndearna aon duine cion faoi alt 228 nó 229, tabharfaidh sé tuairisc láithreach d'údarás iomchuí de chuid an stocmhalartáin aitheanta áirithe, a thiocfaidh, air sin, faoin dualgas dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1).
(3) Más dealraitheach do chúirt in aon imeachtaí go ndearna aon duine cion mar a dúradh, agus nár tugadh aon tuairisc i dtaobh an ábhair don Stiúrthóir Ionchúiseamh Poiblí faoi fho-alt (1), féadfaidh an chúirt sin, ar iarratas ó aon duine ag a bhfuil leas sna himeachtaí lena mbaineann nó as a treoir féin, a ordú d'údarás iomchuí de chuid an stocmhalartáin aitheanta lena mbaineann, tuairisc den sórt sin a thabhairt agus ar thuairisc a thabhairt dá réir sin, beidh éifeacht leis an alt seo ionann is dá mbeadh an tuairisc tugtha de bhun fho-alt (1).
(4) Má tharlaíonn, tráth a dhéanfar tuairisc i dtaobh aon ábhair a thabhairt don Stiúrthóir Ionchúiseamh Poiblí nó aon ábhar a tharchur chuige faoin alt seo, go measfaidh sé gur cás é inar cheart ionchúiseamh a thionscnamh agus go dtionscnóidh sé imeachtaí dá réir sin, beidh sé de dhualgas ar údarás iomchuí de chuid an stocmhalartáin aitheanta lena mbaineann agus ar gach oifigeach don chuideachta a bhfuil a cuid scaireanna i gceist, agus ar aon duine eile ar dealraitheach don Stiúrthóir Ionchúiseamh Poiblí go bhfuil faisnéis iomchuí aige (seachas aon chosantóir sna himeachtaí) gach cúnamh a thabhairt a bheidh, le réasún, ar a chumas nó ar a gcumas a thabhairt i dtaca leis an ionchúiseamh.
(5) Más dealraitheach don Aire de dhroim gearáin chuig údarás iomchuí de chuid stocmhalartáin aitheanta, maidir le cion líomhnaithe faoi alt 228 nó 229, go bhfuil imthosca ann a thugann le fios—
(a) gur cheart don údarás iomchuí a chuid cumhachtaí a úsáid faoin alt seo ach nach ndearna sé amhlaidh, nó
(b) gur cheart tuairisc a thabhairt don Stiúrthóir Ionchúiseamh Poiblí faoi fho-alt (1) ach nár thug an t-údarás iomchuí lena mbaineann tuairisc amhlaidh,
féadfaidh sé a iarraidh ar an údarás iomchuí na cumhachtaí sin a úsáid nó tuairisc den sórt sin a thabhairt agus ar thuairisc a bheith tugtha dá réir sin beidh éifeacht leis an alt seo amhail is dá mbeadh an tuairisc tugtha de bhun fho-alt (1).
(6) I gcás go ndéanfaidh an tAire iarratas faoi fho-alt (5), cuirfidh an t-údarás iomchuí lena mbaineann torthaí a chuid imscrúduithe nó cóip dá thuairisc faoi fho-alt (1), de réir mar a bheidh, in iúl don Aire.
(7) Ní bheidh údarás iomchuí de chuid stocmhalartáin aitheanta faoi dhliteanas i ndamáistí maidir le haon ní a rinne an t-údarás nó a d'fhág sé gan déanamh i dtaca le feidhmiú a chuid feidhmeanna aige faoin alt seo murar de mheon mímhacánta a rinneadh an gníomh nó nach ndearnadh an neamhghníomh a ndearnadh gearán faoi.
(8) Chun críocha an ailt seo is “údarás iomchuí” gach ceann díobh seo a leanas i ndáil le stocmhalartán aitheanta—
(i) a bhord stiúrthóirí, a choiste bainistíochta nó a chomhlacht bainistíochta eile,
(ii) a bhainisteoir, cibé cuma a dtuairiscítear é.
(9) Beidh na cumhachtaí agus na dualgais chéanna ag údarás iomchuí chun críocha an ailt seo atá aige faoi ailt 117 agus 120.
(10) I gcás go measfaidh an tAire gur gá nó gur fóirsteanach déanamh amhlaidh chun riar cuí éifeachtach a dhéanamh ar an alt seo, féadfaidh sé cibé rialacháin a dhéanamh is cuí leis—
(a) i ndáil le cumhachtaí daoine údaraithe, nó
(b) i ndáil leis na nithe ar ina leith, nó na daoine ar uathu, a fhéadfaidh daoine údaraithe faisnéis a éileamh faoi alt 117, arna chur chun feidhme le fo-alt (9).
Leasuithe ar an bPríomh-Acht maidir le scairchaipiteal.
231.—(1) Leasaítear leis seo an Príomh-Acht—
(a) trí “agus in alt 207 (2) d'Acht na gCuideachtaí, 1990,” a chur isteach i ndiaidh “ach amháin mar a fhoráiltear san alt seo” in alt 62 (1);
(b) trí “tosaíochta” a scriosadh mar a bhfuil sé ar dtús agus trí ” a fhuascailt de bhun alt 220 d'Acht na gCuideachtaí, 1990”, a chur isteach i ndiaidh “ar aon scaireanna tosaíochta infhuascailte” in alt 62 (2); agus
(c) trí “aon chuid dá scaireanna a cheannach ná” a scriosadh in alt 72 (1).
(2) Leasaítear leis seo an Séú Sceideal a ghabhann leis an bPríomh-Acht tríd an bhfomhír seo a leanas a chur in ionad fhomhír (d) de mhír 12:
“(d) na méideanna faoi seach a soláthraíodh chun scairchaipiteal na cuideachta a cheannach, chun scairchaipiteal a fhuascailt agus chun iasachtaí a fhuascailt;”.
Leasuithe ar Acht 1983.
232.—Leasaítear leis seo Acht 1983—
(a) tríd an mír seo a leanas a chur in ionad mhír (a) in alt 41 (4):
“(a) fuascailt ar scaireanna tosaíochta de bhun alt 65 den Phríomh-Acht nó fuascailt nó ceannach scaireanna de bhun Chuid XI d'Acht na gCuideachtaí, 1990;”;
(b) trí alt 43 (13) a scriosadh;
(c) tríd an alt nua seo a leanas a chur isteach i ndiaidh alt 43:
“Cuntas ar a scaireanna féin. | 43A.—Má shealbhaíonn cuideachta nó ainmnitheach de chuid cuideachta scaireanna sa chuideachta nó leas sna scaireanna sin, ní thaispeánfar na scaircanna sin i gclár comhardaithe na cuidcachta mar shócmhainn, ach déanfar— (a) asbhaint choslas na scaireanna faighte as na brabúis a bheidh ar fáil lena ndáileadh, agus (b) luach ainmniúil na scaireanna sin, a nochtadh sna nótaí a ghabhann leis na cuntais agus dá réir sin déanfar na brabúis a bheidh ar fáil lena ndáileadh a shrianadh de mhéid na hasbhainte sin.”; |
(d) tríd an mír seo a leanas a chur in ionad mhír (b) in alt 51 (2):
“(b) scaireanna tosaíochta a fhuascailt de bhun alt 65 den Phríomh-Acht amach as na fáltais ó eisiúint nua scaireanna a dhéanfar chun críocha fuascailte;”; agus
(e) tríd an mír seo a leanas a chur isteach tar éis na míre a chuirtear isteach le mír (d):
“(bb) scaireanna a fhuascailt nó a cheannach de bhun Chuid XI d'Acht na gCuideachtaí, 1990, amach as na fáltais ó eisiúint nua scaireanna a dhéanfar chun críocha na fuascailte nó an cheannaigh agus aon phréimh a íoc amach as cuntas scairphréimhe na cuideachta tráth fuascailte de bhun alt 220 sa Chuid sin;”.
Leasuithe ar Acht na gCuideachtaí (Leasú), 1986.
233.—(1) Leasaítear leis seo alt 14 d'Acht na gCuideachtaí (Leasú), 1986—
(a) i mír (vi) trí “fála nó diúscartha” a chur in ionad “diúscartha”; agus
(b) tríd an mír seo a leanas a chur isteach i ndiaidh mhír (vi):
“(vii) na fáthanna leis an bhfáil, lian nó muirear de réir mar a bheidh.”.
(2) Leasaítear leis seo Cuid I den Sceideal a ghabhann le hAcht na gCuideachtaí (Leasú), 1986—
(a) trí na hítimí A.III.7, B.III.2 agus H.IV. 2 a scriosadh i bhFoirmle I de na foirmlí do chlár comhardaithe;
(b) i bhFoirmle 2 de na foirmlí do chlár comhardaithe, trí—
(i) faoi “Sócmhainní”, ítimí A.III.7 agus B.III.2 (Sócmhainní), agus
(ii) faoi “Dliteanais”, ítim A.IV.2;
a scriosadh, agus
(c) trí nóta (3) sna nótaí ar na foirmlí do chlár comhardaithe tar éis na bhfoirmlí réamhráite a scriosadh.
(3) Leasaítear leis seo Cuid IV den Sceideal a ghabhann le hAcht na gCuideachtaí (Leasú), 1986—
(a) tríd an mír seo a leanas a chur isteach tar éis mhír 32:
“32A. Ní foláir sonraí faoi aon srian ar bhrabúis a bhí ar fáil lena ndáileadh de bhua alt 224 (2) (b) (i) d'Acht na gCuideachtaí, 1990, a lua freisin.”: agus
(b) tríd an bhfomhír seo a leanas a chur in ionad fhomhír (3) de mhír 39:
“(3) Na méideanna faoi seach a cuireadh ar fáil chun scairchaipiteal na cuideachta a cheannach, chun scairchaipiteal a fhuascailt agus chun iasachtaí a fhuascailt.”.
Cionta faoin gCuid seo.
234.—(1) Beidh cuideachta a sháraíonn aon fhoráil de na forálacha seo a leanas ciontach i gcion, eadhon ailt 207 go 211, 218 agus 222 go 224.
(2) Beidh feidhm ag alt 241 maidir le cion faoin gCuid seo.
CUID XII
Ginearálta
Leasú ar alt 2 den Phríomh-Acht.
235.—(1) Mura n-éilíonn an comhthéacs a mhalairt, ciallaíonn “an chúirt” nuair a úsáidtear é in aon fhoráil d'Achtanna na gCuideachtaí i ndáil le cuideachta—
(a) an Ard-Chúirt, nó
(b) i gcás go bhforordaítear cúirt eile chun críocha na forála sin, an chúirt sin.
(2) Is in ionad an mhínithe in alt 2 (1) den Phríomh-Acht an míniú ar “an chúirt” i bhfo-alt (1).
Cáilíochtaí rúnaí cuideachta poiblí teoranta.
236.—Beidh sé de dhualgas ar stiúrthóirí cuideachta poiblí teoranta gach beart réasúnach a dhéanamh chun a áirithiú, maidir le rúnaí (nó gach comhrúnaí) de chuid na cuideachta, gur duine é ar deal-raitheach dóibh an t-eolas agus an taithí atá ag teastáil a bheith aige chun feidhmeanna rúnaí na cuideachta a urscaoileadh agus—
(a) ar thosach feidhme an ailt seo, a shealbhaigh oifig rúnaí na cuideachta; nó
(b) a shealbhaigh oifig rúnaí cuideachta ar feadh trí bliana ar a laghad de na cúig bliana díreach roimh a cheapachán mar rúnaí; nó
(c) ar comhalta de chomhlacht é atá aitheanta de thuras na huaire chun críocha an ailt seo ag an Aire; nó
(d) ar duine é ar dealraitheach do na stiúrthóirí, de bhua go sealbhaíonn, nó gur shealbhaigh, sé aon phost eile nó gur comhalta é d'aon chomhlacht eile, go bhfuil ar a chumas na feidhmeanna sin a urscaoileadh.
Cáilíochtaí leachtaitheoirí agus glacadóirí.
237.—(1) Féadfaidh an tAire, le rialacháin, má mheasann sé é a bheith riachtanach nó fóirsteanach déanamh amhlaidh ar mhaithe le rialú ordúil cuí ar fhoirceannadh cuideachtaí i gcoitinne, cur leis an liosta daoine in alt 300A den Phríomh-Acht (a cuireadh isteach le halt 146) nach mbeidh cáilithe lena gceapadh mar leachtaitheoir ar chuideachta.
(2) Féadfaidh an tAire, le rialacháin, má mheasann sé é a bheith riachtanach nó fóirsteanach déanamh amhlaidh ar mhaithe le rialú ordúil cuí ar ghlacadóireachtaí i gcoitinne, cur leis an liosta daoine in alt 315 den Phríomh-Acht (a cuireadh isteach le halt 170) nach mbeidh cáilithe lena gceapadh mar ghlacadóir ar mhaoin chuideachta.
(3) Gach rialachán a dhéanfaidh an tAire faoin alt seo leagfar é faoi bhráid gach Tí den Oireachtas a luaithe is féidir tar éis a dhéanta agus má dhéanann ceachtar Teach acu sin laistigh den 21 lá a shuífidh an Teach sin tar éis an rialachán a leagan faoina bhráid rún a rith ag neamhniú an rialacháin beidh an rialachán ar neamhní dá réir sin, ach sin gan dochar do bhailíocht aon ní a rinneadh roimhe sin faoin rialachán.
Leasú ar alt 61 den Phríomh-Acht.
238.—Leasaítear leis seo alt 61 den Phríomh-Acht tríd an bhfo-alt seo a leanas a chur isteach i ndiaidh fho-alt (2):
“(3) Maidir le bintiúir nach foláir a aisíoc, faoi théarmaí na heisiúna, laistigh de chúig bliana ó dháta na heisiúna, ní mheasfar gur tairiscint don phobal chun críocha na Coda seo tairiscint le haghaidh suibscríofa nó díola do dhuine arb é a ghnáthghnó scaireanna nó bintiúir a cheannach nó a dhíol (cibé acu mar phríomhaí nó mar ghníomhaire).”
Cumhacht chun rialacháin a dhéanamh chun urrúis a aistriú.
239.—(1) Féadfaidh an tAire foráil a dhéanamh le rialacháin chun go bhféadfar teideal chun urrús a fhianú agus a aistriú gan ionstraim scríofa.
(2) San alt seo—
(a) ciallaíonn “urrúis” scaireanna, stoc, bintiúir, stoc bintiúr, stoc iasachta, bannaí, aonaid i ngnóthais le haghaidh comhinfheistíochtaí in urrúis inaistrithe de réir bhrí Rialacháin na gComhphobal Eorpach (Gnóthais le haghaidh Comhinfheistíochta in Urrúis Inaistrithe), 1989 (I.R. Uimh. 78 de 1989) agus urrúis eile d'aon tuairisc;
(b) folaíonn tagairtí do theideal chun urrús aon leas dlí nó leas cothromais in urrúis; agus
(c) folaíonn tagairtí d'aistriú teidil aistriú ar mhodh urrúis.
(3) Féadfaidh na rialacháin foráil a dhéanamh—
(a) le haghaidh nósanna imeachta chun teideal chun urrús a thaifeadadh agus a aistriú, agus
(b) le haghaidh na nósanna imeachta sin, agus na daoine atá freagrach as iad a chur i ngníomh, nó a bhfuil baint acu lena gcur i ngníomh, a rialáil, agus
(c) chun oibleagáidí cuideachta faoi alt 86 den Phríomh-Acht maidir le heisiúint deimhnithe, a ligean thar ceal agus chun nósanna imeachta ionadúla a chur ar fáil.
(4) Beidh cibé cosaintí sna rialacháin is dealraitheach don Aire a bheith iomchuí chun infheisteoirí a chosaint agus chun a áirithiú nach ndéanfar iomaíocht a shrianadh, a shaobhadh ná a chosc.
(5) (a) Féadfaidh na rialacháin, le go bhféadfar na nósanna imeachta nua a chur i bhfeidhm nó le go n-éascófar a bhfeidhmiú, foráil a dhéanamh maidir le cearta agus oibleagáidí daoine i ndáil le hurrúis a ndéileáiltear leo faoi na nósanna imeachta.
(b) Cumfar na rialacháin chun a áirithiú go mbeidh na cearta agus na hoibleagáidí i ndáil le hurrúis a ndéileáiltear leo faoi na nósanna imeachta nua i gcomhréir, a mhéid is féidir, leosan a thiocfadh i gceist ar leith ó aon rialacháin faoin alt seo.
(6) (a) Féadfar a áireamh sna rialacháin cibé forálacha forlíontacha, teagmhasacha agus idirthréimhseacha is dealraitheach don Aire a bheith riachtanach nó fóirsteanach.
(b) Go háirithe féadfar foráil a dhéanamh chun éifeacht a thabhairt—
(i) do tharchur teidil urrús trí fheidhmiú dlí:
(ii) d'aon srianadh ar aistriú teidil chun urrús a thig de bhua forálacha aon achtacháin nó ionstraime, ordaithe cúirte nó comhaontaithe:
(iii) d'aon chumhacht a thugtar le haon fhoráil den sórt sin do dhuine chun déileáil le hurrúis thar ceann an duine atá ina dteideal.
(7) Féadfaidh na rialacháin, chun na gcríoch a luáitear san alt seo, foráil a dhéanamh maidir leis na daoine a bheidh freagrach as na nósanna imeachta nua a chur i ngníomh agus chun na gcríoch sin féadfaidh siad cumhacht a thabhairt don Aire aon fheidhmeanna dá chuid faoi na rialacháin a tharmligean chuig aon duine atá toilteanach agus in ann iad a urscaoileadh.
(8) Féadfaidh na rialacháin foráil éagsúil a dhéanamh le haghaidh cásanna éagsúla.
(9) Gach rialachán a dhéanfar faoin alt seo leagfar é faoi bhráid gach Tí den Oireachtas a luaithe is féidir tar éis a dhéanta agus má dhéanann ceachtar Teach acu sin laistigh den lá is fiche a shuífidh an Teach sin tar éis an rialachán a leagan faoina bhráid rún a rith ag neamhniú an rialacháin beidh an rialachán ar neamhní dá réir sin, ach sin gan dochar do bhailíocht aon ní a rinneadh roimhe sin faoin rialachán.
Cionta.
240.—(1) Duine a bheidh ciontach faoi aon fhoráil d'Achtanna na gCuideachtaí i gcion nach bhfuil aon phionós curtha ar fáil dó go sonrach dlífear—
(a) ar é a chiontú go hachomair, fíneáil nach mó ná £1,000 nó, de rogha na cúirte, príosúnacht ar feadh téarma nach faide ná 12 mhí, nó iad araon, a chur air, nó
(b) ar é a chiontú ar díotáil, fíneáil nach mó ná £10,000 nó, de rogha na cúirte, príosúnacht ar feadh téarma nach faide ná 3 bliana, nó iad araon, a chur air.
(2) Duine a bheidh ciontach faoi aon fhoráil d'Achtanna na gCuideachtaí i gcion is inphionóis le fíneáil de mhéid neamhshonraithe, dlífear—
(a) ar é a chiontú go hachomair, fíneáil nach mó ná £1,000 a chur air, nó
(b) ar é a chiontú ar díotáil, fíneáil nach mó ná £10,000 a chur air.
(3) Féadfar ionchúiseamh a dhéanamh go hachomair i leith gach ciona faoi Achtanna na gCuideachtaí atá inphionóis le fíneáil nach mó ná £1,000 nó le príosúnacht ar feadh téarma nach faide ná 12 mhí, nó is inphionóis leo araon.
(4) Féadfaidh an Stiúrthóir Ionchúiseamh Poiblí nó an tAire imeachtaí achoimre i ndáil le cion faoi Achtanna na gCuideachtaí a thionscnamh agus a thabhairt ar aghaidh.
(5) D'ainneoin alt 10 (4) den Petty Sessions (Ireland) Act, 1851, féadfar imeachtaí achoimre i leith ciona faoi Achtanna na gCuideachtaí a thionscnamh laistigh de 3 bliana ó dháta an chiona.
(6) Más rud é, i ndáil le sárú ar aon fhoráil d'Achtanna na gCuideachtaí, go bhforáiltear maidir le sárú leanúnach go ndlífear fíneáil mhainneachtana laethúil a chur ar dhuine, beidh sé ciontach i sárú na forála gach lá a leanfaidh an sárú tar éis a chiontaithe sa sárú bunaidh agus, i leith gach ciona den sórt sin, dlífear fíneáil nach mó ná an méid a shonraítear san fhoráil a chur air in ionad an phionóis a sonraíodh don sárú bunaidh.
Cionta ag comhlachtaí áirithe.
241.—(1) Más rud é, maidir le cion faoi alt 19, 21, 79 nó 242 a bheidh déanta ag comhlacht lena mbaineann aon alt den sórt sin, go gcruthófar go ndearnadh é le toiliú nó le cúlcheadú, nó go bhfuil sé inchurtha i leith aon fhaillí ar thaobh, aon duine arb é stiúrthóir, bainisteoir, rúnaí nó oifigeach eile don chomhlacht é, nó aon duine a d'airbheartaigh a bheith ag gníomhú in aon cháil den sórt sin, beidh an duine sin freisin ciontach i gcion faoin alt sin.
(2) Más iad a chomhaltaí a dhéanann bainistíocht ar chúrsaí comhlachta, beidh feidhm ag fo-alt (1) i ndáil le gníomhartha agus mainneachtainí comhalta i dtaca lena chuid feidhmeanna bainistíochta amhail is dá mba stiúrthóir nó bainisteoir ar an gcomhlacht é.
Faisnéis bhréagach a thabhairt.
242.—(1) Aon duine a dhéanfaidh, i gcomhlíonadh airbheartaithe ar aon fhoráil d'Achtanna na gCuideachtaí, ceist a fhreagairt, míniú a sholáthar, ráiteas a thabhairt nó a thugann ar aird, a thaisceann nó a sheachadann aon tuairisceán, tuarascáil, deimhniú, clár comhardaithe nó doiciméad eile a bheidh bréagach i bponc ábhartha, agus a fhios aige é a bheith bréagach, nó a dhéanann go meargánta ceist a fhreagairt, míniú a sholáthar, ráiteas a dhéanamh nó aon doiciméad den sórt sin a bheidh bréagach i bponc ábhartha a thabhairt ar aird. a thaisceadh nó a sheachadadh, beidh sé ciontach i gcion.
(2) I gcás go mbeidh duine ciontach i gcion faoi fho-alt (1) agus gurb é tuairim na cúirte maidir le haon ghníomh, neamhghníomh nó iompar arbh é an cion sin é—
(a) gur mhórchúis é le neamhábaltacht na cuideachta a fiacha a íoc:
(b) gur choisc sé nó gur chuir sé bac mór ar fhoirceannadh ordúil na cuideachta; nó
(c) gur éascaigh sé go mór calaois a dhéanamh ar chreidiúnaithe na cuideachta nó ar chreidiúnaithe aon duine eile,
dlífear, ar é a chiontú ar díotáil, príosúnacht ar feadh téarma nach faide ná 7 mbliana nó fíneáil nach mó ná £10,000, nó iad araon, a chur ar an duine sin.
Pionósú mar gheall ar dhíothú, lot nó falsú doiciméad.
243.—(1) Aon duine is oifigeach d'aon chomhlacht den sórt a luaitear i míreanna (a) go (e) d'alt 19 (1) a dhíothóidh, a loitfidh nó a fhalsóidh, nó a bheidh ionpháirteach i ndíothú, i lot nó i bhfalsú aon leabhair nó doiciméid a fhearann ar mhaoin nó cúrsaí, nó a bhaineann le maoin nó cúrsaí, an chomhlachta nó a dhéanfaidh taifead bréagach sa leabhar nó sa doiciméad nó a bheidh ionpháirteach ina dhéanamh, beidh sé ciontach i gcion mura gcruthaíonn sé nach raibh aon intinn aige an dlí a shárú.
(2) Aon duine den sórt sin a dhéanfaidh go calaoiseach aon leabhar nó doiciméad den sórt sin a ligean uaidh nó a athrú nó a fhágfaidh go calaoiseach aon ní ar lár as nó a bheidh ionpháirteach in aon leabhar nó doiciméad den sórt sin a ligean uaidh go calaoiseach, a athrú go calaoiseach nó in aon ní a fhágáil ar lár as go calaoiseach, beidh sé ciontach i gcion.
Pionóis a mhéadú.
244.—Beidh éifeacht le hailt 125 (2), 126 (4), 127 (2) agus 128 (3) den Phríomh-Acht amhail is dá gcuirfí “£1,000” i ngach cás in ionad na suimeanna a luaitear iontu.
Leasú ar alt 12 d'Acht na gCuideachtaí (Leasú). 1982.
245.—Leasaítear leis seo alt 12 (1) d'Acht na gCuideachtaí (Leasú), 1982 (a bhaineann le mainneachtain tuairisceáin bhliantúla a dhéanamh) trí “dhá bhliain as a chéile” a chur in ionad “trí bliana as a chéile”.
Cuideachta atá bainte den chlár a chur ar ais ar an gclár.
246.—Leasaítear leis seo an Príomh-Acht tríd an alt seo a leanas a chur isteach i ndiaidh alt 311—
“311A.—(1) Gan dochar d'fhorálacha alt 311 (8) den Acht seo agus d'alt 12 (6) d'Acht na gCuideachtaí (Leasú), 1982. más éagóir le cuideachta an chuideachta a bheith bainte den chlár, féadfaidh cláraitheoir na gcuideachtaí ainm na cuideachta a chur ar ais ar an gclár ach iarratas a bheith déanta san fhoirm fhorordaithe ag an gcuideachta sula mbeidh dhá mhí dhéag imithe i léig tar éis dháta foilsithe an fhógra san Iris Oifigiúil ag baint ainm na cuideachta den chlár agus ar choinníoll go mbeidh na tuairisceáin bhliantúla go léir nár tugadh, más ann, faighte aige ón gcuideachta.
(2) Ar iarratas a chlárú faoi fho-alt (1), agus ar cibé táillí a íoc a bheidh forordaithe, measfar gur lean an chuideachta ar marthain amhail is nach mbainh a hainm den chlár.
(3) Faoi réir aon ordú a dhéanfaidh an chúirt maidir leis an ábhar, ní dhéanfaidh ainm cuideachta a chur ar ais ar an gclár faoin alt seo difear do chearta ná do dhliteanais na cuideachta maidir le haon fhiach nó oibleagáid a tabhaíodh, nó le haon chonradh a rinneadh, ag an gcuideachta nó don chuideachta nó léi, nó thar a ceann, idir dáta a díscaoilte agus an dáta ar cuireadh ar ais ar an gclár í.”.
Córas chun faisnéis a aicmiú.
247.—(1) Más rud é, faoi Achtanna na gCuideachtaí, go gceanglaítear aon fhaisnéis a bhaineann le haon duine a sheachadadh ar chláraitheoir na gcuideachtaí agus go bhfaigheann sé í amhlaidh, féadfaidh an cláraitheoir cibé córas aicmiúcháin is iomchuí leis a chur chun feidhme maidir leis an bhfaisnéis sin agus féadfaidh sé siombailí sainaitheanta a shannadh do dhaoine nó d'aicmí daoine lena mbaineann aon fhaisnéis den sórt sin.
(2) Féadfaidh an tAire rialacháin a dhéanamh á cheangal go ndéanfar an tsiombail a sannadh faoi fho-alt (1) d'aon duine nó daoine d'aon aicme a thaifeadadh ar gach doiciméad a gceanglaítear ainm an duine sin a bheith ann faoi aon fhoráil d'Achtanna na gCuideachtaí.
(3) Féadfaidh rialacháin faoi fho-alt (2), go háirithe, daoine áirithe a shonrú arb é a ndualgas na rialacháin a chomhlíonadh nó a chinntiú go gcomhlíonfar iad.
(4) Duine a mhainníonn rialacháin faoi fho-alt (2) a chomhlíonadh beidh sé ciontach i gcion agus dlífear fíneáil a chur air.
Doiciméid a sheachadadh ar an gcláraitheoir i bhfoirm inléite.
248.—(1) Baineann an t-alt seo le doiciméid a sheachadadh ar an gcláraitheoir i bhfoirm inléite faoi aon fhoráil d'Achtanna na gCuideachtaí.
(2) Ní mór don doiciméad—
(a) uimhir chláraithe na cuideachta lena mbaineann sé a bheith luaite ann in áit fheiceálach.
(b) aon cheanglais a chomhlíonadh a bheidh forordaithe chun críocha an ailt seo maidir le foirm agus ábhar an doiciméid, agus
(c) a bheith de réir cibé ceanglas a bheidh forordaithe chun a chumasú don chláraitheoir an doiciméad a chóipeáil.
(3) Má sheachadtar doiciméad nach gcomhlíonann ceanglais an ailt seo ar an gcláraitheoir, féadfaidh sé fógra a sheirbheáil ar an duine a sheachaid an doiciméad (nó, i gcás beirt nó níos mó de na daoine sin a bheith i gceist, ar aon duine acu) á rá cén bealach nach gcomhlíonann an doiciméad na ceanglais sin.
(4) I gcás go seirbheálann an cláraitheoir fógra den sórt sin, ansin—
(a) mura seachadtar doiciméad ionadúil air laistigh de 14 lá tar éis an fógra a sheirbheáil, agus
(b) mura gcomhlíonann an doiciméad ionadúil ceanglas an ailt seo nó mura rud é nach ndiúltaíonn sé dó de dheasca neamhchomhlíonadh na gceanglas sin,
measfar nár seachadadh an doiciméad bunaidh air.
(5) Chun críocha aon fhorála lena bhforchuirtear pionós de dheasca mainneachtain doiciméad a sheachadadh, a mhéid a fhorchuireann sí pionós mar gheall ar shárú leanúnach, ní chuirfear san áireamh an tréimhse idir seachadadh an doiciméid bhunaidh agus críoch na tréimhse 14 lá tar éis fógra an chláraitheora a sheirbheáil faoi fho-alt (3).
(6) Féadfaidh rialacháin a dhéanfar chun críocha an ailt seo foráil éagsúil a dhéanamh i dtaca le foirm agus ábhar an doiciméid maidir le tuairiscí éagsúla doiciméid.
(7) Gach rialachán a dhéanfar faoin alt seo leagfar é faoi bhráid gach Tí den Oireachtas a luaithe is féidir tar éis a dhéanta agus má dhéanann ceachtar Teach acu sin laistigh den lá is fiche a shuífidh an Teach sin tar éis an rialachán a leagan faoina bhráid rún a rith ag neamhniú an rialacháin, beidh an rialachán ar neamhní dá réir sin ach sin gan dochar do bhailíocht aon ní a rinneadh roimhe sin faoin rialachán.
(8) San alt seo folaíonn “doiciméad” aon chuntas tréimhsiúil, achomaireacht. ráiteas nó tuairisceán a cheanglaítear a sheachadadh ar an gcláraitheoir.
Doiciméid a sheachadadh ar an gcláraitheoir ar shlí seachas i bhfoirm inléite.
249.—(1) Baineann an t-alt seo le doiciméid a sheachadadh ar an gcláraitheoir faoi aon fhoráil d'Achtanna na gCuideachtaí ar shlí seachas i bhfoirm inléite (cibé acu le modhanna leictreonacha nó ar shlí eile).
(2) Déanfar aon cheanglas chun doiciméad a sheachadadh ar an gcláraitheoir. nó chun doiciméad a sheachadadh san fhoirm fhorordaithe, a chomhlíonadh tríd an bhfaisnéis riachtanach a thabhairt don chláraitheoir in aon fhoirm neamh-inléite a bheidh forordaithe chun críocha an ailt seo.
(3) I gcás go gceanglaítear aon doiciméad a shíniú nó a shéalú déanfar, ina ionad sin, é a fhíordheimhniú i cibé slí a bheidh forordaithe chun críocha an ailt seo.
(4) Ní mór don doiciméad—
(a) uimhir chláraithe na cuideachta lena mbaineann sé a bheith air in áit fheiceálach,
(b) aon cheanglais a bheidh forordaithe chun críocha an ailt seo a chomhlíonadh, agus
(c) a bheith curtha ar fáil i cibé slí agus a bheith de réir cibé ceanglas a bheidh forordaithe chun a chumasú don chláraitheoir an doiciméad a léamh agus a chóipeáil.
(5) Má sheachadtar doiciméad nach gcomhlíonann ceanglais an ailt seo ar an gcláraitheoir, féadfaidh sé fógra a sheirbheáil ar an duine a sheachaid an doicíméad (nó, i gcás beirt nó níos mó de na daoine sin a bheith i gceist, ar aon duine acu) á rá cén bealach nach gcomhlíonann an doiciméad na ceanglais sin.
(6) I gcás go seirbheálann an cláraitheoir fógra den sórt sin, ansin—
(a) mura seachadtar doiciméad ionadúil air laistigh de 14 lá tar éis an fógra a sheirbheáil, agus
(b) mura gcomhlíonann an doiciméad ionadúil ceanglas an ailt seo nó mura rud é nach ndiúltaíonn sé dó de dheasca neamhchomhlíonadh na gceanglas sin
measfar nár seachadadh an doiciméad bunaidh air.
(7) Chun críocha aon fhorála lena bhforchuirtear pionós de dheasca mainneachtain doiciméad a sheachadadh, a mhéid a fhorchuireann sí pionós mar gheall ar shárú leanúnach, ní chuirfear san áireamh an tréimhse idir seachadadh an doiciméid bhunaidh agus críoch na tréimhse 14 lá tar éis fógra an chláraitheora a sheirbheáil faoi fho-alt (5).
(8) Féadfaidh an tAire le rialacháin foráil bhreise a dhéanamh maidir le feidhmiú an ailt seo i ndáil le foirmeacha meandaracha cumarsáide.
(9) Féadfaidh rialacháin a dhéanfar chun críche an ailt seo foráil éagsúil a dhéanamh maidir le tuairiscí éagsúla doiciméad agus foirmeacha éagsúla cumarsáide.
(10) Gach rialachán a dhéanfar faoin alt seo leagfar é faoi bhráid gach Tí den Oireachtas a luaithe is féidir tar éis a dhéanta agus má dhéanann ceachtar Teach acu sin laistigh den lá is fiche a shuífidh an Teach sin tar éis an rialachán a leagan faoina bhráid rún a rith ag neamhniú an rialacháin, beidh an rialachán ar neamhní dá réir sin ach sin gan dochar do bhailíocht aon ní a rinneadh roimhe sin faoin rialachán.
(11) San alt seo folaíonn “doiciméad” aon chuntas tréimhsiúil, achomaireacht, ráiteas nó tuairisceán a cheanglaítear a sheachadadh ar an gcláraitheoir.
Leasú ar alt 377 den Phríomh-Acht agus ar an Naoú Sceideal a ghabhann leis an Acht sin.
250.—(1) Leasaítear leis seo an Príomh-Acht—
(a) tríd an bhfo-alt seo a leanas a chur in ionad alt 377 (1)—
“(1) Bainfidh na forálacha a shonraítear sa Naoú Sceideal le gach comhlacht corpraithe a bheidh corpraithe sa Stát agus a mbeidh príomháit ghnó aige ann, seachas iad siúd a luaitear i bhfo-alt (2), ionann is dá mba chuideachtaí iad a cláraíodh faoin Acht seo agus faoi réir cibé oiriúnuithe agus modhnuithe (más ann) a fhorordófar.”. agus
(b) trí na forálacha atá leagtha amach sa Sceideal a ghabhann leis an Acht seo a chur in ionad an Naoú Sceideal.
(2) Féadfaidh an tAire, má mheasann sé é bheith riachtanach déanamh amhlaidh ar mhaithe le rialáil ordúil chuí ar ghnó cuideachtaí neamhchláraithe, rialacháin a dhéanamh a chuirfidh le liosta na bhforálacha d'Achtanna na gCuideachtaí a shonraítear sa Naoú Sceideal a ghabhann léis an bPríomh-Acht, nó a bhainfidh ón liosta sin.
(3) Gach rialachán a dhéanfaidh an tAire faoin alt seo leagfar é faoi bhráid gach Tí den Oireachtas a luaithe is féidir tar éis a dhéanta agus má dhéanann ceachtar Teach acu sin laistigh den 21 lá a shuífidh an Teach sin tar éis an rialachán a leagan faoina bhráid rún a rith ag neamhniú an rialacháin beidh an rialachán ar neamhní dá réir sin ach sin gan dochar do bhailíocht aon ní a rinneadh roimhe sin faoin rialachán.
Feidhm forálacha áirithe maidir le cuideachtaí nach bhfuil faoi leachtú.
251.—(1) Beidh feidhm ag an alt seo i ndáil le cuideachta nach bhfuil á foirceannadh—
(a) má aischuirtear, gan a bheith sásaithe go hiomlán nó go páirteach, próis forghníomhaithe nó eile a eisíodh de bhun breithiúnais, foraithne nó ordaithe ó aon chúirt i bhfabhar creidiúnaí de chuid na cuideachta; nó
(b) má chruthaítear chun sástacht na cúirte nach bhfuil an chuideachta in ann a fiacha a íoc, ag cur sa chuntas dliteanais theagmhasacha agus ionchasacha na cuideachta, agus
gur dealraitheach don chúirt gurb é neamhdhóthanacht a cuid sócmhainní an chúis nó an phríomhchúis nach bhfuil sí á foirceannadh.
(2) Beidh feidhm ag na hailt seo a leanas, fara na modhnuithe is gá, maidir le cuideachta lena mbaineann an t-alt seo, d'ainneoin nach bhfuil sí á foirceannadh—
(a) ailt 139, 140, 203 agus 204 den Acht seo, agus
(b) forálacha an Phríomh-Achta a luaitear sa Tábla a ghabhann leis an alt seo.
(3) Déanfar tagairtí sna hailt a luaitear i bhfo-alt (2) do thús foirceanta cuideachta, do leachtaitheoir sealadach a cheapadh, nó d'ordú foirceanta a dhéanamh agus don “dáta iomchuí” a fhorléiriú, chun críocha an ailt seo. mar thagairtí—
(a) do dháta an bhreithiúnais, na foraithne nó an ordaithe a luaitear i bhfo-alt (1) (a); nó
(b) don dáta a gcinnfidh an chúirt nach bhfuil an chuideachta in ann a fiacha a íoc.
(4) Más rud é, de bhua an ailt seo, go dtionscnófar imeachtaí faoi alt 139, 140 nó 204 den Acht seo nó alt 245A, 297A nó 298 den Phríomh-Acht, beidh feidhm ag alt 297A (7) (b) den Phríomh-Acht i ndáil le haon ordú a dhéanfar de thoradh na n-imeachtaí sin.
(5) I gcás go gcuirfear alt 295 den Phríomh-Acht chun feidhme de bhua an ailt seo, beidh feidhm aige amhail is dá scriosfaí as na focail “a ordófar ina dhiaidh sin a fhoirceannadh nó a rithfidh ina dhiaidh sin rún le haghaidh foirceannadh toilteanach”.
AN TÁBLA | ||
Ailt den Phríomh-Acht lena mbaineann an t-alt seo | ||
Alt | Ábhar | Tuairisc |
243 | Iniúchadh leabhar ag creidiúnaithe agus ranníocóirí | |
245 | Cumhacht na cúirte chun daoine a ghairm os a comhair lena gceistiú | A cuireadh isteach le halt 126 den Acht seo |
245A | Ordú íocaíochta nó seachadta maoine in aghaidh duine a cheistítear faoi alt 245 | A cuireadh isteach le halt 127 den Acht seo |
247 | Cumhacht chun ranníocóir éalaitheach a ghabháil | |
295 | Calaoisí ag oifigigh do chuideachtaí a chuaigh faoi leachtú | |
297 | Dliteanas coiriúil maidir le trádáil chalaoiseach | A cuireadh isteach le halt 137 den Acht seo |
297A | Dliteanas sibhialta maidir le trádáil chalaoiseach | A cuireadh isteach le halt 138 den Acht seo. |
298 | Cumhacht na cúirte chun damáistí a mheasúnú in aghaidh stiúrthóirí | Arna leasú ag alt 142 den Acht seo. |
CUID XIII
Cuideachtaí Infheistíochta
Léiriú ar an gCuid seo.
252.—(1) Sa Chuid seo—
ciallaíonn “an Banc” Banc Ceannais na hÉireann;
ciallaíonn “cuideachta infheistíochta” cuideachta lena mbaineann an Chuid seo agus forléireofar “cuideachta” dá réir sin;
ciallaíonn “maoin” maoin réadach nó phearsanta de chineál ar bith (lena n-áirítear urrúis);
ciallaíonn “Rialacháin UCITS” Rialacháin na gComhphobal Eorpach (Gnóthais le haghaidh Comhinfheistíochta in Urrúis Inaistrithe). 1989 (I.R. Uimh. 78 de 1989).
(2) D'fhonn forálacha áirithe de Rialacháin UCITS a chur i bhfeidhm maidir le cuideachtaí infheistíochta leis an gCuid seo, forléireofar na forálacha sin agus Achtanna na gCuideachtaí mar aon ní amháin.
Scairchaipiteal cuideachtaí infheistíochta.
253.—(1) D'ainneoin aon ní in Achtanna na gCuideachtaí, féadfar i meabhrán cuideachta lena mbaineann an Chuid seo, na nithe seo a leanas a lua maidir le scairchaipiteal na cuideachta, in ionad na n-ábhar a shonraítear i mír (a) d'alt 6 (4) den Phríomh-Acht—
(a) go mbeidh scairchaipiteal na cuideachta comhionann leis an luach a bheidh de thuras na huaire ag scairchaipiteal eisithe na cuideachta, agus
(b) roinnt an scairchaipitil sin i líon sonraithe scaireanna gan aon luach ainmniúil a shannadh dó,
agus beidh éifeacht le foirm an mheabhráin atá leagtha amach i dTábla B den Chéad Sceideal a ghabhann leis an bPríomh-Acht nó i gCuid I den Dara Sceideal a ghabhann le hAcht na gCuideachtaí (Leasú), 1983, de réir mar is iomchuí, maidir leis an gcuideachta sin fara na modhnuithe is gá.
(2) Baineann an Chuid seo le cuideachta faoi theorainn scaireanna (nach cuideachta lena mbaineann Rialacháin UCITS)—
(a) arb í a haonchuspóir mar atá luaite ina méabhrán ná a cuid cistí a chomhinfheistiú i maoin d'fhonn fiontar infheistíochta a leathadh agus tairbhe bhainistíocht a cuid cistí a thabhairt do chomhaltaí na cuideachta; agus
(b) a bhforáiltear ina hairteagail nó ina meabhrán—
(i) go mbeidh luach iarbhír scairchaipiteal íoctha na cuideachta comhionann gach tráth le luach sócmhainní de chineál ar bith de chuid na cuideachta tar éis a cuid dliteanas a asbhaint, agus
(ii) go ndéanfaidh an chuideachta, ar iarratas ó aon duine dá scairshealbhóirí, scaireanna na cuideachta a cheannach go díreach nó go neamhdhíreach as sócmhainní na cuideachta.
(3) Chun críocha fho-alt (2) (b) (ii), áireofar mar ghníomh is comhionann le ceannach a cuid scaireanna ag an gcuideachta aon ghníomh a dhéanfaidh cuideachta lena chinntiú nach gclaonfaidh luach stocmhalartáin a cuid scaireanna óna ghlanluach sócmhainní de mhéid is mó ná céatadán a bheidh sonraithe ina cuid airteagal (ar claonadh é nach sonrófar amhlaidh a bheith níos mó ná 5 faoin gcéad).
(4) Áireofar go ndéanann meabhrán nó airteagail chuideachta foráil do na nithe dá dtagraítear i míreanna (a) agus (b) d'fho-alt (2) d'ainneoin forálacha teagmhasacha nó forlíontacha a bheith curtha isteach sa mheabhrán nó sna hairteagail maidir leo.
(5) In Achtanna na gCuideachtaí—
(a) forléireofar tagairt do chuideachta faoi theorainn scaireanna mar thagairt a fholaíonn cuideachta infheistíochta de réir bhrí na Coda seo agus déanfar tagairt do scair i gcuideachta faoi theorainn scaireanna, nó do scairchaipiteal cuideachta faoi theorainn scaireanna, a fhorléiriú dá réir sin, agus
(b) déanfar tagairt do luach ainmniúil scaire eisithe nó leithroinnte i gcuideachta faoi theorainn scaireanna, nó do luach ainmniúil scairchaipitil eisithe nó leithroinnte cuideachta faoi theorainn scaireanna, a fhorléiriú, i gcás cuideachta infheistíochta, mar thagairt do luach na comaoine ar eisíodh nó ar leithroinneadh an scair nó an scairchaipiteal (de réir mar a bheidh) ina leith.
Cumhacht cuideachta a cuid scaireanna féin a cheannach.
254.—(1) Faoi réir fho-alt (2), maidir le ceannach a cuid scaireanna féin ag cuideachta infheistíochta, déanfar é de réir cibé téarmaí agus ar cibé modh a fhorálfar lena cuid airteagal.
(2) Ní cheannóidh cuideachta infheistíochta a scaireanna féin mura mbeidh siad láníoctha.
(3) D'fhonn amhras a sheachaint, ní cheanglóidh aon ní in Achtanna na gCuideachtaí ar chuideachta infheistíochta aon chuntas cúltaca a bhunú.
Déileáil le scaireanna a ceannaíodh.
255.—(1) Déanfar scaireanna cuideachta infheistíochta a bheidh ceannaithe ag an gcuideachta a chealú agus laghdófar méid scairchaipiteal eisithe na cuideachta de mhéid na comaoine a bheidh íoctha ag an gcuideachta chun na scaireanna a cheannach.
(2) (a) I gcás gur cheannaigh cuideachta aon chuid dá cuid scaireanna féin nó go bhfuil sí ar tí iad a cheannach, beidh de chumhacht aici líon comhionann scaireanna a eisiúint in áit na scaireanna sin a ceannaíodh agus chun críocha alt 68 den Acht Airgeadais, 1973, is idirbheart inmhuirearaithe a bheidh in eisiúint na scaireanna ionadúla sin sa chás, agus sa chás amháin, gur mó luach iarbhír na scaireanna a eisíodh amhlaidh ná luach iarbhír na scaireanna a ceannaíodh ar dháta a gceannaigh agus, i gcás gur idirbheart inmhuirearaithe a bheidh san eisiúint scaireanna chun na gcríoch sin, is é a bheidh sa mhéid ar a mbeidh dleacht stampa ar an ráiteas iomchuí a bhaineann leis an idirbheart sin inmhuirearaithe faoi alt 69 den Acht Airgeadais, 1973, ná an difríocht idir—
(i) an méid ar a mbeadh an dleacht inmhuirearaithe amhlaidh mura n-eiseofaí na scaireanna in áit scaireanna a ceannaíodh faoin alt seo, agus
(ii) luach na scaireanna a ceannaíodh ar dháta a gceannaigh.
(b) I gcás go n-eiseofar scaireanna nua sula gceannófar na seanscaireanna ní mheasfar, a mhéid a bhaineann le dleacht stampa, gur eisíodh na scaireanna nua de bhun mhír (a) mura gceannaítear na seanscaireanna laistigh de mhí amháin tar éis na scaireanna nua a eisiúint.
Údarú ag an mBanc.
256.—(1) Ní sheolfaidh cuideachta infheistíochta gnó sa Stát mura n-údaraíonn an Banc di déanamh amhlaidh ar bhonn critéir a bheidh ceadaithe ag an Aire.
(2) Ní sheolfaidh duine gnó thar ceann cuideachta infheistíochta, a mhéid a bhaineann sé le ceannach nó díol scaireanna de chuid na cuideachta infheistíochta, mura mbeidh an chuideachta infheistíochta údaraithe ar an modh dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1).
(3) Ní údaraíodh an Banc do chuideachta infheistíochta gnó a sheoladh sa Stát mura mbeidh scairchaipiteal íoctha ag an gcuideachta a bheidh, i dtuairim an Bhainc, leordhóthanach chun a chumasú di a gnó a stiúradh go héifeachtach agus freastal dá dliteanais.
(4) Iarratas ó chuideachta infheistíochta ar an údarú dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1) déanfar é i scríbhinn chuig an mBanc agus beidh cibé faisnéis ann a shonróidh an Banc chun an t-iarratas a chinneadh (lena n-áirítear cibé faisnéis bhreise a shonróidh an Banc le linn an t-iarratas a chinneadh).
(5) I gcás go mbeartaíonn an Banc údarú a dheonú do chuideachta infheistíochta faoin alt seo agus gur deimhin leis an mBanc go gcruinneoidh an chuideachta caipiteal trí dhíol a cuid scaireanna leis an bpobal a chur ar aghaidh, déanfaidh an Banc, ag deonú an údaraithe di, an chuideachta a ainmniú mar chuideachta infheistíochta a fhéadfaidh caipiteal a chruinniú ar an modh sin, agus forléireofar “cuideachta ainmnithe” san alt seo agus in alt 257 dá réir sin.
(6) I gcás nach ndéanfaidh cuideachta ainmnithe díol a scaireanna leis an bpobal a chur ar aghaidh laistigh de thréimhse, nach faide ná sé mhí, a bheidh sonraithe san údarú faoin alt seo, measfar, ar an tréimhse a shonraítear amhlaidh a bheith imithe i léig, gur scoir an chuideachta de bheith ina cuideachta ainmnithe.
(7) Ní chruinneoidh cuideachta infheistíochta nach cuideachta ainmnithe caipiteal trí dhíol a cuid scaireanna leis an bpobal a chur ar aghaidh.
(8) Cuideachta a corpraíodh lasmuigh den Stát ar cuideachta lena mbaineann an Chuid seo a bheadh inti, dá gcorprófaí sá Stát í, ní dhéanfaidh sí fógraíocht mar gheall ar a cuid scaireanna ná ní mhargóidh sí iad in aon tslí sa Stát gan ceadú ón mBanc ar ceadú é a bheidh faoi réir cibé coinníollacha a mheasann an Banc a bheith iomchuí agus ciallmhar chun rialáil ordúil chuí a dhéanamh ar an oiread sin de ghnó cuideachtaí den chineál sin atá á stiúradh sa Stát.
(9) Ní dhéanann an t-alt seo dochar d'ailt 6 agus 19 d'Acht na gCuideachtaí (Leasú). 1983.
Cumhachtaí an Bhaine.
257.—(1) D'ainneoin aon chumhachtaí eile a bheidh ar fáil don Bhanc faoi aon achtachán, ordú nó rialachán eile, féadfaidh an Banc cibé coinníollacha a fhorchur chun údarú a dheonú do chuideachta faoi alt 256 a mheasann sé a bheidh iomchuí agus ciallmhar chun rialáil ordúil chuí a dhéanamh ar ghnó cuideachtaí infheistíochta.
(2) Féadfar coinníollacha a fhorchuirfear faoi fho-alt (1) a fhorchur go ginearálta, nó faoi threoir aicmí áirithe cuideachta nó gnó (ag cur san áireamh cibé acu is cuideachta ainmnithe cuideachta infheistíochta nó nach ea, ach gan é bheith teoranta dó sin), nó faoi threoir aon ní eile a mheasann an Banc a bheith iomchuí agus ciallmhar chun rialáil ordúil chuí a dhéanamh ar ghnó cuideachtaí infheistíochta.
(3) Folóidh an chumhacht chun coinníollacha a fhorchur dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1) cumhacht chun cibé coinníollacha breise a fhorchur ó am go ham a mheasann an Banc a bheith iomchuí agus ciallmhar chun rialáil ordúil chuí a dhéanamh ar ghnó cuideachtaí infheistíochta.
(4) Gan dochar do ghinearáltacht fho-ailt (1), (2) agus (3), féadfaidh coinníollacha a fhorchuireann an Banc ar chuideachta infheistíochta foráil a dhéanamh le haghaidh aon ní nó gach ní de na nithe seo a leanas—
(a) na ceanglais chríonnachta a bhaineann le polasaithe infheistíochta na cuideachta,
(b) réamheolairí agus faisnéis eile a scaipeann an chuideachta,
(c) dílsiú shócmhainní nó shócmhainní sonraithe na cuideachta do dhuine a bheidh ainmnithe ag an mBanc ar duine é a mbeidh aige cibé cumhachtaí nó dualgais de chuid iontaobhaí maidir leis an gcuideachta a bheidh sonraithe ag an mBanc.
(d) cibé ceanglais agus coinníollacha maoirseachta agus tuairiscithe eile a bhaineann lena gnó a mheasann an Banc a bheith iomchuí agus críonna a fhorchur ar an gcuideachta ó am go ham chun na gcríoch dá dtagraítear sna fo-ailt a dúradh.
(5) Comhlíonfaidh cuideachta aon choinníollacha a bhaineann lena húdarú nó lena gnó a fhorchuirfidh an Banc.
Forálacha áirithe de Rialacháin UCITS a oiriúnú.
258.—Beidh feidhm ag Rialacháin 14, 30, 63, 83 (2) go (7), agus 99 go 105 de Rialacháin UCITS maidir le cuideachta infheistíochta mar atá feidhm acu maidir le comhlachtaí lena mbaineann na Rialacháin sin faoi réir na modhnuithe seo a leanas—
(a) déanfar tagairt sna Rialacháin sin do théarma nó d'abairt a shonraítear sa dara colún den Tábla a ghabhann leis an alt seo ag aon uimhir thagartha a fhorléiriú, i ngach áit ina gceadaíonn an comhthéacs é, mar thagairt don téarma nó don abairt a shonraítear sa tríú colún den Tábla sin ag an uimhir thagartha sin, agus
(b) forléireofar tagairtí do théarmaí nó d'abairtí gaolmhara sna Rialacháin sin dá réir sin.
AN TÁBLA | ||
Uimh. Thag. | Téarma nó abairt dá dtagraítear i Rialacháin UCITS | Forléiriú an téarma nó na habairte chun críocha an ailt seo |
(1) | (2) | (3) |
1. | “athcheannach” | “ceannach” |
2. | “na Rialacháin seo” | “Cuid XIII d'Acht na gCuideachtaí, 1990” |
3. | “UCITS” | “cuideachta infheistíochta” |
4. | “aonad” | “scair” |
5. | “sealbhóir aonad” | “scairshealbhóir” |
Mainneachtain ag cuideachta infheistíochta nó cliseadh i bhfeidhmiú a cuid infheistíochtaí.
259.—Aon údarú ag an mBanc faoi alt 256 ar chuideachta infheistíochta ní baránta é ag an mBanc maidir le hacmhainneacht creidmheasa nó seasamh airgeadais na cuideachta sin agus ní bheidh an Banc faoi dhliteanas, de bhua an údaraithe sin nó de bhíthin na feidhmeanna a thugtar dó leis an gCuid seo (nó le haon rialacháin a dhéanfar faoin gCuid seo) a fheidhmiú i ndáil le cuideachtaí infheistíochta, mar gheall ar aon mhainneachtain de chuid na cuideachta murar ghníomhaigh an Banc de mheon mímhacánta agus na feidhmeanna sin á bhfeidhmiú aige.
Forálacha áirithe d'Achtanna na gCuideachtaí a shrianadh.
260.—(1) Ní bheidh feidhm ag aon cheann de na forálacha seo a leanas den Phríomh-Acht maidir le cuideachta infheistíochta, eadhon, ailt 60, 69, 70, 72, 119 agus 125.
(2) Ní bheidh feidhm ag aon cheann de na forálacha seo a leanas d'Acht na gCuideachtaí (Leasú), 1983, maidir le cuideachta infheistíochta, cadhon, ailt 5 (2), 23 go 25, 40, 41 agus Cuid IV.
(3) Ní bheidh feidhm ag alt 14 d'Acht na gCuideachtaí (Leasú), 1986, maidir le cuideachta infheistíochta.
(4) Ní bheidh feidhm ag aon cheann de na forálacha seo a leanas den Acht seo maidir le cuideachta infheistíochta, eadhon, Caibidil 2 go 4 de Chuid IV, agus Cuid XI.
Cumhacht chun rialacháin fhorlíontacha a dhéanamh.
261.—Féadfaidh an tAire cibé rialacháin a dhéanamh a mheasann sé is gá chun lánéifeacht a thabhairt d'fhorálacha na Coda seo.
Cionta.
262.—I gcás go sáraíonn cuideachta—
(a) aon cheann d'fhorálacha na Coda seo, nó
(b) aon rialacháin a dhéantar i ndáil leis an gcéanna (cibé acu faoin gCuid seo nó faoi aon achtachán eile). nó
(c) aon choinníoll i ndáil lena húdarú nó lena gnó a fhorchuireann an Banc faoi alt 257.
beidh an chuideachta agus gach oifigeach di a rinne mainneachtain ciontach i gcion.
AN SCEIDEAL
Forálacha a Chuirtear in ionad an Naoú Sceideal a ghabhann leis an bPríomh-Acht
“AN NAOÚ SCEIDEAL
Forálacha a Bhfuil Feidhm Acu Maidir Le Cuideachtaí Neamhchláraithe
AN PRÍOMH-ACHT
Ábhar | Forálacha ag a bhfuil feidhm |
Gníomhartha a dhéanann cuideachta (riail ultra vires). | Alt 8. |
Conarthaí roimh chorprú. | Alt 37 (1) agus (2). |
Réamhcolairí agus leithrannta. | Ailt 43 go 52. 56. 57. 61 agus an Tríú Sceideal. |
Oifig chláraithe. | Alt 113 (a cuireadh isteach le hAcht na gCuideachtaí (Leasú), 1982). |
Tuairisceán Bliantúil. | Ailt 125 go 129 agus an Cúigiú Sceideal. |
Cuntais agus Iniúchadh. | Ailt 148 go 153, 155 go 161, 191 agus an Séú Sceideal (ach amháin fomhíreanna (a) go (d) de mhír 2, fomhíreanna (c) go (e) de mhír 3 agus fomhír (d) de mhír 8), arna leasú le hAcht na gCuideachtaí (Leasú), 1986. |
Bailíocht gníomhartha stiúrthóirí. | Alt 178. |
Clár na stiúrthóirí agus na rúnaithe. Sonraí a bhaineann le stiúrthóirí a bheith le taispeáint ar gach litir ghnó ón gcuideachta. | Alt 195 (a cuireadh isteach le hAcht na gCuideachtaí, 1990) agus 196. |
Clárú doiciméad, cur i bhfeidhm agus nithe forlíontacha eile | Ailt 2, 193, 369 go 371. 378, 379, 383. 384. 386. 387, 395 (1) agus an tOchtú Sceideal. |
Dliteanas oifigeach agus daoine eile mar gheall ar fhaillí etc. | Ailt 200 agus 391. |
Ábhar | Forálacha ag a bhfuil feidhm. |
Scairdheimhnithe. | Ailt 2 agus 3. |
Taifid de chuid cuideachta. | Alt 4. |
Ábhar | Forálacha ag a bhfuil feidhm |
Cothabháil caipitil. Srianta le dáileadh brabús agus sócmhainní. | Ailt 40 go 42, 45, 45A (a cuireadh isteach le hAcht na gCuideachtaí (Leasú), 1986) agus 49 go 51. Ailt 43, 44, 46 agus 47, leis an modhnú go mbeidh feidhm ag na hailt sin maidir le gach comhlacht corpraithe lena mbaineann alt 377 (1) den Phríomh-Acht seachas na comhlachtaí sin a bheadh, dá mbeidís cláraithe, ina gcuideachtaí príobháideacha. |
RIALACHÁIN NA gCOMHPHOBAL EORPACH (AN STOCMHARGADH), 1984
(I.R. UIMH. 282 de 1984)
Forálacha ag a bhfuil feidhm
Na Rialacháin go léir. |
Ábhar | Forálacha ag a bhfuil feidhm |
Cumhacht chun foirm na gcuntas a athrú. | Alt 24. |
RIALACHÁIN NA gCOMHPHOBAL EORPACH (CUIDEACHTAÍ A CHUMASC AGUS A ROINNT), 1987
(I.R. UIMH. 137 de 1987)
Forálacha ag a bhfuil feidhm
Na Rialacháin go léir. |
Forálacha ag a bhfuil feidhm
An tAcht go léir. |
Forálacha ag a bhfuil feidhm
Codanna I go III. |
Cuid IV, leis an modhnú go mbeidh feidhm ag Caibidil 2 den Chuid sin maidir le gach comhlacht corpraithe lena mbaineann alt 377 (1) den Phríomh-Acht seachas na comhlachtaí sin a bheadh, dá mbeidís cláraithe, ina gcuideachtaí príobháideacha agus beidh feidhm ag Caibidil 3 den Chuid sin maidir le gach comhlacht corpraithe den sórt sin a bheadh, dá mbeadh sé cláraithe, ina chuideachta phríobháideach. |
Cuid V. |
Cuid VI, ach amháin ailt 122. 128 go 131 agus 133. |
Codanna VII. IX. X agus XII. |
”.