Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 May 2024
95. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will outline the projected fines to be imposed on Ireland by the European Commission between 2024 and 2030 for non-compliance with various directives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20842/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe European Commission identifies possible infringements of EU law on the basis of its own investigations or following complaints from citizens, businesses or other stakeholders. Further information on the infringement process is available commission.europa.eu/law/application-eu-law/implementing-eu-law/infringement-procedure_en#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20EU%20treaties,which%20can%20impose%20financial%20sanctions.
There are a total of twelve such cases across my Department at present. One of these is on the European Electronic Communications Code. In March 2024, the CJEU imposed a lump sum fine of €4.5 million on Ireland for failure to transpose the European Electronic Communications Code Directive on time. Ireland is awaiting the formal request for payment from the Commission. Once received, Ireland will have 45 days thereafter to pay.
Officials from my Department are working with the Commission to resolve the outstanding infringements under the remit of this Department as expeditiously as possible. Accordingly, there are no projections of further fines.
