New EU law transparency initiative launched by Minister Byrne

New EU law transparency initiative launched by Minister Byrne

• From: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

• Published on: 6 March 2026
• Last updated on: 6 March 2026

The Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, has launched a new dedicated section on Ireland.ie focused on highlighting how Ireland implements EU law, in the interests of public transparency.

The dedicated section will provide up to date information for the public on the performance of government departments in transposing EU directives into Irish law. It also outlines the EU legislative process in detail, and explains infringement procedures, in cases where there are delays in transposing EU directives into national law.

Announcing the initiative, Minister Byrne said: "I believe in promoting transparency around the implementation of EU law in Ireland. EU directives cover diverse areas, such as workers' rights, environmental standards, financial regulation, consumer protection and much more. Ultimately, EU directives are designed to improve the lives of EU citizens, including in Ireland, but transparency is also in the public interest. I welcome the launch of a new dedicated section on Ireland.ie, created in the interests of public transparency, and focused on how Ireland implements EU law."

"Ireland is consistently ranked amongst the better performing EU Member States but we cannot be complacent. We must strive for the timeliest transposition of EU Directives. The Irish government is determined to maintain and improve our transposition deficit record during our EU Presidency, which stands at 0.7%, against an EU average of 1.1%."

"In the interests of public transparency, I have arranged to have details of the 33 Directives which are due to be transposed into Irish law this year, put on this new dedicated section on Ireland.ie. Details of infringement proceedings against Ireland are also included in this new section. Details of these directives and infringement proceedings will be updated regularly."

More information on the implementation of EU law in Ireland can be found here.

Notes to Editors

• Transposition of Directives - Ireland currently has obligations to transpose 33 Directives with deadlines falling in 2026, spanning most government departments. The full list, with the lead Department and deadline, is now published and will be updated in real time.
• Infringement proceedings - when a Member State fails to transpose correctly or on time, the Commission can initiate proceedings under Article 258 TFEU. Ireland currently has 46 open cases, compared to an EU average of 60. The full list - Department, Directive, and procedural stage - is now publicly available.
• Ireland.ie is the official international website of the Irish Government. It is managed and curated by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on behalf of the Government of Ireland. Ireland.ie provides official information about passports, travel advice, and consular services abroad, and hosts the websites of Ireland's global network of 100+ Embassies and Consulates. The platform supports Ireland's international interests by promoting Ireland as a place to visit, study, invest and do business, and by showcasing stories of Ireland's role and impact globally."

ENDS

Press Office

6 March 2026