TITLE: Ireland Implements European Union Restrictive Measures Concerning Democratic Republic of Congo
BODY:
On July 31, 2026, Peter Burke, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, signed Statutory Instrument No. 411/2026, which implements European Union (EU) restrictive measures concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo into Irish law. The instrument was made under the powers conferred by Section 3 of the European Communities Act 1972 and gives full effect to Council Regulation (EC) No 1183/2005 of July 18, 2005, as amended.
The regulations establish criminal offences for contraventions of specified provisions of the Council Regulation. Persons found guilty of offences under the instrument face penalties on summary conviction of a class A fine or imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both. On conviction on indictment, penalties increase to a fine not exceeding €500,000 or imprisonment for up to three years, or both. The instrument permits authorised persons to undertake activities in compliance with the terms and conditions of their authorisation. Competent authorities in Ireland may issue written directions to persons for the administration and enforcement of the Council Regulation and these regulations. Failure to comply with such directions within specified timeframes constitutes an offence, attracting a class A fine or imprisonment for up to six months on summary conviction. The regulations extend to conduct committed outside the State by Irish citizens, with proceedings requiring consent from the Director of Public Prosecutions. Corporate bodies and their officers may be held liable where offences are committed with their consent, connivance, or negligence.
The instrument revokes the European Union (Restrictive Measures concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo) (No. 2) Regulations 2025 (S.I. No. 647 of 2025) and incorporates 59 amending EU regulations and implementing regulations spanning from 2005 to July 2026. Notice of the making of this statutory instrument was published in Iris Oifigiúil on August 7, 2026.