The impact of the Companies (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Covid-19) Act 2020 has simplified some corporate activities for company directors and company secretaries. Extending the terms of the Act to 31.12.2021 means that companies can continue to convene general meetings virtually. The extension is welcome both as a practical and as a pragmatic solution for all concerned.
Practically trying to organise a General Meeting when working from home is a bit of nightmare. When the virtual option was originally introduced Ireland was in lockdown, venues were closed, and company directors and employees were working from home. Convening a General Meeting virtually meant that everyone could take part safely from their own home provided they had access to broadband.
Extending the ability to convene a General Meeting virtually to year end is a pragmatic response to the current reality. Wonderfully lockdowns have stopped, restrictions eased, and vaccinations are well in hand. However, the ability to access indoor venues and enable people to safely attend in person whilst remaining within the terms of Government public health advice is not possible.
The only problem remaining is my personal antipathy to technology, a problem that is beyond any Government intervention!