by Adrian Burke and Robert O’Shea, of A & L Goodbody Solicitors, Dublin
The Irish Government recently published a draft Electronic Commerce Bill containing outline proposals on electronic signatures, electronic contracts and related matters. The draft Bill paves the way for further significant developments in internet banking in Ireland. The Bill is one of the first to be published in the E.U. It follows a consultation process between Government and industry to address the need for legislation to further promote Ireland’s development as an international hub for electronic commerce.
The Bill adopts a light regulatory touch. The Government has sought to ensure that the Bill is as "technology neutral" as possible in order to allow for future technological developments.
