The purpose of these Regulations is to give legal effect to Council Directive (No. 89/666/EEC) concerning disclosure requirements in respect of branches opened in a Member State by certain types of company governed by the law of another State (Council Directive 89/666/EEC).

Part XI of the Companies Act, 1963 contains disclosure requirements where companies incorporated outside the State establish a place of business in the State. Where, as a result of having opened a branch, the Regulations now made apply, the requirements of Part XI will not apply in respect of that branch. The Regulations also facilitate movement between the regime now imposed and that imposed by Part XI of the 1963.

Part I of the Regulations provides for commencement, citation and interpretation of the Regulations.

Part II (Regulations 2 to 5) provides for disclosures by European Communities First Directive companies (limited companies) that establish a branch in the State.

Part III (Regulations 6 to 9) provides for disclosures by non-European Communities companies of a legal form comparable to Part II companies that establish a branch in the State.

Part IV (Regulations 10 to 19) introduce a variety of provisions applicable to both Part II and Part III companies.