IE Domain Registry t/a .IE Annual Report 2021

Future Developments The company continues to monitor international developments impacting ccTLD registries, particularly the consequences of Covid-19 pandemic in a post- vaccine phase, new EC cyber security regulations and the draft ICANN proposals for ongoing international expansion in, and the number of, top-level domains. These developments may result in some disruption in the global domain name market, and will represent a challenge for data protection managers, trademark and patents holders, brand managers and the owners of intellectual property rights. In technical terms, the company’s infrastructure and services portfolio is up-to-date, matching the top ccTLD’s in the EU. Heretofore, the company has taken a national leadership role by introducing registry lock, secure DNS, secondary market, IDN’s, rule relaxations for geographic and place names, and the liberalisation of rules for new .ie domains. Principal Risks and Uncertainties The company is exposed to risk and uncertainty arising from market fluctuations in its financial investments. These risks are managed by a combination of appropriate investment principles, advice from independent investment advisors and oversight by a Board subcommittee. The company’s financial investments are invested for the long-term in conservative managed funds diversified across multiple investment managers. In common with other small and medium-sized enterprises, the company’s performance is impacted by macro-economic risks posed by weak SME balance sheets, and the ongoing uncertainty arising from the Brexit referendum in the UK – the largest market for Irish SME exporters. These risks continue to be managed prudently by the company. The impact of new regulations remains uncertain, as the EU continues its initiatives: address cyber security threats, complete the Digital Single Market and implement ePrivacy initiatives. In common with internet service providers, the company faces risks in relation to digital disruption and innovations from global internet giants, which offer new apps and free services financed by advertising revenues. The company faces risks with regard to the ever-increasing range and sophistication of cyber-attacks on internet infrastructure and businesses. The company also faces risks in relation to reliance on key computer systems and key staff. The company’s cyber security controls, business continuity plans and disaster recovery procedures address the risks associated with cyber threats, technical abuse using the DNS and reliance on key computer systems. The multi-stakeholder Policy Advisory Committee (PAC) continues to assist by providing advice and recommendations to the board on a range of policy responses for the .ie namespace. Staff training, cross-skilling and key process documentation mitigate the potential exposure arising from the loss of key staff members. Post Balance Sheet Events There are no material post balance sheet events. Directors In accordance with the Articles of Association directors may serve a maximum of two Terms, whereby an initial term is a four-year period and a subsequent term is for a three-year period. Mr. Eamonn Ceannt retired as director in accordance with the Articles of Association and offered himself for re-appointment in accordance with the Articles. Mr. Ceannt’s re-appointment was approved. Mr. Gareth Dunlop, Ms Louise English, Ms Anne-Marie Eklund Löwinder, Mr Dan Flinter, Mr Owen O’Connor, Ms Jennifer Chamberlaine and Mr. Jonathan Bate continued as directors in 2021. Directors and their Interests In accordance with the Articles of Association, the directors have no financial interest in the Members’ Funds of the company. The company is limited by guarantee and does not have a share capital. Every member of the company undertakes to contribute to the assets of the company in the event of it being wound up. Members are liable for payment of debts and liabilities of the company contracted before ceasing to be a member, and for the costs, charges and expenses of winding up, such amount as may be required not exceeding €1.27 cash. Directors’ Responsibilities The directors are responsible for preparing the Directors’ Report and the financial statements in accordance with Irish law and regulations. Irish company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under the law, the directors have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with Companies Act 2014 and FRS 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland’ issued by the Financial Reporting Council (“relevant financial reporting framework”). Under company law, the Financial Statements IE Domain Registry CLG t/a .IE / Annual Report & Review 2021 32 Directors’ Report (continued)