The Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) — now known as the Corporate Enforcement Authority (CEA) — is the body responsible for encouraging compliance with company law in Ireland. In the context of insolvency, liquidators are required to submit a report to the CEA on the conduct of the directors of every company they wind up. If a director is found to have acted irresponsibly, the CEA can apply to court to have them restricted from acting as a director for up to five years. In cases of fraud or deliberate wrongdoing, disqualification can follow. Directors should be aware that their conduct throughout the life of the company will be scrutinised during any subsequent liquidation.
