Monitoring & enforcement
Complaint handling
Coimisiún na Meán operates complaint handling to address accessibility concerns raised by users. If an economic operator is not meeting their accessibility obligations, a complaint may be submitted to us via our dedicated report & complain section.
The complaints mechanism serves as an important tool for identifying potential breaches and ensure that the rights of people with disabilities are protected.
Monitoring & enforcement
Where non-compliance is identified, Coimisiún na Meán may exercise a range of enforcement powers in accordance with S.I. No. 636/2023. These may include:
- Inspection powers: We have the authority to enter premises, inspect records, and collect information relevant to assessing compliance with accessibility obligations.
- Record keeping and compliance obligations: Economic operators must retain technical documentation and demonstrate conformity with accessibility requirements. This documentation must be provided to the regulator upon request.
- Prosecution for offences: Where breaches occur, we may initiate prosecutions under Part 6 of S.I. 636/2023. Upon conviction, the penalties may include:
- A fine not exceeding €5,000 on summary conviction or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months, or
- On conviction on indictment, a fine not exceeding €60,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 18 months, or both.
These penalties are intended to reflect the gravity of undermining the rights of individuals with disabilities and to ensure that accessibility is taken seriously by all operators.
In line with its statutory obligations under S.I. No. 636/2023, Coimisiún na Meán is also required to prepare and publish regular public reports that document the results of its compliance activities. These reports will typically include information on enforcement actions taken, trends in industry compliance, and emerging areas of risk or concern. The publications of such reports are intended to enhance transparency, encourage a shared understanding of regulatory expectations, and support industry stakeholders in identifying and addressing common accessibility challenges.
These reports will be made publicly available and serve as a valuable tool for both industry stakeholders and the general public. They will also contribute to wider EU monitoring and policy evaluation activities concerning the implementation of the EAA.
In addition to regulatory consequences, industry operators should also consider the potential reputational risks associated with non-compliance. In today’s economy, accessibility is increasingly seen as a core component of good governance, corporate social responsibility, and user trust.
We are committed to working with industry to promote a culture of accessibility and prevent compliance failures through guidance, early intervention, and open communication. However, we are equally committed to ensuring that the rights of people with disabilities are fully respected and that the accessibility obligations set out in law are taken seriously.