Financial firms contacted on accessibility rules
Lawyers at William Fry note that the Central Bank has contacted some regulated firms about new accessibility regulations that come into force this week.
The regulations transpose into Irish law the European Accessibility Act, a directive that aims to improve the accessibility of a wide range of consumer products and services – including websites, ATMs, and consumer banking services – for people with disabilities.
The Central Bank is the compliance authority for consumer banking services under the European Union (Accessibility Requirements of Products and Services) Regulations 2023, which comes into operation on 28 June.
Information
According to a William Fry note, the regulator contacted certain regulated firms to advise them that those intending to avail of an exemption under the Irish regulations must first provide it with certain information.
The notice also set out steps for firms’ non-compliance reporting.
Under the Irish regulations, an exemption may be available if compliance with the accessibility requirements either requires:
- A significant change in the service that results in the fundamental alteration of its basic nature, or
- Imposes a disproportionate burden on the relevant service provider.
Firms seeking to avail of this exemption must carry out an assessment of the ‘disproportionate burden’ and provide the Central Bank with a copy.
They must also renew their assessment when asked to do so by the Central Bank and at least every five years.